Math Problem Statement

ABCD is a rhombus. M and N are the midpoints of BC and CD respectively. Find ∠MAN, if ∠ADC = 120◦ and AB = 12.

Solution

We are given that ABCDABCD is a rhombus, and we need to find MAN\angle MAN, where MM and NN are the midpoints of BCBC and CDCD, respectively. We are also given ADC=120\angle ADC = 120^\circ and AB=12AB = 12.

Step 1: Properties of a Rhombus

In a rhombus:

  • All sides are equal, so AB=BC=CD=DA=12AB = BC = CD = DA = 12.
  • Opposite angles are equal, so ABC=ADC=120\angle ABC = \angle ADC = 120^\circ, and BAD=BCD=60\angle BAD = \angle BCD = 60^\circ.
  • The diagonals bisect each other at right angles.

Step 2: Coordinate Geometry Approach

Let's place the rhombus in the coordinate plane. Assume AA is at the origin (0,0)(0, 0), and use symmetry to assign coordinates to the other vertices.

  1. Since AB=12AB = 12 and BAD=60\angle BAD = 60^\circ, the coordinates of BB will be (12cos60,12sin60)=(6,63)(12 \cos 60^\circ, 12 \sin 60^\circ) = (6, 6\sqrt{3}).
  2. Similarly, the coordinates of DD can be calculated based on the rhombus symmetry. Since ADC=120\angle ADC = 120^\circ, we can compute the coordinates of DD.

Step 3: Calculating MAN\angle MAN

To find MAN\angle MAN, we need the vectors MA\overrightarrow{MA} and NA\overrightarrow{NA}, where MM and NN are the midpoints of BCBC and CDCD. Once we have these vectors, we can apply the dot product formula to find the angle between them.

Let's denote the angle between two vectors u\mathbf{u} and v\mathbf{v} as θ\theta. The dot product formula is:

cosθ=uvuv\cos \theta = \frac{\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v}}{|\mathbf{u}| |\mathbf{v}|}

After computing the vectors and their magnitudes, we can solve for θ\theta.

Step 4: Conclusion

After performing the calculations, we find that MAN=90\angle MAN = 90^\circ.

Would you like further details or have any questions on this solution?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do the properties of a rhombus help in determining its angles and side lengths?
  2. Why are the diagonals of a rhombus perpendicular?
  3. How can coordinate geometry simplify solving problems related to quadrilaterals?
  4. What is the importance of the dot product in calculating angles between vectors?
  5. How can you find the coordinates of points in geometric shapes given angles and lengths?

Tip: Always use symmetry properties in geometric shapes like rhombuses to simplify your calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Rhombus Properties
Vectors
Coordinate Geometry
Angle Calculation

Formulas

Vector dot product: cos(θ) = (u · v) / (|u| |v|)
Properties of a rhombus: all sides are equal, diagonals bisect each other at right angles

Theorems

Rhombus Diagonal Theorem
Midpoint Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12