10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Introduction to Geometry (2689)

Achilleas Sinefakopoulos

Friday
Apr 30, 2021 - Oct 8, 2021
7:30 - 9:00 PM ET (4:30 - 6:00 PM PT)

Overview
Week 6 (Jun 4) Class Transcript - More Right Triangles!
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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:29:11
Hi, everyone!

Colorcrazy
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hello!

LONC123
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi

dan09
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hello!

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hi!

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi!

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hello

turquoisewolf
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hello

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hi

takolhe12
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi!

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hello!

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:29:34
and hi!

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi Achilleas!

Siella
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hi

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hi

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 1/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hi @Achilleas!

pwr
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hello!

grayspider
2021-06-04 19:29:34
Hello

iejake
2021-06-04 19:29:34
hi

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:29:38
Hello again. Class will begin in a few minutes. Before we get started, let's quickly review what we did last week.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:29:49
We started by solving more problems using triangle similarity. You should always be on the lookout for AA, SAS, and SSS
similarity. Parallel lines imply equal angles, which often lead to similar triangles.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:29:58
We then proved that the ratio of the areas of similar triangles equals the square of the ratio of the corresponding sides.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:05
Then, we discussed the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:07
Pythagorean Theorem. If ∠C is a right angle, then

2 2 2
BC + AC = AB .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:12
Conversely, if BC 2 + AC
2
= AB
2
, then ∠C is a right angle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:18
Finally, we looked at 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 triangles.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:18

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:19

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:30
Introduction to Geometry

Week 6: More Right Triangles!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:34
Today, we'll continue our discussion of right triangles. We'll explore several more interesting facts about right triangles, and tackle
a few more challenging problems involving them.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:42
Let's investigate special groups of three numbers that can be the side lengths of a right triangle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:30:48
We call a set of three positive integers {a, b, c} a Pythagorean triple if the three numbers satisfy a2 + b
2 2
= c . In other words, a
triangle with the sides a, b, and c is a right triangle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:31:00
Can you name some Pythagorean triples?

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 19:31:24
{3, 4, 5}

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3, 4, 5

pwr
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3,4,5

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3,4,5

pnacham
2021-06-04 19:31:24
{3,4,5}

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3,4,5

Teediv
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3, 4, 5

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:31:24
{3,4,5}

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3,4,5

JC0001
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3,4,5

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:31:24
3,4,5

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Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 19:31:24
{3,4,5}

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:31:27
We can see that

2 2 2
3 + 4 = 5 ,

so {3, 4, 5} is a Pythagorean triple.

Bluepantzola1
2021-06-04 19:31:51
5,12,13

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:31:51
5,12,13

dan09
2021-06-04 19:31:51
(5, 12, 13)

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:31:51
5,12,13

pnacham
2021-06-04 19:31:51
{5,12,13}

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:31:51
{5,12,13}

Mathqueen20
2021-06-04 19:31:51
{5,12,13}

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:31:54
Similarly,

2 2 2
5 + 12 = 13 ,

so {5, 12, 13} is a Pythagorean triple.

dan09
2021-06-04 19:32:16
(7, 24, 25)

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:32:16
7,24,25

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:32:16
{7,24,25}

pnacham
2021-06-04 19:32:16
{7,24,25}

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:32:20
Likewise

2 2 2
7 + 24 = 25 ,

so {7, 24, 25} is a Pythagorean triple, and

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:32:31
8, 15, 17

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 19:32:31
{8, 15, 17}

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:32:34

2 2 2
8 + 15 = 17 ,

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
so {8, 15, 17} is a Pythagorean triple.

Bluepantzola1
2021-06-04 19:32:46
6,8,10

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:32:46
6 8 10

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:32:51
And we could go on and on and on. Keep in mind that you can generate other Pythagorean triples by multiplying the sides by the
same number. For example, from {3, 4, 5}, we know that {6, 8, 10} is a Pythagorean triple, as is {15, 20, 25}. We can prove this
in a couple of ways.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:33:03
One way is to exploit SSS similarity. Since the sides are all in the same proportion, the triangles must be similar. Therefore, the
corresponding angles must be equal, so both triangles must be right.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:33:16
Alternatively, we can directly verify using algebra:

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:33:24
If {a, b, c} is a Pythagorean triple with a2 + b
2
= c
2
, then for any positive integer k, we have

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
(ka) + (kb) = k (a + b ) = k c = (kc) .

Therefore, {ka, kb, kc} is also a Pythagorean triple.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:33:35
Mastering Pythagorean triples is helpful because it lets us recognize right triangles, and it lets us compute sides of right triangles
quickly. You might want to memorize {3, 4, 5}, {5, 12, 13}, {7, 24, 25}, and {8, 15, 17}, as they come up rather frequently in
homework problems and competition problems. Always be on the lookout for them and their multiples.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:33:48
Suppose △ABC is a right triangle with right angle at C. If AC = 99 and BC = 132, then what is AB?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:33:53
Of course we can use the Pythagorean Theorem directly, but the calculations will get tedious if we do that. What do you notice
about the numbers 99 and 132?

grayspider
2021-06-04 19:34:46
They are in the ratio 3:4 ?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:34:46
99/132 = 9/12 = 3/4

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:34:46
99/132=3/4

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:34:46
we can divide them by 33 to get 3 and 4

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:34:50
Since 99 = 3 ⋅ 33 and 132 = 4 ⋅ 33 , they are in the ratio 3 : 4. What Pythagorean triple has 3 and 4 as legs?

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5

dan09
2021-06-04 19:35:16
(3, 4, 5)

pwr
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5!

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5

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Bluepantzola1
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:35:16
345

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5

TThB0501
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3-4-5

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3, 4, 5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:35:16
345

takolhe12
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5

superhero2020
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3, 4, 5

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 19:35:16
{3,4,5}

Robin2
2021-06-04 19:35:16
3,4,5

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:35:20
Yes, {3, 4, 5} is a Pythagorean triple. So can you come up with a Pythagorean triple with 99 and 132 as legs?

takolhe12
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99,132,165

pwr
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99,132,165

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99, 132, 165

WestAndEast
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99,132,165

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:36:01
(99,132,165)

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99,132,165

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99 132 165

Colorcrazy
2021-06-04 19:36:01
(99, 132, 165)

superhero2020
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99, 132, 165

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99,132,165

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99, 132, 165

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snake2020
2021-06-04 19:36:01
{99, 132, 165}

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99, 132, 165

hchhaya
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99 132 165

KindKitty
2021-06-04 19:36:01
(99,132,165)

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:36:01
{99,132,165}

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 19:36:01
{99, 132, 165}

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99,132,165

Korn
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99 132 165

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:36:01
99 132 165

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:36:09
Since 99 = 3 ⋅ 33 and 132 = 4 ⋅ 33, we know that the hypotenuse must be 5 ⋅ 33 = 165.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:36:15
This is actually a common technique that's applicable in general, and not just for right triangles. If you are given a figure with side
lengths that have a common divisor, you can first divide out that divisor from all the given side lengths and then solve the problem;
this simplifies the arithmetic because you are working with smaller numbers. At the end, if the quantity that you want involves a
length, you just need to multiply your answer by that divisor. This is basically what we did here.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:36:33
An intuitive way to think about it is, we scale down the entire figure, solve the problem, and then scale the figure back to its original
size.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:36:39
Is a triangle with sides of length 15, 36, and 39 a right triangle?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:36:45
Again, we can verify using the Pythagorean Theorem (and its converse), but let's look for a quicker way that doesn't involve much
arithmetic. What should we do?

pwr
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide by 3

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide each side length by 3

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide by 3

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:37:09
Divide all the numbers by 3

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide each by 3

hchhaya
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide by 3

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Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide each term by 3

KindKitty
2021-06-04 19:37:09
divide all by 3

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:37:17
If we divide all three side lengths by 3, we have 5, 12, and 13.

