Math Problem Statement

A triangle with sides in the ratio 20 : 21 : 29 is inscribed in a circle with radius 5. The area (in sq. units) of the triangle is closest to

Solution

Given a triangle with sides in the ratio 20:21:2920 : 21 : 29 inscribed in a circle with a radius of 5 units, we are tasked with finding the area of the triangle.

Step 1: Identifying the sides

Since the sides are in the ratio 20:21:2920 : 21 : 29, we can express the sides as:

  • a=20ka = 20k
  • b=21kb = 21k
  • c=29kc = 29k

The side c=29kc = 29k is the longest, and it corresponds to the diameter of the circle because the triangle is inscribed in a circle. The relationship between the diameter and the circumradius RR is given by: c=2Rc = 2R Since the radius R=5R = 5, we have: c=2×5=10c = 2 \times 5 = 10 Thus, 29k=1029k = 10, which gives k=1029k = \frac{10}{29}.

Step 2: Calculating the sides

Now, substitute k=1029k = \frac{10}{29} into the expressions for the sides: a=20k=20×1029=20029a = 20k = 20 \times \frac{10}{29} = \frac{200}{29} b=21k=21×1029=21029b = 21k = 21 \times \frac{10}{29} = \frac{210}{29} c=29k=10c = 29k = 10

Step 3: Using the area formula for a triangle inscribed in a circle

The formula for the area of a triangle inscribed in a circle is: Area=abc4R\text{Area} = \frac{abc}{4R} Substituting the values of aa, bb, cc, and RR: Area=20029×21029×104×5\text{Area} = \frac{\frac{200}{29} \times \frac{210}{29} \times 10}{4 \times 5} Simplifying: Area=200×210×1029220\text{Area} = \frac{\frac{200 \times 210 \times 10}{29^2}}{20} Area=200×210×1020×292\text{Area} = \frac{200 \times 210 \times 10}{20 \times 29^2} Area=420000292×20=4200001682024.97sq. units\text{Area} = \frac{420000}{29^2 \times 20} = \frac{420000}{16820} \approx 24.97 \, \text{sq. units}

Final Answer:

The area of the triangle is approximately 25sq. units25 \, \text{sq. units}.

Would you like more details on any of these steps?

Here are five related questions you might be interested in:

  1. How do you find the circumradius of a triangle using other properties?
  2. What is the significance of the inscribed circle in a triangle?
  3. How can Heron's formula be applied to find the area of a triangle?
  4. What are other methods for calculating the area of a triangle inscribed in a circle?
  5. Can this method be extended to other polygons?

Tip: When a triangle is inscribed in a circle, and one side equals the diameter, the triangle is always a right triangle.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangle
Circumradius
Area of a Triangle

Formulas

Area of triangle inscribed in a circle: Area = (abc) / (4R)
Ratio of sides: a = 20k, b = 21k, c = 29k
Circumradius relation: c = 2R

Theorems

Theorem: In a triangle inscribed in a circle, if one side is the diameter, the triangle is a right triangle.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12