Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A
problem often appears in multiple strands. The problems are
suitable for most students in Grade 11 or higher.
E
x
A
y
x
y
78
Solution
Construct AB and BE. A, E and F are on the circumference of the circle with
centre B. Therefore, BA = BE = BF .
In 4BEF , BE = BF . Then 4BEF is isosceles and BEF = F = 78 .
Let x = BEA and y = ABC.
In 4BAE, BA = BE and the triangle is isosceles. Therefore,
BAE = BEA = x.
Since B and C are on the circle with centre A, AC = AB and 4ABC is
isosceles. Therefore, C = ABC = y.
EAB is an exterior angle to 4ABC. By the exterior angle theorem for
triangles, EAB = C + ABC. But EAB = x and
C + ABC = y + y = 2y. Therefore, x = 2y.
In 4CEF ,
C + E + F = 180
C + CEB + BEF + 78 = 180
y + x + 78 + 78 = 180
But x = 2y,
y + 2y + 156 = 180
3y = 24
y = 8
Therefore, C = 8 .
1
16
1
16
1
16
When the distribution of the money was complete, each child received the
same amount and no money was left over. Determine the number of children.
Solution
Let T be the total value of the estate. T > 0 since there is money in the estate.
Let y be the amount of money given to each child. y > 0 since each child receives money.
Then Ty is the number of children.
The first child receives x to begin with. There would be (T x) left at this point. The first
1
child then receives 16
of the remaining amount (T x). Therefore, the first child receives
1
(T x).
y = x + 16
The second child receives 2x to begin with. There would now be (T y 2x) left in the estate.
This represents the original amount minus the first childs full share minus the amount received
1
of the remaining amount
so far by the second child. The second child then receives 16
1
(T y 2x). Therefore, the second child receives y = 2x + 16 (T y 2x).
But each child receives the same amount.
1
1
x + (T x) = 2x + (T y 2x)
16
16
1
1
1
1
1
x + T x = 2x + T y (2x)
16
16
16
16
16
1
1
2
x x = 2x y x
16
16
16
Multiply each side of the equation by 16.
16x x = 32x y 2x
15x = 30x y
y = 15x
Therefore each child receives $15x.
(The solution continues on the next page.)
1
(T
16
x) we obtain
1
(T x) = 15x
16
1
(T x) = 14x
16
T x = 224x
T = 225x
Therefore the total value of the estate is 225x.
We can now determine the number of children
T
y
225x
15x
= 15.
!!
"!
#!
&! $
%!
Solution
Both Jennifers age and Johns age must be two digit numbers. If Jennifers age is a one-digit
number, Johns age would have to be a three-digit number to create the four-digit perfect
square. But in 31 years, Jennifers age would then be a two-digit number resulting in at least a
five-digit number when their ages are used to form the second perfect square. A similar
argument could be presented if Johns age is a one-digit number. Therefore, both Jennifer and
John have ages that are each two-digit numbers.
Let Jennifers present age be x and Johns present age be y. Then 100x + y is the four digit
number created by writing Jennifers age followed by Johns age. But 100x + y is a perfect
square so let 100x + y = k 2 , for some positive integer k.
In 31 years, Jennifer will be (x + 31) and John will be (y + 31). The new number created by
writing Jennifers age followed by Johns age is 100(x + 31) + (y + 31). This new four-digit
number is also a perfect square. So 100(x + 31) + (y + 31) = m2 , for some positive integer
m, m > k. This simplifies as follows:
100x + 3100 + y + 31 = m2
100x + y + 3131 = m2 (1)
From our work above, we also have 100x + y = k 2 . Substituting this into (1) we get
k 2 + 3131 = m2 or 3131 = m2 k 2 . m2 k 2 is a difference of squares, so
m2 k 2 = (m + k)(m k) = 3131.
Since m and k are positive integers, m + k is positive and m + k > m k. m k must also be
positive since (m + k)(m k) = 3131. So we are looking for two positive numbers that
multiply to 3131. There are two possibilities, 3131 1 or 101 31.
