Math Problem Statement

Consider this math question: Let ABC be a triangle with vertices A(0, 0), B(1,0), and C(x, y), where x and y are positive real numbers. The centroid of AABC is G (,). The line y = mx passes through G and divides AABC into two 3 triangles of equal area. If the ratio of the area of AABC to the area of the triangle formed by the line y = mx and the x-axis is -9/4 find the value of x.

Solution

Solution:

We are tasked with finding the value of xx in a triangle geometry problem where a line divides the triangle into two equal-area regions. Let’s solve this step-by-step.


Step 1: Coordinates of the centroid

The centroid GG of triangle ABC\triangle ABC is given by the formula: G(x1+x2+x33,y1+y2+y33),G\left( \frac{x_1+x_2+x_3}{3}, \frac{y_1+y_2+y_3}{3} \right), where the vertices are A(0,0),B(1,0),C(x,y)A(0, 0), B(1, 0), C(x, y).

Substituting the coordinates: G(0+1+x3,0+0+y3)=(1+x3,y3).G\left( \frac{0+1+x}{3}, \frac{0+0+y}{3} \right) = \left( \frac{1+x}{3}, \frac{y}{3} \right).


Step 2: Area of ABC\triangle ABC

The area of ABC\triangle ABC is: Area=12x1(y2y3)+x2(y3y1)+x3(y1y2).\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| x_1(y_2-y_3) + x_2(y_3-y_1) + x_3(y_1-y_2) \right|.

Substituting A(0,0),B(1,0),C(x,y)A(0, 0), B(1, 0), C(x, y): Area of ABC=120(0y)+1(y0)+x(00)=12y.\text{Area of } \triangle ABC = \frac{1}{2} \left| 0(0-y) + 1(y-0) + x(0-0) \right| = \frac{1}{2} |y|.

Thus: Area of ABC=y2.\text{Area of } \triangle ABC = \frac{y}{2}.


Step 3: The line y=mxy = mx passing through GG

The line y=mxy = mx passes through the centroid G(1+x3,y3)G\left( \frac{1+x}{3}, \frac{y}{3} \right). Substituting this point into the line equation: y3=m1+x3.\frac{y}{3} = m \cdot \frac{1+x}{3}.

Simplify: y=m(1+x).y = m(1+x).


Step 4: Ratio of areas

The problem states that the line y=mxy = mx divides ABC\triangle ABC into two triangles of equal area. This means: Ratio of total area of ABC to the area of the triangle formed by y=mx and the x-axis=94.\text{Ratio of total area of } \triangle ABC \text{ to the area of the triangle formed by } y=mx \text{ and the x-axis} = \frac{-9}{4}.

Let’s compute the area of the triangle formed by y=mxy = mx and the x-axis. This triangle lies below the line y=mxy = mx and has its base along the x-axis from x=0x = 0 to x=ymx = \frac{y}{m}, and height yy.

The area is: Area=12ymy=y22m.\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{y}{m} \cdot y = \frac{y^2}{2m}.

Now, the ratio of areas is: Area of ABCArea of triangle formed by y=mx and x-axis=y2y22m=my.\frac{\text{Area of } \triangle ABC}{\text{Area of triangle formed by } y=mx \text{ and x-axis}} = \frac{\frac{y}{2}}{\frac{y^2}{2m}} = \frac{m}{y}.

The problem states this ratio is 94-\frac{9}{4}: my=94.\frac{m}{y} = -\frac{9}{4}.


Step 5: Solve for xx

From the above equation: m=9y4.m = -\frac{9y}{4}.

Substituting m=y1+xm = \frac{y}{1+x} (from Step 3): y1+x=9y4.\frac{y}{1+x} = -\frac{9y}{4}.

Cancel yy (since y>0y > 0): 11+x=94.\frac{1}{1+x} = -\frac{9}{4}.

Cross-multiply: 4=9(1+x).4 = -9(1+x).

Simplify: 4=99x.4 = -9 - 9x.

9x=13x=139.9x = -13 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = -\frac{13}{9}.


Final Answer:

x=139.x = -\frac{13}{9}.

Would you like additional clarification on the steps? Here are five related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How is the centroid of a triangle calculated?
  2. Why does the line y=mxy = mx divide the triangle into two equal areas?
  3. How do we compute the area of a triangle formed by a line and the x-axis?
  4. What is the significance of the ratio 94-\frac{9}{4}?
  5. Can this method be generalized for other triangles?

Tip: Always double-check your work for errors in substituting equations or solving fractions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Centroid of a Triangle
Area Ratios
Equations of Lines

Formulas

Centroid formula: G(x, y) = ((x1+x2+x3)/3, (y1+y2+y3)/3)
Triangle area formula: Area = 1/2 * |x1(y2-y3) + x2(y3-y1) + x3(y1-y2)|
Line equation: y = mx

Theorems

Properties of Centroids
Basic Geometry of Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12