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:37:31
it simplifies to {5, 12, 13}, which is a Pythagorean triple

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:37:31
ratio it to 5:12:13

dan09
2021-06-04 19:37:31
They are in the ratio 5 : 12 : 13

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:37:44
We know that {5, 12, 13} is a Pythagorean triple, so we know that {15, 36, 39} is a Pythagorean triple.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:37:58
In triangle ABC, there is a right angle at C and AB = 44 and BC = 33. What is AC?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:38:06
Careful, the answer is not 55! Why not?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:38:53
the right angle is at C not B

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:38:53
AC is not the hypotenuse

WestAndEast
2021-06-04 19:38:53
because AC is a leg

Evang12
2021-06-04 19:38:53
AB is the hypotenuse.

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:38:53
the hypotenuse is 44

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:38:53
hypotenuse 44

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:38:53
because 33 isn't the shortest leg and 44 is the hypotenuse

superhero2020
2021-06-04 19:38:53
because AB is the hypotenuse, not a leg

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:38:53
because AB is the hypotenuse, not AC

dan09
2021-06-04 19:38:53
Because AB would be the hypotenuse

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:38:53
we are given the hypotenuse to be 44 and not a leg

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:38:53
the hypotenuse is 44

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:38:55
Always make sure that you've chosen the legs and hypotenuse appropriately! You might find it helpful to sketch yourself a picture
of the triangle being described to defend against making errors in questions like this.

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:39:04

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:39:08
Here, the hypotenuse is 44, so this is not a 3 : 4 : 5 right triangle! So how can we find AC?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:39:32
pythagorean theorem

Mathqueen20
2021-06-04 19:39:32
Pythagorean theorem

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:39:32
Pythagorean theorem?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:39:32
use the pythagorean theorem

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:39:41
One way is to use the Pythagorean Theorem directly. What do we get then?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:40:01
(AC =?)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:40:43
(simplify the radical)

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC = 11√7

pwr
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC=11sqrt(7)

dan09
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC = 11√7

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC = 11sqrt{7}.

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC=11sqrt(7)

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC=11sqrt(7)

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC = 11 sqrt{7}

iejake
2021-06-04 19:41:02
AC = 11√7

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:41:06
We have

2 2 2 2 2
AC = AB − BC = 44 − 33 = 847,

so AC = √847 = 11√7.

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:41:19
divide side by 11 find answer and rescale

pwr
2021-06-04 19:41:36
divide by 11, use pythagorean theorem, multiply by 11

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:41:39
We can also use our divisor reduction trick. Scale down the figure by a factor of 11, so we have AB = 4 and BC = 3. We now
apply the Pythagorean Theorem to these smaller numbers:

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:41:41
We have AC 2 so AC
2 2 2 2
= AB − BC = 4 − 3 = 7, = √7.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:41:46
Then we scale it back up by a factor of 11, so the answer is 11√7.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:42:01
Is a triangle with sides of lengths 20, 37.5, and 42.5 a right triangle?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:42:06
We'd like to compare this triangle to a Pythagorean triple. However, these sides aren't integers. How can we turn them into
integers?

pwr
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:42:30
Multiple by 2

TThB0501
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

hchhaya
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply sides by 2

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:42:30
Multiply by 2

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

dan09
2021-06-04 19:42:30
Multiply by 2

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:42:30
Multiply all of the lengths by 2

superhero2020
2021-06-04 19:42:30
multiply by 2

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:42:33
We multiply by 2 to give 40, 75, 85. Now what?

pwr
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

hchhaya
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:43:01
Divide by 5

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

max_z
2021-06-04 19:43:01
then we divivde by 5 to get 8 15 and 17

Evang12
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:43:01
Divide by 5

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 19:43:01
Divide by 5

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 19:43:01
Divide by 5.

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:43:01
Divide all of the lengths by 5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:43:01
divide by 5 for all the sides

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:43:03
Since gcd(40, 75, 85) = 5, we can divide these by 5 to get {8, 15, 17}, which is a Pythagorean triple. Therefore, the triangle with
sides of lengths 20, 37.5, and 42.5 is a right triangle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:43:45
Is {20, 37.5, ,42.5} a Pythagorean triple?

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:44:23
NO!

pwr
2021-06-04 19:44:23
no the numbers are not integers

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 19:44:23
no

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:44:44
No, it is not! Not all of its numbers are integers.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:45:02
Is a triangle with sides 1.44, 1.96, and 2.4 a right triangle?

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:45:08
We'd like to compare this triangle to a Pythagorean triple, so we want to turn these side lengths into integers. We start by
multiplying all three by 100, to get 144, 196, 240. Then what?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:45:44
Hint: The gcd of 144, 196 and 240 is not 12.

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:46:26
Divide all of the lengths by 4

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:46:26
Divide by 4

max_z
2021-06-04 19:46:26
divide by 4

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:46:26
divide by 4

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:46:26
divide by 4

TThB0501
2021-06-04 19:46:26
divide by 4

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:46:26
Divide by 4

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:46:33
Since gcd(144, 196, 240) = 4, we divide each of these by 4 to get 36, 49, 60. Is this a Pythagorean triple?

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:46:50
no

pwr
2021-06-04 19:46:50
no

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:46:50
no

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:46:50
nope

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:46:50
No

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:46:50
nope

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:46:54
No. We can verify this directly by calculating 362 and 602 , and verifying that they are not the same. (The left is odd and the
2
+ 49

right is even, for example.)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:47:09
Alternatively, we might notice that 36 : 60 = 3 : 5. Since {3, 4, 5} is a Pythagorean triple, we know that {36, 48, 60} is a
Pythagorean triple. In other words, if a right triangle has hypotenuse 60 and one leg equal to 36, the other leg must equal 48.
Therefore, a triangle with sides 36, 49, 60 can't be a right triangle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:47:25
Let's try a few word problems using Pythagorean triples now.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:47:31
Initially, a 25-foot ladder rests against a vertical wall such that the top of the ladder is 24 feet from the ground. Then, Nathan
moves the base of the ladder farther out from the wall so that the top of the ladder slides down until resting against the wall at a
point 20 feet above the ground. Given that the wall is perpendicular to the ground, how far did Nathan move the base of the ladder?

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:47:43

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:47:50
How far is the base of the ladder from the wall initially?

