Math Problem Statement

△ABC ≅ △EDC and C is the midpoint of AE and DB. If Boat A is 9 miles from Boat B, and Boat A is 30 miles from an object at point E, then what is the length of DB to the nearest mile?

Solution

The problem involves two congruent triangles ABCEDC\triangle ABC \cong \triangle EDC, where CC is the midpoint of AE\overline{AE} and DB\overline{DB}. Here’s the summary and solution:

Given:

  1. Boat A is 99 miles from Boat B.
    AB=9miles.AB = 9 \, \text{miles}.
  2. Boat A is 3030 miles from object EE.
    AE=30miles.AE = 30 \, \text{miles}.
  3. CC is the midpoint of AE\overline{AE} and DB\overline{DB}.
    AC=CE=302=15miles.AC = CE = \frac{30}{2} = 15 \, \text{miles}.

To find:

The length of DB\overline{DB}, rounded to the nearest mile.


Solution:

Since ABCEDC\triangle ABC \cong \triangle EDC, we know the following properties:

  • Corresponding sides of congruent triangles are equal.
  • AB=ED=9milesAB = ED = 9 \, \text{miles}.

Also, CC is the midpoint of DB\overline{DB}, so: DC=CB=DB2.DC = CB = \frac{\overline{DB}}{2}.

Using the Pythagorean theorem in ABC\triangle ABC (or equivalently EDC\triangle EDC), the hypotenuse AB=9AB = 9 forms one leg of the triangle, while AC=15AC = 15 forms another leg. Solving for BCBC: BC=AC2AB2.BC = \sqrt{AC^2 - AB^2}. Substituting the values: BC=15292=22581=144=12miles.BC = \sqrt{15^2 - 9^2} = \sqrt{225 - 81} = \sqrt{144} = 12 \, \text{miles}.

Since DB\overline{DB} consists of 2×BC2 \times BC: DB=212=24miles.DB = 2 \cdot 12 = 24 \, \text{miles}.


Final Answer:

The length of DB\overline{DB} is 24 miles.


Do you have any questions or want more details?
Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the significance of congruent triangles in this problem?
  2. How does the Pythagorean theorem apply here?
  3. Why is DB\overline{DB} calculated as 2BC2 \cdot BC?
  4. How would the solution change if ABAB or AEAE were different?
  5. Can you apply similar methods to calculate other distances in geometry?

Tip: When solving problems involving congruent triangles, use the congruency to equate corresponding sides or angles, simplifying the calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Congruent Triangles
Midpoints
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Midpoint division: DC = CB = DB / 2

Theorems

Congruent Triangles Theorem
Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12