First we will examine (m + k)(m k) = 3131 1. From this we obtain two equations in two
unknowns, namely m + k = 3131 and m k = 1. Subtracting the two equations gives
2k = 3130 or k = 1565. Then k 2 = 15652 = 2449225. This is not a four-digit number so
3131 1 is not an admissible factorization of 3131.
Next we examine (m + k)(m k) = 101 31. This leads to m + k = 101 and m k = 31.
Subtracting the two equations we get 2k = 70 or k = 35. Then 100x + y = k 2 = 1225.
Therefore, x = 12 and y = 25 since 1225 is the four-digit number formed by writing Jennifers
age, x, followed by Johns age, y.
today Jennifer is 12 and John is 25.
A
x
x
O
D
b
x-a
O
Q
x-b
Join A to O forming two right triangles, 4AP O and 4ASO. Using the
Pythagorean Theorem, AP 2 = AO2 OP 2 and AS 2 = AO2 OS 2 . But
OP = OS since they are both radii. So the two expressions are equal and
AS = AP = a follows.
Using exactly the same reasoning that was used to show AP = AS = a, we can
show DR = DS = b, BP = BQ = x a and CR = CQ = x b. This new
information has been added to the diagram below.
D
b
x-a
x-a
x-b
x-b
We can now find the area of the trapezoid. To find the area of a trapezoid, we
multiply the perpendicular distance between the two parallel sides by the sum
of the lengths of the two parallel sides and then divide the result by 2.
Area Trapezoid ABCD
510
510
510
510
25.5
=
=
=
=
=
=
SQ (AD + BC) 2
(SO + OQ) ((AS + SD) + (BQ + QC)) 2
(10 + 10) ((a + b) + (x a + x b)) 2
(20) (2x) 2
20x
x
Solution
Let a represent Anns first mark, b represent Anns second mark, c represent Anns third mark
and d represent Anns fourth mark.
When the average of her first and second marks is averaged with her third test mark, the new
a+b
+c
+ c = 172. Multiplying by 2 again
average is 86 so 2 2 = 86. Multiplying by 2 gives a+b
2
yields a + b + 2c = 344. (1)
When the average of her second and third marks is averaged with her first test mark, the new
b+c
+a
+ a = 159. Multiplying by 2 again
average is 79.5 so 2 2 = 79.5. Multiplying by 2 gives b+c
2
yields b + c + 2a = 318. (2)
When the average of her first and third marks is averaged with her second test mark, the new
a+c
+b
average is 81.5 so 2 2 = 81.5. Multiplying by 2 gives a+c
+ b = 163. Multiplying by 2 again
2
yields a + c + 2b = 326. (3)
By adding equations (1), (2) and (3) we obtain 4a + 4b + 4c = 988 which simplifies to
a + b + c = 247 after dividing by 4. This means that the sum of her first three marks is 247.
= 85. Substituting a + b + c = 247 we obtain
To obtain an average of 85% Ann needs a+b+c+d
4
247+d
= 85. Multiplying by 4 gives 247 + d = 340 or d = 93.
4
to obtain an average of 85% Ann needs 93 on tomorrows test.
It would be a straight forward process to determine Anns first three test marks but our quest
did not ask us to do this. However, for the curious, on her first test Ann got 71, on her second
test Ann got 79, and on her third test Ann got 97.
!"
$"
!#
%%
=
=
=
=
=
7
7
7
1
1
(1)
At this point we seem to have used up the given information. Maybe we can
learn more by looking at precisely what we are asked to determine.
In this problem, we want the value of the function when x = 1. In other words,
we want f (1).
f (1) = 15 2(1)4 + a(1)3 12 + b(1) 2
= 12+a1+b2
= a+b4
But from (1) above, a + b = 1 so f (1) = (a + b) 4 = (1) 4 = 3.
Therefore, the value of the function is 3 when x = 1.
We are not given enough information to find the precise values of a and b but
enough information is given to solve the problem.
a 735 7
=
= .
b
630 6
700 70
630
+
=
a
2a
b
630
700 35
+
=
a
a
b
735
630
=
a
b
(1)
Let x represent the distance Will is behind Lisa at the end of the run.