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 feet

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 ft

dan09
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 feet

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 ft

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 ft

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 ft away

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 feet according to pythag theorem

Teediv
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 feet

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 ft

LONC123
2021-06-04 19:48:25
7 feet

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:48:27
The ladder is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. The legs of this triangle are the wall and the ground. Initially, the wall leg is 24
feet. The ladder is always 25 feet. From our knowledge of Pythagorean Triples, we know that the other leg is 7 feet. Therefore, the
base of the ladder is 7 feet from the wall.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:48:37
What about when the top of the ladder is 20 feet above the ground?

superhero2020
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15ft

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft

pwr
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 feet

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft away

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft

Teediv
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 feet

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 feet

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft away from wall

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15ft

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft.

Bluepantzola1
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft.

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 feet

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:49:04
15 ft

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:49:17
15ft

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:49:17
15 feet

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:49:19
When the top of the ladder is 20 feet above the ground, our right triangle has hypotenuse 25 feet and one leg of length 20 feet. We
have a leg and a hypotenuse in the ratio 4 : 5, so this must be a multiple of the triple {3, 4, 5}. Our triple must be {15, 20, 25}, so
the base of the ladder is 15 feet from the wall.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:49:25
So, what is the answer?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

hchhaya
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 feet

pwr
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 feet

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:50:00

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
8 ft

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 feet

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

max_z
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft.

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

Teediv
2021-06-04 19:50:00
15-7 = 8 feet difference

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 feet

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 feet

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:50:00
15 ft - 7 ft = 8 ft

grayspider
2021-06-04 19:50:00
15 − 7 = 8f t

Bluepantzola1
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8ft

LONC123
2021-06-04 19:50:00
8 ft

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:50:03
The base was 7 feet away when he started sliding it, and 15 feet away when he finished, so he slid it 15 − 7 = 8 feet.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:50:25
Two vertical poles are 24 feet apart. One is 16 feet tall, and the other is 9 feet tall. A rope extends from the top of one pole to the
point midway between them on the ground, and then to the top of the other pole. What is the distance between the tops of the
poles?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:50:34

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:50:42
The first thing we might notice is that there are two triangles. Perhaps we can deal with them separately.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:50:51
The 24 is bisected so we have 12 on each side; how does this help us find what we need in this problem?

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:51:33
We can Find AE and CE using the Pythagorean theorem

Evang12
2021-06-04 19:51:33
it helps us find AE and EC

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:51:36
We have two right triangles: one with legs of 16 and 12, the other with legs of 12 and 9. We know that ∠ABE and ∠CDE are
right, because we are told the two poles are vertical.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:51:53

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:52:11
What do we get for AE ?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:52:41
AE=20

cwc28
2021-06-04 19:52:41
AE=20 feet

snake2020
2021-06-04 19:52:41
20

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:52:41
AE =20

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:52:41
AE = 20

grayspider
2021-06-04 19:52:41
AE = 20

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:52:45
Since 162 we have AE
2
+ 12 = 256 + 144 = 400, = 20.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:52:50
How about EC ?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC = 15

pwr
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC=15 feet

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC=15

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC= 15

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC=15

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC = 15

grayspider
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC = 15

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC=15

Teediv
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC = 15

TThB0501
2021-06-04 19:53:10
CE=15

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC=15

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 19:53:10
EC=15

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:53:13
Since 122 we get EC
2
+ 9 = 144 + 81 = 225, = 15.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:53:21
We also could have used our understanding of 3-4-5 Pythagorean triples to find these.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:53:26

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:53:36
We'll now take a look at a couple different ways to find AC. Any suggestions?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:54:00
prove AEC is a right triangle

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:54:00
∘
∠AEC = 90

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:54:03
Why is ∠AEC a right angle?

pwr
2021-06-04 19:55:07
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 17/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
the triangles are also similar

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:55:07
similar triangles

Teediv
2021-06-04 19:55:07
because of similarity?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:55:17
Which triangles are similar?

pwr
2021-06-04 19:56:03
triangle ABE and triangle EDC by SSS

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:56:03
triangles ABE and EDC

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:56:03
triangles ABE and EDC

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:56:03
△ABE and △EDC

tkubota
2021-06-04 19:56:03
△ABE ∼ △EDC

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 19:56:03
triangles ABE and EDC are similar

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:56:03
Triangle ABE and EDC

apple.xy
2021-06-04 19:56:03
triangles AEB and ECD

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:56:17
That's right!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:56:21
The sides 12, 16, and 20 in the larger triangle are proportional to the sides 9, 12, and 15 in the smaller triangle (the common side
length ratio is ). We have △ABE by SSS Similarity.
3
∼ △EDC
4

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:56:30
So we know that the two triangles are similar. How does this help?

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:57:14
∘
∠AEB + ∠CED = 90

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:57:20
angles AEB and CED add to 90 degrees so angle AEC is 90 degrees

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:57:26
The angles of one triangle are congruent to the corresponding angles of the other.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:57:32
We are looking for ∠AEC, so if we can find the measure of the two angles adjacent to it we will have enough to solve the
problem.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:57:46
We know that ∠CED = ∠A because of similar triangles CED and EAB.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:57:55
We also know that ∠A + ∠AEB = 90∘ since together with the right angle at B they can make 180 degrees. This tells us that
∠AEB + ∠CED = 90 , so now we can figure out ∠AEC.
∘

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:58:01

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 18/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
∘ ∘
∠AEB + ∠AEC + ∠CED = 180 = ∠AEC + 90

so ∠AEC
∘
= 90 .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:58:18

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:58:25
we can find AC

dan09
2021-06-04 19:58:25
Use pythagorean theorem to find AC

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:58:28
So, what is AC?

pwr
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC= 25 feet!

hchhaya
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC = 25 feet

GarudS
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC = 25

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC= 25

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC = 25

Evang12
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC = 25

Suraahi
2021-06-04 19:58:40
AC = 25 ft

Sarah010
2021-06-04 19:58:45
AC=25

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:58:52
From right triangle AEC , we have

2 2 2 2 2 2
AC = AE + EC = 20 + 15 = 400 + 225 = 625 = 25 ,

so AC = 25 .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:59:09
There's a simpler method. How could we have found AC without even finding AE or CE?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 19:59:29
couldn't you do this problem by first connecting AC then thinking about another line parallel to BD to from a right triangle?

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
shenpinyi
2021-06-04 19:59:38
draw a line through C parallel to BD, perpendicular to AB and CD

Achilleas
2021-06-04 19:59:41
What is the horizontal distance from A to C?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

max_z
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

pwr
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24 feet

pnacham
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24.

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24 feet

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

Save_The_Elephants
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

LONC123
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24 ft

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:00:11
24

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:00:15
This horizontal distance is 24; what is the vertical distance?

