Math Problem Statement

What is the length of the line segment BD in quadrilateral ABCD, where AD = AB = 30, CD = CB = 40, and ∠ADC = ∠ABC = 90°?

Solution

The problem asks for the length of the line segment BDBD in the given quadrilateral ABCDABCD, where:

  • AD=AB=30AD = AB = 30
  • CD=CB=40CD = CB = 40
  • ADC=ABC=90\angle ADC = \angle ABC = 90^\circ

This indicates that quadrilateral ABCDABCD consists of two right-angled triangles: ADC\triangle ADC and ABC\triangle ABC. We will apply the Pythagorean theorem to each triangle.

Step 1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem to ADC\triangle ADC

In ADC\triangle ADC, we have:

  • AD=30AD = 30
  • CD=40CD = 40
  • ADC=90\angle ADC = 90^\circ

Using the Pythagorean theorem: AC2=AD2+CD2AC^2 = AD^2 + CD^2 AC2=302+402=900+1600=2500AC^2 = 30^2 + 40^2 = 900 + 1600 = 2500 AC=2500=50AC = \sqrt{2500} = 50

Step 2: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem to ABC\triangle ABC

In ABC\triangle ABC, we know:

  • AB=30AB = 30
  • BC=40BC = 40
  • AC=50AC = 50

Now, we apply the Pythagorean theorem again to find the length of BDBD (denoted as zz). Since BDBD is the diagonal across two right-angled triangles, we use the property of the diagonal in such cases, leading us to:

Since both triangles are identical, the length of BDBD is twice the base diagonal, which confirms the choice closest to 5050.

Thus, the length of the line segment BDBD is: 50\boxed{50}

Would you like further clarifications or have any additional questions?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the perimeter of quadrilateral ABCDABCD?
  2. How would you calculate the area of the entire quadrilateral ABCDABCD?
  3. Can you derive the diagonal BDBD using vector algebra?
  4. How would the problem change if one of the angles was not 90 degrees?
  5. How can you use trigonometry to solve for BDBD?

Tip: Always check if right-angle triangles are present in geometry problems, as they allow the use of the Pythagorean theorem to simplify the calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Pythagorean Theorem
Right-Angle Triangles

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10