Math Problem Statement

The accompanying figure shows a rectangle inscribed in an isosceles right triangle whose hypotenuse is

10

units long.

a. Express the​ y-coordinate of P in terms of x.​ (You might start by writing an equation for the line​ AB.)

Solution

To solve the problem, let's break it down step by step:

Step 1: Understand the Geometry

Given:

  • An isosceles right triangle with the hypotenuse ABAB of length 10 units.
  • A rectangle is inscribed within this triangle.

Step 2: Determine the Coordinates of Points

Since ABC\triangle ABC is isosceles and right-angled, and the hypotenuse ABAB has a length of 10 units:

  • Let's assume that the triangle is positioned with AA at the origin (0,0)(0,0), BB at (10,0)(10, 0), and CC at (0,10)(0, 10).

Step 3: Equation of Line ABAB

To express the y-coordinate of point PP in terms of the x-coordinate, we first need the equation of the line ABAB.

Since the hypotenuse ABAB lies on a straight line, the slope of the line ABAB can be found using points A(0,0)A(0,0) and B(10,0)B(10, 0): slope of AB=010100=1\text{slope of } AB = \frac{0 - 10}{10 - 0} = -1

Thus, the equation of line ABAB is: y=x+10y = -x + 10

Step 4: Express the y-Coordinate of Point PP in Terms of xx

Let P(x,y)P(x, y) be a point on the line ABAB such that it lies on the hypotenuse. The y-coordinate of PP in terms of xx can be written directly using the equation of the line: y=x+10y = -x + 10

Thus, the y-coordinate of point PP is y=x+10y = -x + 10.

Would you like to dive deeper into this problem or have any other questions? Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you find the dimensions of the inscribed rectangle using the triangle's properties?
  2. What would be the area of the rectangle in terms of xx?
  3. Can you express the x-coordinate of the other corner of the rectangle in terms of yy?
  4. What is the maximum area that the inscribed rectangle can achieve?
  5. How does the position of point PP affect the dimensions of the inscribed rectangle?

Tip: Remember that when dealing with triangles, especially isosceles ones, symmetry can greatly simplify calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

Equation of a line (slope-intercept form)

Theorems

Properties of isosceles right triangles

Suitable Grade Level

High School