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

max_z
2021-06-04 20:00:45
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 20/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
7ft

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

cwc28
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

LONC123
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7 ft

pwr
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7 feet

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

KindKitty
2021-06-04 20:00:45
16-9=7 ft

Siella
2021-06-04 20:00:45
7

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:00:49
Since A is at a height of 16 and C is at a height of 9, the vertical distance between them is 7. What does this suggest now?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:00:53

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:01:38
7-24-25 triangle

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:01:38
so the direct distance is 25 since the triple is 7,24,25

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:01:38
pythagorean triple of 7 24 and 25

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:01:38
7, 24, 25 triple so AC= 25

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:01:38
it is 25, using the Pythagorean triple {7,24,25}

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:01:50
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
AC is the hypotenuse of something we know to be a right triangle (because the horizontal and vertical legs are by definition
perpendicular).

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:02:01
So from the 7-24-25 Pythagorean triple, we again know that AC = 25.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:02:10
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Our tactic in this approach was to draw a perpendicular segment from C to AB in order to build a right triangle. Then, we could
use the Pythagorean Theorem, or our knowledge of Pythagorean triples, to find the desired length, AC. This is one of the most
useful strategies for finding a length in a geometry problem: build a right triangle in which the length you want is one of the sides.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:02:31
Let's try a problem with a slightly different flavor.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:02:32
In triangle ABC, AB = 6 and BC = 8. Find AC if angle B is 30 degrees.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:02:34

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:02:44
I don't see any right triangles. I do see a 30 degree angle. Any ideas? What tools do we have that involve 30 degree angles?

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30 60 90 triangles

pwr
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30,60,90 triangle?

dan09
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30 − 60 − 90 triangles!

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:03:10
build a 30- 60- 90 triangle

cwc28
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30-60-90 triangles

superhero2020
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30-60-90 triangles?

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30-60-90 triangle

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30-60-90 triangles

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:03:10
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 22/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
30, 60, 90 triangle

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:03:10
30º-60º-90º triangles

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:03:19
We learned about 30-60-90 triangles last week!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:03:33
What did we learn?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:03:47
the ratios of the side lengths

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:03:51
How about them?

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:04:12
their side lengths are in the ratio 1:sqrt(3):2

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:04:12
the sides are in the ratio 1:sqrt(3):2

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:04:12
Their sides have a ratio of 1 : √3 : 2 .

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:04:12
1 : √3 : 2

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:04:16
Remember that sides are in the ratio 1 : √3 : 2. Make sure you always use the correct order.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:04:27
But we weren't given a 30-60-90 triangle. So, what should we do?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:04:43
make one!!

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:04:43
make one

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:04:43
make one!

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:04:43
Make one!

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 20:04:46
Make one

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:04:47
No right triangle? No problem! Let's build one. But how?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:04:57
draw the altitude from A to BC

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:04:57
Draw a perpendicular from A on BC

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:04:59
We can draw an altitude of the triangle. We draw an altitude from A. We call the foot of this altitude (the point where the altitude
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
hits BC ) point H .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:05:05

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:05:24
This forms right triangle ABH . Why do we like △ABH ?

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:06:01
It's a 30-60-90 triangle

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:06:01
it is a 30-60-90 triangle

iejake
2021-06-04 20:06:01
it is a 30-60-90 triangle

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:06:01
it is 30-60-90 triangle

max_z
2021-06-04 20:06:01
because it is a 30-60-90 degree triangle!

JC0001
2021-06-04 20:06:01
We now have a 30-60-90 triangle

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:06:01
It is a 30-60-90 triangle

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:06:01
it's a 30-60-90 triangle

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:06:01
it is a 30-60- 90 triangle and we know all of its sides

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:06:01
its a 30-60-90 triange

turquoisewolf
2021-06-04 20:06:01
It's a right Triangle with a 30 degree angle, so 30-60-90

cwc28
2021-06-04 20:06:01
because of the 30-60-90 we can find all of the side lengths of ABH

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:06:05
Because ∠B is 30 degrees, △ABH is a 30-60-90 right triangle! How does that help?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:06:26
we can find BH and AH

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:06:26
we can find the side lengths AH and BH

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:06:26
it can help give us our side lengths

pwr
2021-06-04 20:06:26
we know how to find the length of AH and BH!

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:06:28
We can find the side lengths of △ABH since we know the ratio of its sides!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:06:47
What do find about AH and BH ?

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH = 3 and BH = 3\sqrt{3}

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:07:52
BH = 3√3 and AH = 3

pwr
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH=3 and BH=3*sqrt(3)

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH= 3 and BH= 3 sqrt{3}

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH=3 and BH=3sqrt(3)

iejake
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH=3 and BH = 3sqrt3

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH = 3, BH = 3sqrt(3)

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH = 3 , and BH = 3√ 3

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH = 3, BH = 3sqrt(3)

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH = 3, and BH = 3sqrt(3)

TThB0501
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH=3 and BH=3sqrt3

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:07:52
AH=3, BH=3sqrt(3)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:07:56
Since AH : BH : AB = 1 : √3 : 2 and AB = 6 , we see that AH = 3 and BH = 3√3.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:08:05
So, what do we still need to find AC?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:08:37
CH

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:08:37
we need HC

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:08:37
We need HC

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:08:37
side length HC

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:08:37
find HC

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 20:08:37
HC.

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Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:08:37
we need HC

pwr
2021-06-04 20:08:37
the length of HC

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:08:37
we need the length of HC

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:08:37
the side length of HC

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:08:39
We just computed AH . We now need to find CH since we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to compute AC. So what is CH ?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:09:35
HC=8-3sqrt(3)

pwr
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8-3*sqrt(3)

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 - 3sqrt(3)

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 - 3sqrt(3)

iejake
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8-3sqrt3

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:09:35
CH= 8- 3sqrt{3}

superhero2020
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 − 3√ 3

Teediv
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8- 3sqrt3

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 20:09:35
CH=8-3√3

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:09:35
CH = 8 − 3√3

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:09:35
CH= 8-3sqrt(3)

pnacham
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 − 3sqrt3

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8-3sqrt(3)

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 - 3√3

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 − 3√ 3

turquoisewolf
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8-3sqrt(3)

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:09:35
HC= 8-3sqrt{3}

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grayspider
2021-06-04 20:09:35
8 − 3√ 3

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:09:38
CH = BC − BH = 8 − 3√3 .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:09:39

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:09:51
So AC is

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:09:52

2 2 2 2
AC = √AH + HC = √3 + (8 − 3√3)

= √9 + (64 − 48√3 + 27) = √100 − 48√3

= 2√25 − 12√3 .

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:10:06
not a nice number

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:10:06

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:10:09
Not all answers are pretty!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:10:16
Our strategy was simple. We saw a 30-degree angle and wanted to use our knowledge of 30-60-90 triangles. Therefore, we
constructed one by drawing in an altitude. We then computed all the various line segments in the figure using the 30-60-90
triangle ratio as well as the Pythagorean Theorem.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:10:35
We could also have solved this problem by drawing the altitude from C instead of A. Give that a try after class!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:10:45
Let's take a break from our barrage of problems to learn a little theory.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:10:53
We begin with a simple question: are the two triangles below congruent?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:10:56

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:11:02
They have two sides in common and an angle in common. Does that let us say they are congruent?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:11:31
SSA is not a congruence

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:11:37
The equal corresponding parts of these triangles satisfy SSA. That is, the corresponding angle is not between the corresponding
sides. And we learned that we cannot deduce congruence from SSA!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:11:54
But, these triangles sure do look congruent! Can anyone see another way that would work to prove they are congruent?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:12:54
we can find the last side using the pythagorean theorem

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:12:54
by finding the 3rd side!