When Lisa reaches the bottom, she has travelled 700 m up at a speed of a and
700 m down at a speed of 2a. Will has travelled 700 m up at a speed of b and
(700 x) m down at a speed of 2b.
When Lisa reaches the bottom and Will is x m from the bottom, their times
are the same.
700 700
+
a
2a
1400 700
+
2a
2a
2100
2a
2100
Multiplying by 2,
a
It follows that
700 700 x
+
b
2b
1400 700 x
=
+
2b
2b
2100 x
=
2b
2100 x
=
b
=
a
2100
a 7
=
and = from (1) earlier.
b
2100 x
b
6
2100
7
=
2100 x 6
Solving for x,
12600 = 14700 7x
7x = 2100
x = 300
Therefore Will Race is 300 m behind Lisa-Mai Winn when she
completes the run.
T
Q
The diagram shows the plan for a deck which is to be built on the corner of a
cottage. A railing is to be constructed around the four outer edges of the deck
from P to Q to R to S to T . The length of the rail from P to Q is the same as
the length of the rail from S to T and the length of the rail from Q to R is the
same as the length of the rail from R to S. The total length of the railing is
30 m.
Determine the dimensions of the deck which will have the maximum area.
y
W y-x
S
x
y
V
Q
Solution
Label the corner of the cottage V . Draw a line segment through P V to RS intersecting at W .
P W RS. This makes two rectangles P QRW and W ST V .
Let x represent the length of P Q and ST . Let y represent the length of QR and RS. Since
P QRW is a rectangle, RW = P Q = x and W S = RS RW = y x.
Let A represent the area of the deck.
The total length of fencing is P Q + QR + RS + ST = x + y + y + x = 2x + 2y = 30. By
dividing by 2, x + y = 15. Rearranging to solve for y we obtain y = 15 x. (1)
Area of deck = Area P QRW + Area W ST V
A = QR RW + W S ST
= yx + (y x)x
= (15 x)x + ((15 x) x)x, substituting from (1) above
= (15 x)x + (15 2x)x
= 15x x2 + 15x 2x2
= 3x2 + 30x
= 3(x2 10x)
= 3(x2 10x + 52 52 ), by completing the square
= 3(x 5)2 + 75
This is the equation of a parabola which opens down from a vertex of (5, 75). The maximum
area is 75 m2 when x = 5 m. When x = 5, y = 15 x = 15 5 = 10 m.
The side lengths of the deck are 5 m and 10 m giving a maximum area of 75 m2 .
1 8! + 16 7! 3 7!
40 320 + 80 640 15 120
105 840
7
=
=
= .
362 880
362 880
362 880
24
7.
the probability that a nine digit number is divisible by 4 or ends in 8 is 24
2x + 2y + 2z
19
1
7
11
11
7
1
19
x+y+z
9.5
0.5
3.5
5.5
5.5
3.5
0.5
9.5
1?
(yes / no)
yes
no
yes
no
yes
no
no
no
Solution
Let a represent Anns first mark, b represent Anns second mark, c represent Anns third mark
and d represent Anns fourth mark.
When the average of her first and second marks is averaged with her third test mark, the new
a+b
+c
+ c = 172. Multiplying by 2 again
average is 86 so 2 2 = 86. Multiplying by 2 gives a+b
2
yields a + b + 2c = 344. (1)
When the average of her second and third marks is averaged with her first test mark, the new
b+c
+a
+ a = 159. Multiplying by 2 again
average is 79.5 so 2 2 = 79.5. Multiplying by 2 gives b+c
2
yields b + c + 2a = 318. (2)
When the average of her first and third marks is averaged with her second test mark, the new
a+c
+b
average is 81.5 so 2 2 = 81.5. Multiplying by 2 gives a+c
+ b = 163. Multiplying by 2 again
2
yields a + c + 2b = 326. (3)
By adding equations (1), (2) and (3) we obtain 4a + 4b + 4c = 988 which simplifies to
a + b + c = 247 after dividing by 4. This means that the sum of her first three marks is 247.
= 85. Substituting a + b + c = 247 we obtain
To obtain an average of 85% Ann needs a+b+c+d
4
247+d
= 85. Multiplying by 4 gives 247 + d = 340 or d = 93.
