Math Problem Statement

In triangle ABC, medians BD and CE intersect at F such that m∠BFE = 30°. If the lengths of BD and CE are 18 cm and 15 cm respectively, find the area, in square cm, of ∆ABC. 

Solution

Given triangle ΔABC\Delta ABC, medians BDBD and CECE intersect at point FF. We know the following:

  • mBFE=30m\angle BFE = 30^\circ
  • Length of median BD=18BD = 18 cm
  • Length of median CE=15CE = 15 cm

We need to find the area of ΔABC\Delta ABC.

Step 1: Use the properties of the centroid and medians

The point FF is the centroid of the triangle ΔABC\Delta ABC, and it divides each median in the ratio 2:12:1. Therefore, the lengths of BFBF and CFCF are: BF=23×BD=23×18=12 cmBF = \frac{2}{3} \times BD = \frac{2}{3} \times 18 = 12 \text{ cm} CF=23×CE=23×15=10 cmCF = \frac{2}{3} \times CE = \frac{2}{3} \times 15 = 10 \text{ cm}

Step 2: Apply the formula for the area of the triangle using medians

The area AA of triangle ΔABC\Delta ABC can be calculated using the formula: Area of ΔABC=43×Area of ΔBFC\text{Area of } \Delta ABC = \frac{4}{3} \times \text{Area of } \Delta BFC

Step 3: Calculate the area of triangle ΔBFC\Delta BFC

ΔBFC\Delta BFC can be calculated using the formula for the area of a triangle when two sides and the included angle are known: Area of ΔBFC=12×BF×CF×sin(BFC)\text{Area of } \Delta BFC = \frac{1}{2} \times BF \times CF \times \sin(\angle BFC) Given BFE=30\angle BFE = 30^\circ, and assuming BFC=BFE=30\angle BFC = \angle BFE = 30^\circ: Area of ΔBFC=12×12×10×sin30\text{Area of } \Delta BFC = \frac{1}{2} \times 12 \times 10 \times \sin 30^\circ Area of ΔBFC=12×12×10×12=30 square cm\text{Area of } \Delta BFC = \frac{1}{2} \times 12 \times 10 \times \frac{1}{2} = 30 \text{ square cm}

Step 4: Calculate the area of ΔABC\Delta ABC

Now, using the relation for the area of ΔABC\Delta ABC: Area of ΔABC=43×30=40 square cm\text{Area of } \Delta ABC = \frac{4}{3} \times 30 = 40 \text{ square cm}

Conclusion:

The area of ΔABC\Delta ABC is 40 square cm.


Do you want details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How would the area change if BFE\angle BFE were 6060^\circ instead of 3030^\circ?
  2. What is the significance of the centroid in a triangle regarding area?
  3. Can the area of a triangle be calculated using medians without knowing the angle between them?
  4. How do we derive the formula for the area of a triangle using two sides and the included angle?
  5. What if BDBD and CECE were not medians—how would that affect the area calculation?

Tip: Remember that the centroid divides each median into a 2:12:1 ratio, which simplifies calculations involving medians and areas.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Triangle geometry
Centroid
Median properties
Triangle area formula

Formulas

Area of a triangle using medians
Centroid divides medians in 2:1 ratio

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School