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:12:54
we can find BA and GF respectively (using the pythagorean theorem) and prove they are congruent by SAS

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:12:54
using the Pythagorean Theorem to find the remaining side

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:12:54
Use the pythagorean theorem and AB = GF, so they are congruent by SSS

Save_The_Elephants
2021-06-04 20:12:54
if you find side GF and side BA then you could prove it with SSS

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:13:19
From the Pythagorean Theorem, we have

2 2
AB = √BC − AC = √19,

2 2
F G = √EG − EF = √19.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:13:31
So, triangles ABC and F GE are congruent by SSS Congruence.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:13:41
If you recall, when we learned about congruence, we showed that SSA is generally not enough to uniquely determine the triangle.
However, we have an exception for right triangles.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:13:55
If the leg and hypotenuse of one right triangle equal the leg and hypotenuse of another, then those two right triangles must be
congruent. This is because the Pythagorean Theorem determines the length of the other leg, so we have SSS.

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shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:14:02
this is HL Congruence

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:14:04
We call this Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) congruence.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:14:15
So in addition to the SSS, SAS, and ASA (equivalent to AAS) that we learned, we can add HL to the list of congruence conditions,
but keep in mind it only applies to right triangles!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:14:27
Let's see if we can do something similar with similarity.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:14:28

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:14:33
Are these two triangles similar? Why or why not?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:16:23
yes, we can find the last side by the pythagorean theorem. Then, since the sides are in ratio 3:4, by SSS similarity the triangles are
similar.

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:16:23
Yes. If we find the other side, we find that it is a {3,4,5} triangle

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:16:23
you can find AB=9 and RQ= 12 and do the ratios to prove they are similar by SSS

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:16:23
yes bc their side lenghts are both in the ratio 3:4:5 if we find AB and RQ

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:16:27
Since the ratio of a leg to a hypotenuse is 4 : 5 in both cases, we see that both triangles are scaled versions of a 3 : 4 : 5 right
triangle. Therefore, they are similar by SSS Similarity.

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:16:41
by the way, is there such a thing as HL similarity?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:16:43
Just as with HL Congruence, we have HL Similarity. If the ratio of a leg to the hypotenuse in one right triangle equals the ratio of a
leg to the hypotenuse of another right triangle, then we can conclude that the two triangles are similar.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:16:56
Let's use our new knowledge to derive a result involving circles.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:17:04
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
A line segment connecting two points on a circle is called a chord. Suppose a chord AB of a circle with center O has length 14,
and that O is 3 units away from the chord. What is the radius of the circle?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:17:17

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We start with a diagram. What should we include?

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:17:39
a circle with center O and chord AB

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:17:40
We draw the circle with its center, and the chord.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:17:42

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:17:48
Hmm. That doesn't look like enough. What else should we include?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:17:58
draw radii OA and OB too

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:18:00
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We seek a radius, so we draw a radius. We draw the radii OA and OB, since we can relate these to AB.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:18:01

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:18:06
Now what?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:19:06
draw an altitude from O to AB to from right triangles

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:19:06
a line from O that is perpendicular to AB

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:19:06

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A perpendicular line from point O to line AB

pnacham
2021-06-04 20:19:06
Draw altitude of triangle AOB from point O to AB

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:19:06
A perpendicular line from O to AB which is 3 units

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:19:08
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We also know the distance from O to AB is 3 units. As we showed last class, this means that the segment from O to AB that is
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
perpendicular to AB is 3 units long. So, we draw this segment.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:19:10

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:19:17
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Note here that 14 is labelling length of the entire segment AB. We don't yet know the length of AM or M B.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:19:22
Now what?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:20:05
AM=MB=7

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:20:05
prove that AM=MB

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:20:12
How do we know that AM = M B? Let's try to use what we learned today.

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:20:32
prove that triangle AMO is congruent to triangle BMO

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:20:56
Why are these two triangles congruent?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:22:33
they are congruent by HL congruency

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:22:33
HL Congruence!!

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:22:33
HL congruence

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:22:33
By HL congruence

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:22:33

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They are congruent because of HL congruence

superhero2020
2021-06-04 20:22:33
the radius of a circle is always the same, so AO = OB , and from that we have HL congruency

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 20:22:33
Because of H L congruence. OA = OB . And OM = OM .

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:22:33
triangle AMO is congruent to triangle BMO by HL since OM=OM and AO=BO=radius of the circle

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:22:33
they have sides AO and BO congruent because they are radii of the same circle, they share side MO and they are both right triangles.
They are congruent by the HL COngruence

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:22:51
We learned HL congruence today.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:22:54
Because AO = BO (because they are both radii of the circle) and OM = OM in right triangles AM O and BM O, triangles
AM O and BM O are congruent by HL Congruence. So, we must have AM = BM .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:22:59

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:23:08
So, what is the radius of the circle?

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

pwr
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(49+9)=sqrt(58)

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:23:55
AO= square root of 58

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

takolhe12
2021-06-04 20:23:55

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sqrt 58

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:23:55
√58

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 20:23:55
√58

takolhe12
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:23:55
√58

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 20:23:55
√58 .

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt(58)

JC0001
2021-06-04 20:23:55
sqrt 58

dan09
2021-06-04 20:23:55
√58

Save_The_Elephants
2021-06-04 20:23:55
√58

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:23:57
We have AM = 14/2 = 7, so we have

2 2
AO = √OM + AM = √58.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:24:04
Here we took advantage of the right triangles produced by a shortest distance.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:24:10
Moreover, in the process of solving this problem, we proved an interesting fact about chords.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:24:20
Let's think about this some more. I'll draw a radius perpendicular to a chord:

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:24:22

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:24:24
What do we know about point X?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:24:51
X is the midpoint of AB

pwr
2021-06-04 20:24:51
its the midpoint of AB

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:24:51
it is the midpoint of AB

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:24:51
it is the midpoint of segment AB

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:24:56
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
It's the midpoint of AB!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:25:11
If a radius is perpendicular to a chord, it then also bisects the chord. We essentially proved this as part of the last problem. Above,
AO = BO as radii of the same circle, and OX = OX. So, △AXO is congruent to △BXO by HL Congruence. Therefore,
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
AX = BX, so radius OC bisects AB.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:25:27
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Here's another question: Does AB bisect OC ? That is, will OX = XC?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:26:05
No

takolhe12
2021-06-04 20:26:05
not necessarily

pwr
2021-06-04 20:26:05
not always

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:26:05
no

dan09
2021-06-04 20:26:05
Not always

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:26:05
no

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:26:08
While it is always true that AX = XB, it is not necessarily true that OX = XC, even if it looks like it's true in the picture. For
example if our chord is such that X is a little closer to O, we get this picture:

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:26:17

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:26:23
Notice that we still have AX = XB, but OX ≠ XC.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:26:33
How about this question: If a radius bisects a chord, is it perpendicular to the chord? (And why?)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:26:37

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:26:48
(In this diagram we know that AX = BX but we don't yet know that any angles are right angles!)