4
to obtain an average of 85% Ann needs 93 on tomorrows test.
It would be a straight forward process to determine Anns first three test marks but our quest
did not ask us to do this. However, for the curious, on her first test Ann got 71, on her second
test Ann got 79, and on her third test Ann got 97.
!"#$%&'()%*#+
!"#$%&'()%*#+
Solution
First we must determine how many five-digit numbers greater than or equal to 10 000 there
are. The largest five-digit number is 99 999 so there are 99 999 numbers from 1 to the largest
five-digit number. This includes the 9 999 numbers from 1 to 9 999 which must be excluded.
So the number of five-digit numbers is 99 999 9 999 = 90 000.
Now we can determine how many five-digit palindromes there are. These numbers look like
abcba. Once the first digit is selected, the last digit is known (and there is really no choice).
Once the second digit is chosen, the fourth digit is known (and again there is really no choice).
There are 9 choices for the first digit. Zero cannot be used as a first digit since the number
must be greater than or equal to 10 000.
For each of the 9 choices for the first digit, there are 10 choices for the second digit. Therefore,
there are 9 10 = 90 choices for the first two digits.
For each of the 90 choices for the first two digits, there are 10 choices for the third digit.
Therefore, there are 90 10 = 900 choices for the first three digits.
Once the first three digits are chosen there is exactly one choice for each of the fourth and fifth
digits. The fourth digit must be the same as the second digit and the fifth digit must be the
same as the first digit. This means that there are 900 1 1 = 900 five-digit palindromes
greater than or equal to 10 000.
The probability is calculated by dividing the number of five-digit palindromes greater than or
equal to 10 000 by the number of five-digit numbers greater than or equal to 10 000.
the probability that a five digit number is a palindrome =
1
900
=
.
90 000
100
C
M
D
M
4ABC is an equilateral triangle with sides of length 2 cm. ALB, BM C, and CKA are arcs of
circles having centres C, A, and B, respectively. Determine the total area of the shaded regions
in the diagram.
Solution
First, determine the area of equilateral 4ABC. Construct the altitude AD. Since the triangle
is equilateral,
all angles are 60 . Therefore, 4ABD is a 30 , 60 , 90 triangle with sides in
ratio 1 : 3 : 2.
2
1 2 1
r = (2)2 = cm2
6
6
3
The shaded part of each sector is equal to the area of the sector minus the area of the
equilateral 4ABC.
Total Shaded Area = 3(area of any whole sector - area of the equilateral triangle)
= 3(area of sector ABM C area 4ABC)
2
= 3
3
3
= (2 3 3) cm2
E
x
A
y
x
y
78
Solution
Construct AB and BE. A, E and F are on the circumference of the circle with
centre B. Therefore, BA = BE = BF .
In 4BEF , BE = BF . Then 4BEF is isosceles and BEF = F = 78 .
Let x = BEA and y = ABC.
In 4BAE, BA = BE and the triangle is isosceles. Therefore,
BAE = BEA = x.
Since B and C are on the circle with centre A, AC = AB and 4ABC is
isosceles. Therefore, C = ABC = y.
EAB is an exterior angle to 4ABC. By the exterior angle theorem for
triangles, EAB = C + ABC. But EAB = x and
C + ABC = y + y = 2y. Therefore, x = 2y.
In 4CEF ,
C + E + F = 180
C + CEB + BEF + 78 = 180
y + x + 78 + 78 = 180
But x = 2y,
y + 2y + 156 = 180
3y = 24
y = 8
Therefore, C = 8 .
2x + 2y + 2z
19
1
7
11
11
7
1
19
x+y+z
9.5
0.5
3.5
5.5
5.5
3.5
0.5
9.5
1?
(yes / no)
yes
no
yes
no
yes
no
no
no
1
16
1
16
1
16
When the distribution of the money was complete, each child received the
same amount and no money was left over. Determine the number of children.
Solution
Let T be the total value of the estate. T > 0 since there is money in the estate.
Let y be the amount of money given to each child. y > 0 since each child receives money.
Then Ty is the number of children.
