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

This document provides a solution to a geometry problem proposed by Richard Rusczyk and published on the USA Mathematical Talent Search website. The problem involves finding the length of line segment AF in a diagram with a triangle ABC and additional points D, E, and F. The summary applies Ptolemy's theorem and properties of 30-60-90 triangles to find that the length of AF is 3/2.

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140 views1 page

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

This document provides a solution to a geometry problem proposed by Richard Rusczyk and published on the USA Mathematical Talent Search website. The problem involves finding the length of line segment AF in a diagram with a triangle ABC and additional points D, E, and F. The summary applies Ptolemy's theorem and properties of 30-60-90 triangles to find that the length of AF is 3/2.

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Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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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 D


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

Credit This problem was proposed by Richard Rusczyk. B

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

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


82 + 52 72 1
cos BAC = = ,
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 comple-
mentary 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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