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:27:42
AX = BX, AO = BO, and OX = OX, so by SSS, triangles AOX and BOX are congruent

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:27:42
yes because by SSS AXO and BXO are congruent,, then <AXO=<BXO =90˚ since they add to 180˚ (straight line)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:27:48
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Yes. We have AO = BO because they are radii, AX = BX because we're given that the radius OC bisects the chord, and
OX = OX, so triangles AOX and BOX are congruent by SSS. Thus, angles AXO and BXO are congruent. Since they add to

180 , they are both right.

∘

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:28:16
That's enough theory for now. Let's get back to applying the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:28:34
What is the area of a triangle with sides 17, 25, and 28?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:28:41
Any ideas?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:28:52
find if its right

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AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:28:52
is it right?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:28:56
First of all, is the triangle a right triangle?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:29:15
this isn't a right triangle

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:29:15
no

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:29:15
no

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:29:15
No!!

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:29:15
No

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:29:15
no

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:29:17
No. We have 17 and 28
2 2 2
+ 25 = 914 = 784.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:29:26
Some of you are citing Heron's Formula, but we won't use it because we didn't learn it yet. We will learn it later today!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:29:36
What do we need to have in order to find the area of a triangle?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:30:03
a base and an altitude

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 20:30:03
An altitude and base.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:30:07
We usually need a side length and an altitude length.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:30:12
We have all three sides. So, all we need is an altitude. Which side should we draw it to?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:30:33
maybe the side 28

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:30:33
the side with length 28

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:30:35
Let's draw the altitude to the side with length 28. This splits the triangle into two right triangles. I love right triangles.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:30:44

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:30:48
Why do we particularly like these right triangles?

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:31:21
we can apply Pythagorean triples

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:31:21
pythagorean triples?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:31:24
We particularly like these because they have hypotenuses we recognize in Pythagorean triples. Had we drawn the altitude to either
of the other two sides, we would have one right triangle with hypotenuse 28. We don't know any Pythagorean triples with 28 as the
hypotenuse.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:31:33
So, back to our triangle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:31:35
There is no guarantee that AX will be an integer, but let's cross our fingers and hope for the best. Can we find the length of
altitude AX using Pythagorean triples?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:32:01
AX = 15.

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:32:08
yes, 8-15-17 and 15-20-25 which share 15

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:32:10
We have {8, 15, 17} as one triple and {15, 20, 25} as another. So, we can have AX = 15, BX = 8, and XC = 20 :

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:32:14

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:32:21
We have BX + XC = 28, and everything works out! Magical! So, what is our area?

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Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

pwr
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

superhero2020
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:32:49
210

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:32:51
We have [ABC] = AX ⋅ BC/2 = 15 ⋅ 28/2 = 15 ⋅ 14 = 210.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:32:56
What we did there was discover that pushing together an 8-15-17 right triangle and a 15-20-25 right triangle gives us a triangle
with sides 17, 25, and 8 + 20 = 28, since the two right angles combine to give a straight angle. By SSS congruence, this new
triangle is congruent to the triangle in our problem, so the triangle in our problem has the same total area as the sum of the areas
of the right triangles.

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:33:08
But that's just a lucky guess!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:12
True!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:15
It was particularly convenient that we could split this triangle into two right triangles with integer sides. But what if we can't do
that?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:21
Suppose we want to find the area of a triangle with sides 5, 6, and 7.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:30
We can't split the triangle into two pieces that have hypotenuses that are parts of Pythagorean triples we know. Looks like we won't
get lucky like we did in the previous example.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:37
I don't have any better ideas, so let's go ahead and try drawing in an altitude, anyway.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:39

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Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:33:49
We would like to find AX. What should we do?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:34:20
set BX as x

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:34:20
Assign a variable to BX or CX first

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:34:20
define variables and use the pythagorean theorem

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:34:20
Create Variables

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:34:24
Let's assign some variables. We know that the Pythagorean Theorem applies to △ABX and △ACX. Perhaps we'll be able to set
up some equations and solve for the variables.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:34:39
Let BX = x and AX = h. How about CX? Do we need another variable?

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:34:58
no, because CX = 6 - x

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:34:58
CX = 6 − x

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:35:00
Then, CX = 6 − x. Now, can you write down some equations that must hold?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:35:07

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:35:22

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What equaiton do we get from △ABX?

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2 + h^2 = 25

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2 + h^2 = 25

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:36:07
2 2
x + h = 25

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:36:07
25 = x^2 + h^2

pwr
2021-06-04 20:36:07
2 2 2
x + h = 5

superhero2020
2021-06-04 20:36:07
2 2
x + h = 25

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:36:07
2 2
x + h = 25

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2+h^2=5^2=25

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2 + h^2 = 5^2

iejake
2021-06-04 20:36:07
2 2 2
x + h = 5

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2 + h^2 = 25

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2 + h^2 = 25

cwc28
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2+h^2=25

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:36:07
2 2
x + h = 25

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2 + h^2 = 25

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:36:07
x^2+h^2=25

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:36:11
From △ABX, we have x2 .
2 2
+ h = 5

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:36:25
What equation do we get from △AXC ?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:37:14
from AXC you get h^2 + (6-x)^2 = 49

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:37:14
(6-x)^2+h^2=49

pwr
2021-06-04 20:37:14
2 2 2
(6 − x) + h = 7

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:37:14

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

(6-x) +h^2=49
2

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:37:14
h^2 + (6-x)^2 = 49

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:37:14
2 2
(6 − x) + h = 49

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:37:14
h^2+(6-x)^2=49

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:37:14
2 2
(6 − x) + h = 49

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:37:14
h^2 + (6-x)^2 = 49

dan09
2021-06-04 20:37:14
2 2
(6 − x) + h = 49

Teediv
2021-06-04 20:37:14
h^2 + (6-x)^2 = 49

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 20:37:14
2 2 2
7 = h + (6 − x)

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:37:14
h^2 + (6 - x)^2 = 49

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:37:14
(6-x)^2+h^2=49

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:37:24
From △AXC , we have (6 − x)2 .
2 2
+ h = 7

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:37:28
So, now we have a system of two equations with two variables:

2 2
x + h = 25,
2 2
(6 − x) + h = 49.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:37:34
Any suggestions how to tackle this?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:38:16
subtract the two equations from each other

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:38:16
subtract the 2 equations to cancel h^2

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:38:16
Subtract the first equation from the second, canceling the h2

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:38:16
Subtract equations

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:38:16
subtract the first equation from the second equation

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:38:16
Subtract to eliminate h2

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:38:16

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 41/53
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subtract to cancel h 2

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:38:16
subtract the first from the second to eliminate the h^2 term

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:38:18
We can eliminate h by subtracting the first equation from the second.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:38:22
This gives us (6 − x)2 − x2 = 24 . So what is x?

Bluepantzola1
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

dan09
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x = 1

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

pwr
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x= 1

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:39:14
x=1

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:39:16
Expanding the left side gives

2 2
36 − 12x + x − x = 24.

