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USA Mathematical Talent Search Solutions To Problem 5/2/18: D A F E

This document provides the solution to a geometry problem posed by the USA Mathematical Talent Search. The problem involves a triangle ABC where point D is on the extension of side AC. Point E is where the bisector of angle DAB intersects the circle formed by triangle ABC. A line through E perpendicular to AB intersects AB at point F. The solution shows that triangle BEC is equilateral since its angles subtend arcs of the circle that are complementary. Using Ptolemy's theorem applied to the cyclic quadrilateral EACB allows determining the length of EA. Since triangle EAF is 30-60-90, the length of AF can then be calculated as EA/2.

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55 views

USA Mathematical Talent Search Solutions To Problem 5/2/18: D A F E

This document provides the solution to a geometry problem posed by the USA Mathematical Talent Search. The problem involves a triangle ABC where point D is on the extension of side AC. Point E is where the bisector of angle DAB intersects the circle formed by triangle ABC. A line through E perpendicular to AB intersects AB at point F. The solution shows that triangle BEC is equilateral since its angles subtend arcs of the circle that are complementary. Using Ptolemy's theorem applied to the cyclic quadrilateral EACB allows determining the length of EA. Since triangle EAF is 30-60-90, the length of AF can then be calculated as EA/2.

Uploaded by

Arsy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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USA Mathematical Talent Search

Solutions to Problem 5/2/18


www.usamts.org

5/2/18. In triangle ABC, AB = 8, BC = 7, and AC = 5. We extend


AC past A and mark point D on the extension, as shown. The bisector of
DAB meets the circumcircle of 4ABC again at E, as shown. We draw
a line through E perpendicular to AB. This line meets AB at point F .
Find the length of AF .
Credit This problem was proposed by Richard Rusczyk.

A
F
C

Comments An angle chase shows that triangle BEC is equilateral. Then


the length of AF can be found with an application of Ptolemys theorem. Solutions edited
Create PDF with GO2PDF for free, if you wish to remove this line, click here to buy Virtual PDF Printer
by Naoki Sato.
Solution 1 by: Scott Kovach (11/TN)
D
E

A
F

Applying the law of cosines to triangle ABC, we see that


cos BAC =

82 + 52 72
1
= ,
285
2

so BAC = 60 . Then EAF = DAF/2 = (180 BAC)/2 = 60 as well.


Now, BEC subtends the same arc as BAC, and EBC subtends the arc complementary to EAC, so EBC = BEC = BAC = 60 , which makes triangle BEC
equilateral.
Quadrilateral EACB is cyclic, so by Ptolemys theorem,
EA BC + EB AC = AB EC
EA 7 + 7 5 = 8 7
EA = 3.
Finally, triangle EAF is a 30 -60 -90 triangle, so AF = EA/2 = 3/2.

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