SOLUTION

Step 1: Use the ratio to determine the length of AB

AB : BD = 3 : 4

AB
BD
=
3
4
AB
12
=
3
4
AB = 12
3
4
= 9 cm
Step 2: Calculate the length of AO
We use the properties of a rhombus and the theorem of Pythagoras to nd AO.
BD = 12 cm
BO = 6 cm (diagonals bisect each other)
In ABO, A

OB = 90

(diagonals intersect at )
AO
2
= AB
2
BO
2
(Pythagoras)
= 9
2
6
2
AO =

45
= 6,71 cm
Step 3: Determine the area of rhombus ABCD
Area ABCD =
1
2
AC BD
=
1
2
(2

45)(12)
= 80,50 cm
2
Exercise 8 3: Proportionality of polygons
1. MNOP is a rectangle with MN : NO = 5 : 3 and QN = 10 cm.
P
M N
O
Q
10 cm
a) Calculate MN (correct to 2 decimal places).
b) Calculate the area of OPQ (correct to 2 decimal places).
325 Chapter 8. Euclidean geometry