Math Problem Statement

Find the ratio \(\frac{\text{area of } \triangle AEF}{\text{area of } \triangle ACF}\), given that \(BD:DC = 2:1\), \(AE:EB = 3:1\), and \(AD\) and \(CE\) intersect at \(F\).

Solution

To solve the given problem:

We are tasked with finding the ratio area of AEFarea of ACF\frac{\text{area of } \triangle AEF}{\text{area of } \triangle ACF}, given the following conditions:

  1. BD:DC=2:1BD:DC = 2:1,
  2. AE:EB=3:1AE:EB = 3:1,
  3. ADAD and CECE intersect at FF.

Solution:

1. Key Observations

  • The ratio of the areas of triangles that share the same height is proportional to the ratio of their respective bases.
  • FF divides ABC\triangle ABC into smaller triangles. Using the given ratios, we can determine the proportions of these triangles.

2. Ratios of Intersections

  • From BD:DC=2:1BD:DC = 2:1, DD divides BCBC in the ratio 2:12:1.
  • From AE:EB=3:1AE:EB = 3:1, EE divides ABAB in the ratio 3:13:1.

3. Area Ratios

  • Since EE divides ABAB in the ratio 3:13:1, the area of ABE\triangle ABE is split in the same ratio between AFE\triangle AFE and AFB\triangle AFB.
  • Similarly, since DD divides BCBC in the ratio 2:12:1, the area of BCD\triangle BCD is split in the same ratio between BCF\triangle BCF and BFD\triangle BFD.

4. Using the Intersection Point FF

  • The intersection FF divides the triangle into six smaller regions, and we can relate their areas using the ratios of segments on the sides.
  • AEF\triangle AEF is proportional to ACF\triangle ACF since they share the same altitude from AA to BCBC, but their base ratios will determine the final area proportions.

By solving using the given ratios:

  • The area ratio AEFACF\frac{\triangle AEF}{\triangle ACF} is 2:12:1.

Thus, the correct answer is A: 2:1.


Would you like to see a step-by-step breakdown with diagrams or additional clarification?

Related Questions:

  1. How do the ratios of segments relate to the division of area in a triangle?
  2. What is the mathematical principle behind dividing areas using shared heights?
  3. How does the point of intersection of medians affect area division in a triangle?
  4. Can this principle apply to other polygons divided into sub-regions?
  5. What is the relation between triangle similarity and area ratios?

Tip:

When solving geometric problems with ratios, always express all unknowns in terms of the given ratios to simplify computations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Area Ratios
Triangles
Proportions

Formulas

Area of triangle = \frac{1}{2} \times base \times height
Area ratios for triangles with common height are proportional to the ratio of their bases

Theorems

Proportionality Theorem
Area Ratios Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12