Solving for x gives us x = 1 .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:39:23
So what is h?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2sqrt(6)

pwr
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2*sqrt(6)

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2sqrt(6)

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2√ 6

dan09
2021-06-04 20:39:59
h = 2√ 6

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 42/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:39:59
h = √24 = 2√6

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2√ 6

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2√6

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:39:59
h=2sqrt{6}

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2√ 6

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2√ 6

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:39:59
2√ 6

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:40:01
Substituting x into the equation x , we get h , so h .
2 2 2
= 1 + h = 25 = 25 − 1 = 24 = √24 = 2√6

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:40:08
So what is the area of △ABC?

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6sqrt(6)

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:40:43
2sqrt(6)*3=6sqrt(6)

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6sqrt(6)

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6sqrt(6)

pwr
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6*sqrt(6)

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6√ 6

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6√6

dan09
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6√ 6

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6sqrt(6)

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6√ 6

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:40:43
the area is 6sqrt{6}

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:40:43
6√ 6

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:40:46
We have
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 43/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
BC ⋅ AX
[ABC] = = 6√6.
2

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:40:55
This approach works all the time to find the area of a triangle given its side lengths. However, it would be a pain to create and solve
a system of equations every single time we want to find the area of a triangle. Let's instead use this approach on a general triangle
to derive an area formula in terms of the side lengths.

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:41:12
heron's formula

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:41:15
heron's formula!!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:41:18
Back to deriving the area for a general triangle. Let's repeat what we did in the previous problem.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:41:21
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We start with △ABC with side lengths BC = a, CA = b, AB = c. We draw altitude AX from A to BC . We assign the
variable h to the height AX, and we let BX = x.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:41:24

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:41:41
What was our next step, in the previous problem?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:41:57
make equations

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:41:57
create equations

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:42:00
Creating equations and subtracting them

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:42:00
make equations using pythagorean theorem

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:42:14
What equations do we have in this general setting?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:42:39
(please give us both of them in one post)

pwr
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x + h = c and h + (a − x)
2 2 2 2 2 2
= b .

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:43:47

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 44/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
x^2 + h^2 = c^2 and (a-x)^2 + h^2 = b^2

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x^2 + h^2 = c^2, h^2 + (a-x)^2 = b^2

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:43:47
(a − x)
2
+ h
2
= b
2

2 2 2
x + h = c

dan09
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x + h = c and (a − x)
2 2 2 2 2 2
+ h = b

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x^2 + h^2 = c^2 and (a-x)^2 + h^2 = b^2

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x
2
+ h
2
= c
2
and h2 + (a − x)
2
= b
2

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x + h = c

2 2 2

2 2 2
(a − x) + h + b

Rinnypig
2021-06-04 20:43:47
c
2
= h
2
+ x
2
. And b2 = h
2
+ (a − x)
2
.

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x^2+h^2=c^2 and (a-x)^2+h^2=b^2

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:43:47
2 2 2 2 2 2
x + h = c ,h + (a − x) = b

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x^2+h^2=c^2, (a-x)^2+h^2=b^2

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x^2 + h^2 = c^2. (a - x)^2 + h^2 = b^2.

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:43:47
(a − x)
2
+ h
2
= b
2
and x2 + h
2
= c
2

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:43:47
x^2 + h^2 = c^2 and h^2 + (a-x)^2 = b^2

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:44:43
We look back at our specific example, and see that our next step is to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to triangles ABX and
ACX. This gives us the system

2 2 2
x + h = c ,
2 2 2
(a − x) + h = b .

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:45:12
subtract the first equation from the second to cancel the h^2s

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:45:12
subtract the first from the second next

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:45:18
We subtract the first equation from the second, thus eliminating h. This gives us

2 2 2 2
(a − x) − x = b − c .

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 45/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:45:32
So, what do we do now?

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:46:25
solve for x in terms of a, b, and c?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:46:38
Before, we solved for x. So, we'll solve for x here.

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:46:51
2 2 2
a − 2ax = b − c

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:46:51
a^2-2ax=b^2-c^2

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:46:51
open up (a-x)^2 to get a^2 - 2ax= b^2-c^2

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:46:54
We expand out the left side, and we have

2 2 2 2 2
a − 2ax + x − x = b − c .

Cancelling the x2 terms gives

2 2 2
a − 2ax = b − c .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:46:59
So, what do we get for x?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:47:32
We can start by subtracting a2 from both sides:

2 2 2
−2ax = −a − c + b .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:47:36
Then, what?

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:47:57
divide by -2a

pwr
2021-06-04 20:47:57
divide by -2a

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:47:57
we divide both sides by -2a

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:47:57
divide by -2a

max_z
2021-06-04 20:47:57
divide bothe sides by -2a

dan09
2021-06-04 20:47:57
Divide by −2a

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:48:01
divide by −2a

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:48:01
Divide both sides by -2a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:48:06
Dividing by −2a, we have
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 46/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

pwr
2021-06-04 20:48:17
x=(b^2-c^2-a^2)/(-2a)

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:48:17
2 2 2
b − c − a
x =
−2a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:48:20

2 2 2
−a − c + b
x = .
−2a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:48:33
Simplifying the fraction, we get

2 2 2
a + c − b
x = .
2a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:49:05
(use parentheses for the denominator, if needed, as in 1/(2a) )

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:49:13
What's the next step?

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:49:35
solve for h

pwr
2021-06-04 20:49:35
find h!

KindKitty
2021-06-04 20:49:35
find h

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:49:35
Solving for h.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:49:37
We used our value of x to find h.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:49:40
Let's do that here. We had x2 + h
2
= c
2
, so solving for h2 gives

2 2 2
h = c − x .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:49:50
Do we want to square out that expression we have for x?

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:50:08
No

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:50:08
no

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:50:08
NO

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:50:08
No

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:50:10
No way. But how can we avoid it?

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:51:35

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 47/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Difference of squares'

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:51:35
c^2 - x^2 = (c+x)(c-x)

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:51:35
No. Use difference of squares

dan09
2021-06-04 20:51:35
Messy algebra, so no

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:51:35
we can use a difference of 2 perfect squares

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:51:35
we can simplify c^2 - x^2, which makes (c+x) * (c-x)

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:51:35
Difference of squares

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:51:35
Difference of squares...?

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:51:35
h^2 = (c + x)(c - x)

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:51:35
factorize for example c^2-b^2 as (c+b)(c-b)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:51:42
We can factor c2 − x
2
as a difference of squares, so we have h2 = (c − x)(c + x) .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:51:49
Now, we substitute for x. We get

2 2 2 2 2 2
a + c − b a + c − b
2
h = (c − ) (c + )
2a 2a

2 2 2 2 2 2
2ac − a − c + b 2ac + a + c − b
= ( )( ).
2a 2a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:52:17
Yikes. That's not very pretty. Anyone recognize anything we can do with those nasty numerators rather than multiply it all out?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:52:32
factorize again?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:52:34
Hmmm...take a look at that second numerator 2ac + a2 + c
2
− b
2
. Notice anything interesting in it?

