Math Problem Statement

The area of triangle ABC is 64, P, Q, R and X, Y, Z are the midpoints of the corresponding sides of the two triangles ABC and PQR respectively. What is the area of the triangle XYZ?

Solution

We are given that the area of triangle ABC\triangle ABC is 64, and P,Q,RP, Q, R are the midpoints of sides ABAB, ACAC, and BCBC respectively. X,Y,ZX, Y, Z are the midpoints of the sides of triangle PQRPQR. The task is to find the area of triangle XYZXYZ.

Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Understand the relation between the areas of triangles:

    • When midpoints of a triangle are connected, the triangle formed is similar to the original triangle, and its area is reduced by a factor of 44. Specifically, the area of the triangle formed by connecting the midpoints of a triangle is 14\frac{1}{4} of the original triangle.
  2. Apply the area reduction for triangle PQRPQR:

    • Triangle PQRPQR is formed by joining the midpoints of triangle ABCABC. Therefore, the area of triangle PQRPQR is 14\frac{1}{4} of the area of triangle ABCABC.
    • Area of triangle PQRPQR = 14×64=16\frac{1}{4} \times 64 = 16.
  3. Apply the area reduction for triangle XYZXYZ:

    • Triangle XYZXYZ is formed by joining the midpoints of triangle PQRPQR. Similarly, the area of triangle XYZXYZ is 14\frac{1}{4} of the area of triangle PQRPQR.
    • Area of triangle XYZXYZ = 14×16=4\frac{1}{4} \times 16 = 4.

Thus, the area of triangle XYZXYZ is 4\boxed{4}.

Would you like further clarification or details on any part? Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do midpoints affect the similarity and area ratio of triangles?
  2. Can the area of any triangle be found using midpoints alone?
  3. What is the significance of similar triangles in geometric problems?
  4. How is the area ratio of similar triangles related to the side ratio?
  5. How do you prove that the triangle formed by midpoints has 14\frac{1}{4} of the area?

Tip: Always remember that when you connect midpoints of a triangle, you form a triangle that is similar to the original one, with its area reduced by a factor of 4!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangles
Area of Similar Triangles
Midpoint Theorem

Formulas

Area of triangle formed by midpoints = (1/4) * Area of original triangle

Theorems

Midpoint Theorem: A triangle formed by joining the midpoints of a triangle has 1/4 of the area of the original triangle.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10