The first child receives x to begin with. There would be (T x) left at this point. The first
1
child then receives 16
of the remaining amount (T x). Therefore, the first child receives
1
(T x).
y = x + 16
The second child receives 2x to begin with. There would now be (T y 2x) left in the estate.
This represents the original amount minus the first childs full share minus the amount received
1
of the remaining amount
so far by the second child. The second child then receives 16
1
(T y 2x). Therefore, the second child receives y = 2x + 16 (T y 2x).
But each child receives the same amount.
1
1
x + (T x) = 2x + (T y 2x)
16
16
1
1
1
1
1
x + T x = 2x + T y (2x)
16
16
16
16
16
1
1
2
x x = 2x y x
16
16
16
Multiply each side of the equation by 16.
16x x = 32x y 2x
15x = 30x y
y = 15x
Therefore each child receives $15x.
(The solution continues on the next page.)
1
(T
16
x) we obtain
1
(T x) = 15x
16
1
(T x) = 14x
16
T x = 224x
T = 225x
Therefore the total value of the estate is 225x.
We can now determine the number of children
T
y
225x
15x
= 15.
Solution
Both Jennifers age and Johns age must be two digit numbers. If Jennifers age is a one-digit
number, Johns age would have to be a three-digit number to create the four-digit perfect
square. But in 31 years, Jennifers age would then be a two-digit number resulting in at least a
five-digit number when their ages are used to form the second perfect square. A similar
argument could be presented if Johns age is a one-digit number. Therefore, both Jennifer and
John have ages that are each two-digit numbers.
Let Jennifers present age be x and Johns present age be y. Then 100x + y is the four digit
number created by writing Jennifers age followed by Johns age. But 100x + y is a perfect
square so let 100x + y = k 2 , for some positive integer k.
In 31 years, Jennifer will be (x + 31) and John will be (y + 31). The new number created by
writing Jennifers age followed by Johns age is 100(x + 31) + (y + 31). This new four-digit
number is also a perfect square. So 100(x + 31) + (y + 31) = m2 , for some positive integer
m, m > k. This simplifies as follows:
100x + 3100 + y + 31 = m2
100x + y + 3131 = m2 (1)
From our work above, we also have 100x + y = k 2 . Substituting this into (1) we get
k 2 + 3131 = m2 or 3131 = m2 k 2 . m2 k 2 is a difference of squares, so
m2 k 2 = (m + k)(m k) = 3131.
Since m and k are positive integers, m + k is positive and m + k > m k. m k must also be
positive since (m + k)(m k) = 3131. So we are looking for two positive numbers that
multiply to 3131. There are two possibilities, 3131 1 or 101 31.
First we will examine (m + k)(m k) = 3131 1. From this we obtain two equations in two
unknowns, namely m + k = 3131 and m k = 1. Subtracting the two equations gives
2k = 3130 or k = 1565. Then k 2 = 15652 = 2449225. This is not a four-digit number so
3131 1 is not an admissible factorization of 3131.
Next we examine (m + k)(m k) = 101 31. This leads to m + k = 101 and m k = 31.
Subtracting the two equations we get 2k = 70 or k = 35. Then 100x + y = k 2 = 1225.
Therefore, x = 12 and y = 25 since 1225 is the four-digit number formed by writing Jennifers
age, x, followed by Johns age, y.
today Jennifer is 12 and John is 25.
A
x
x
O
D
b
x-a
O
Q
x-b
Join A to O forming two right triangles, 4AP O and 4ASO. Using the
Pythagorean Theorem, AP 2 = AO2 OP 2 and AS 2 = AO2 OS 2 . But
OP = OS since they are both radii. So the two expressions are equal and
AS = AP = a follows.
Using exactly the same reasoning that was used to show AP = AS = a, we can
show DR = DS = b, BP = BQ = x a and CR = CQ = x b. This new
information has been added to the diagram below.
D
b
x-a
x-a
x-b
x-b
We can now find the area of the trapezoid. To find the area of a trapezoid, we
multiply the perpendicular distance between the two parallel sides by the sum
of the lengths of the two parallel sides and then divide the result by 2.
