Math Problem Statement
Two equilateral triangles are contained in a square whose side length is $2\sqrt{3}$. The bases of these triangles are opposite sides of the square, and their intersection is a rhombus. The area of the rhombus can be expressed in the from $a+b\sqrt{c}$ for integers $a,b,$ and $c$ such that $c$ square-free. Determine $-a+b+c$.
Solution
Let's analyze the problem systematically.
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Square Dimensions and Triangle Heights:
- We have a square with side length .
- Since the triangles are equilateral, the altitude (height) of each triangle can be calculated from the side length of the square, which serves as the side length of each triangle.
- The altitude of an equilateral triangle with side length is given by:
- Here, , so:
- Therefore, the height of each equilateral triangle is , and since the square has a side length of , the two triangles overlap partially, forming a rhombus.
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Position of the Rhombus:
- The bases of the triangles lie on opposite sides of the square.
- Since each triangle has a height of , their top vertices meet halfway along the height of the square (which is ), intersecting at units from each base of the triangles.
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Side Length of the Rhombus:
- The intersection of the triangles forms a rhombus whose vertices are located at the midpoints of each triangle’s height.
- The side length of the rhombus is therefore equal to the distance from the center of the square to a vertex of one of the triangles.
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Calculating the Area of the Rhombus:
- The area of the rhombus can be computed by finding the length of its diagonals. Here, one diagonal is equal to the side length of the square, , and the other diagonal is twice the height from the base to the intersection point of the triangles, which is also .
- The area of a rhombus with diagonals and is:
- Substituting and :
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Expressing the Area in the Form :
- The area of the rhombus is , which can be written as .
- Thus, , , and .
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Calculating :
- We need to find :
Final Answer:
Would you like further details on any part of the solution, or have questions?
- How is the altitude of an equilateral triangle derived?
- Why does the intersection form a rhombus?
- What is the significance of using diagonals for calculating a rhombus's area?
- How does the placement of the triangles affect the geometry of the intersection?
- Can the problem be extended to other polygons inscribed in a square?
Tip: Remember that the area of a rhombus is always half the product of its diagonals, which can simplify calculations in problems like these.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Geometry
Equilateral Triangles
Rhombus Area
Diagonals in Quadrilaterals
Formulas
Altitude of equilateral triangle: h = (\sqrt{3}/2) \cdot s
Area of rhombus: A = (1/2) \cdot d_1 \cdot d_2
Theorems
Properties of Equilateral Triangles
Properties of Rhombus Diagonals
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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