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:53:26
a^2 + c^2 + 2ac = (a+c)^2

Wuwuspring
2021-06-04 20:53:26
a^2+2ac+c^2 can be factored into (a+c)^2

dan09
2021-06-04 20:53:26
2 2 2
a + 2ac + c = (a + c)

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:53:26
a
2
+ 2ac + c
2
= (a + c)
2
...

pwr
2021-06-04 20:53:26
2ac+a^2+c^2=(a+c)^2

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:53:29
Yeah, we have a perfect square,

2 2 2
a + 2ac + c = (a + c) .

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:53:41
(a+c)^2- b^2

Evang12
2021-06-04 20:53:41
(a+c)^2 - b^2...

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:53:41
maybe (a+c)^2 - b^2

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:53:41
= (a+c)^2 - b^2

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:53:59
We can note the same thing in the first denominator:

2 2 2
−(a − 2ac + c ) = −(a − c) .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:54:07
So, we can write

2 2 2 2 2 2
2
2ac − a − c + b 2ac + a + c − b
h = ( )( )
2a 2a

2 2 2 2
b − (a − c) (a + c) − b
= ( )( )
2a 2a

[b − (a − c)][b + (a − c)] [(a + c) − b][(a + c) + b]

= ( )( )
2a 2a

(−a + b + c)(a + b − c)(a − b + c)(a + b + c)

= .
2
4a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:54:16
Make sure you see how we used the difference of squares factorization y 2 − z
2
= (y − z)(y + z) above.

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:54:30
yay!!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:54:33
Our expression for h2 has a rather nice symmetry. We can write this in a nicer way. Let s be the semiperimeter (half the perimeter)
of ABC.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:54:41
That means we are defining s as

1
s = (a + b + c),
2

so a + b + c = 2s .

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:54:58
Therefore, 2s − 2a = −a + b + c, 2s − 2b = a − b + c , and 2s − 2c = a + b − c . Plugging these into the formula above, we
have

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:55:02

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10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
(−a + b + c)(a + b − c)(a − b + c)(a + b + c)
2
h =
2
4a

(2s − 2a)(2s − 2c)(2s − 2b)(2s)

=
2
4a

4s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c)

= .
2
a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:55:17
Therefore

4s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c) 2

h = √ = √s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c).
2
a a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:55:27
How pretty! Now that we have an expression for h, how can we find the area of △ABC?

TThB0501
2021-06-04 20:55:57
multiply it with a and divide by 2

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:56:00
Now multiply h with a/2

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:56:11
We have [ABC] = BC ⋅ h/2 = ah/2. Plugging in our expression for h, we have

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:56:13

BC ⋅ h a 4s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c)

[ABC] = = √ = √s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c).
2
2 2 a

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:56:24
This formula is called Heron's Formula. You can use it to compute the area of any triangle, if you know its side lengths! It is one of
my personal favorites.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:56:41
So now you know where this formula comes from: the Pythagorean Theorem, some algebra, and a lot of persistence!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:57:08
Let's try applying it.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:57:09
What is the area of a triangle with sides 3, 4, and 5?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:57:11
First, tell me the answer without using Heron's Formula!

pwr
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

hchhaya
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 50/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

ReaderB
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

cwc28
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

snake2020
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

Hridhaan
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

iejake
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

AndrewZhong2012
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

tkubota
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:57:38
3*4/2 = 6

Brendangho
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

max_z
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

MathNinja7
2021-06-04 20:57:38
6

Siella
2021-06-04 20:57:42
6

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:57:42
6

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:57:46
This triangle is a right triangle with legs 3 and 4, so its area is (3 ⋅ 4)/2 = 6 . Now, use Heron's Formula. First, what's s?

pwr
2021-06-04 20:58:18
6

Teediv
2021-06-04 20:58:18
6

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:58:18
12/2=6

shenpinyi
2021-06-04 20:58:18
s=6

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 51/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

RyanL2019
2021-06-04 20:58:18
6

Suraahi
2021-06-04 20:58:18
12
= 6
2

dan09
2021-06-04 20:58:18
3+4+5 12
= = 6
2 2

Sunshine2016
2021-06-04 20:58:18
s=6

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:58:18
s =12/2 = 6

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:58:30
We first compute the semiperimeter s = (3 + 4 + 5)/2 = 6. Therefore, the area is

√(6)(6 − 5)(6 − 4)(6 − 3) = √(6)(1)(2)(3) = 6.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:58:33
It worked!

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:58:41
Let's try it on the 5, 6, 7 triangle.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:58:52
What do we get this time?

Sarah010
2021-06-04 20:59:26
6sqrt(6)

CalvinGarces
2021-06-04 20:59:26
6sqrt(6)

apple.xy
2021-06-04 20:59:26
s = 9, so area = sqrt(9*4*3*2) = 6sqrt(6) like last time!!

Vitah2008
2021-06-04 20:59:26
6sqrt(6)

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:59:28
We have s = (5 + 6 + 7)/2 = 9 , so our area is

√9 ⋅ (9 − 5) ⋅ (9 − 6) ⋅ (9 − 7) = √9 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 2 = 6√6.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:59:31
That's a lot easier than what we did before! Hooray!

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 20:59:49
yay

GarudS
2021-06-04 20:59:49
yep

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:59:50
SUMMARY

Achilleas
2021-06-04 20:59:51
We started off with a discussion of Pythagorean triples, which are collections of three integers that satisfy the Pythagorean
Theorem. It was pointed out that we can multiply all the sides by the same number to generate a new Pythagorean triple. We also
briefly discussed a common tactic for solving geometry problems requiring numerical solutions: if there are lengths with a

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 52/53
10/12/21, 8:27 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
common divisor, then scale down the entire figure, solve the problem with the reduced lengths, and then scale back the figure to
its original size.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:00:03
We then looked at some problems that involved drawing altitudes to build right triangles. This is a very useful trick, as it allows us
to compute lengths using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:00:12
We also learned new congruence and similarity rules that apply only for right triangles, namely

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:00:23
HL congruence: if the leg and hypotenuse of one right triangle equal the leg and hypotenuse of another right triangle, then the two
triangles are congruent.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:00:34
HL similarity: if the ratio of a leg to the hypotenuse of one right triangle equals the ratio of a leg to the hypotenuse of another right
triangle, then the triangles are similar.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:00:42
We then showed that a radius that is perpendicular to a chord bisects the chord. We also proved its converse, namely that a radius
that bisects a chord is also perpendicular to the chord.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:00:50
Then we proved Heron's Formula, which tells us that area equals

√s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c),

where

s = semiperimeter = (a + b + c)/2.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:01:10
Any questions?

Sirahulania
2021-06-04 21:01:29
I have a question, when is the official deadline for the homework of week 5( afternoon or morning of June 5)?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:02:07
It says June 5. It depends on your time zone.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:02:30
If you live in California, it is midnight June 5.

snake2020
2021-06-04 21:02:53
What is that in eastern time?

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:03:18
I guess it is also midnight. If you leave in Asia, it could be a problem.

Achilleas
2021-06-04 21:04:11
Thank you all! Have a wonderful week! See you next time!

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https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40734 53/53