Area Trapezoid ABCD
510
510
510
510
25.5
=
=
=
=
=
=
SQ (AD + BC) 2
(SO + OQ) ((AS + SD) + (BQ + QC)) 2
(10 + 10) ((a + b) + (x a + x b)) 2
(20) (2x) 2
20x
x
!"
$"
!#
%%
=
=
=
=
=
7
7
7
1
1
(1)
At this point we seem to have used up the given information. Maybe we can
learn more by looking at precisely what we are asked to determine.
In this problem, we want the value of the function when x = 1. In other words,
we want f (1).
f (1) = 15 2(1)4 + a(1)3 12 + b(1) 2
= 12+a1+b2
= a+b4
But from (1) above, a + b = 1 so f (1) = (a + b) 4 = (1) 4 = 3.
Therefore, the value of the function is 3 when x = 1.
We are not given enough information to find the precise values of a and b but
enough information is given to solve the problem.
a 735 7
=
= .
b
630 6
700 70
630
+
=
a
2a
b
630
700 35
+
=
a
a
b
735
630
=
a
b
(1)
Let x represent the distance Will is behind Lisa at the end of the run.
When Lisa reaches the bottom, she has travelled 700 m up at a speed of a and
700 m down at a speed of 2a. Will has travelled 700 m up at a speed of b and
(700 x) m down at a speed of 2b.
When Lisa reaches the bottom and Will is x m from the bottom, their times
are the same.
700 700
+
a
2a
1400 700
+
2a
2a
2100
2a
2100
Multiplying by 2,
a
It follows that
700 700 x
+
b
2b
1400 700 x
=
+
2b
2b
2100 x
=
2b
2100 x
=
b
=
a
2100
a 7
=
and = from (1) earlier.
b
2100 x
b
6
2100
7
=
2100 x 6
Solving for x,
12600 = 14700 7x
7x = 2100
x = 300
Therefore Will Race is 300 m behind Lisa-Mai Winn when she
completes the run.
Similar cuts are made at each of the remaining corners of the cube.
Determine the increase or decrease in total surface area as a result of slicing
the eight corners off the original cube.
Solution
To determine the increase or decrease in surface area, we need only
look at one corner, find the surface area increase or decrease there
and multiply the result by eight to account for the eight corners.
At each corner, the surface area of three right angled triangles is
removed and replaced by the surface area of a single triangle.
Since the cut is made from the midpoints of three adjacent sides,
each right triangle has base and height with length 2 cm. The
resulting area of one of the right triangles is 12 (2)(2) = 2 cm2 .
The hypotenuse
of the right triangle is found using Pythagoras Thep
2
2
orem, 2 + 2 = 8 = 2 2. Since the length of the hypotenuse is
the same in each of the three right triangles,
the remaining triangle
in the corner is equilateral with side lengths 2 2. The triangle looks
like the bottom triangle shown to the right.
The altitude of an equilateral triangle right bisects the base. Let
h be the
Theorem,
height
of the triangle. Using Pythagoras
h2 = (2 2)2 ( 2)2 = 8 2 = 6. Therefore h = 6.
2 2
2 2
Two circles with centres O and P , each with a radius of 2, are tangent to each
other. A straight line is drawn through O and P meeting the circles at A
and B. Two other sides of 4ABC are drawn such that side AC is tangent to
the circle with centre P at D and side CB is tangent to the circle with
centre P at B.
Determine the length of BC.
For purposes of this problem accept the fact that a line drawn from the centre
of a circle to a point of tangency is perpendicular to the tangent.
D
2
A
2 O
2T
Solution
Let T be the point of tangency of the two circles. Then
AO = OT = T P = P B = 2. Since AC is tangent to the circle with centre P
at D, CD P D. Since CB is tangent to the circle with centre P at B,
CB P B. Since P D and P B are radii of the circle with centre P ,
P D = P B = 2. This information has been added to the diagram.
4ADP is right angled at D since AD P D. So
4
4 2
16
=2 2
CB = = =
2
4 2
2
There are many other solutions to this problem. The solver can use
Pythagoras Theorem in 4ABC. Another solution uses similar triangles
4AP D and 4ACB.
B
2
T
Q
The diagram shows the plan for a deck which is to be built on the corner of a
cottage. A railing is to be constructed around the four outer edges of the deck
from P to Q to R to S to T . The length of the rail from P to Q is the same as
the length of the rail from S to T and the length of the rail from Q to R is the
same as the length of the rail from R to S. The total length of the railing is
30 m.
Determine the dimensions of the deck which will have the maximum area.
y
W y-x
S
x
y
V
Q
Solution
Label the corner of the cottage V . Draw a line segment through P V to RS intersecting at W .
P W RS. This makes two rectangles P QRW and W ST V .
Let x represent the length of P Q and ST . Let y represent the length of QR and RS. Since
P QRW is a rectangle, RW = P Q = x and W S = RS RW = y x.
Let A represent the area of the deck.
The total length of fencing is P Q + QR + RS + ST = x + y + y + x = 2x + 2y = 30. By
dividing by 2, x + y = 15. Rearranging to solve for y we obtain y = 15 x. (1)
Area of deck = Area P QRW + Area W ST V
A = QR RW + W S ST
= yx + (y x)x
= (15 x)x + ((15 x) x)x, substituting from (1) above
= (15 x)x + (15 2x)x
= 15x x2 + 15x 2x2
= 3x2 + 30x
= 3(x2 10x)
= 3(x2 10x + 52 52 ), by completing the square
= 3(x 5)2 + 75
This is the equation of a parabola which opens down from a vertex of (5, 75). The maximum
area is 75 m2 when x = 5 m. When x = 5, y = 15 x = 15 5 = 10 m.
The side lengths of the deck are 5 m and 10 m giving a maximum area of 75 m2 .
C
M
D
M
4ABC is an equilateral triangle with sides of length 2 cm. ALB, BM C, and CKA are arcs of
circles having centres C, A, and B, respectively. Determine the total area of the shaded regions
in the diagram.
Solution
First, determine the area of equilateral 4ABC. Construct the altitude AD. Since the triangle
is equilateral,
all angles are 60 . Therefore, 4ABD is a 30 , 60 , 90 triangle with sides in
ratio 1 : 3 : 2.
2
1 2 1
r = (2)2 = cm2
6
6
3
The shaded part of each sector is equal to the area of the sector minus the area of the
equilateral 4ABC.
Total Shaded Area = 3(area of any whole sector - area of the equilateral triangle)
= 3(area of sector ABM C area 4ABC)
2
= 3
3
3
= (2 3 3) cm2
A
x
x
O
D
b
x-a
O
Q
x-b
Join A to O forming two right triangles, 4AP O and 4ASO. Using the
Pythagorean Theorem, AP 2 = AO2 OP 2 and AS 2 = AO2 OS 2 . But
OP = OS since they are both radii. So the two expressions are equal and
AS = AP = a follows.
Using exactly the same reasoning that was used to show AP = AS = a, we can
show DR = DS = b, BP = BQ = x a and CR = CQ = x b. This new
information has been added to the diagram below.
D
b
x-a
x-a
x-b
x-b
We can now find the area of the trapezoid. To find the area of a trapezoid, we
multiply the perpendicular distance between the two parallel sides by the sum
of the lengths of the two parallel sides and then divide the result by 2.
Area Trapezoid ABCD
510
510
510
510
25.5
=
=
=
=
=
=
SQ (AD + BC) 2
(SO + OQ) ((AS + SD) + (BQ + QC)) 2
(10 + 10) ((a + b) + (x a + x b)) 2
(20) (2x) 2
20x
x
a 735 7
=
= .
b
630 6
700 70
630
+
=
a
2a
b
630
700 35
+
=
a
a
b
735
630
=
a
b
(1)
Let x represent the distance Will is behind Lisa at the end of the run.
When Lisa reaches the bottom, she has travelled 700 m up at a speed of a and
700 m down at a speed of 2a. Will has travelled 700 m up at a speed of b and
(700 x) m down at a speed of 2b.
When Lisa reaches the bottom and Will is x m from the bottom, their times
are the same.
700 700
+
a
2a
1400 700
+
2a
2a
2100
2a
2100
Multiplying by 2,
a
It follows that
700 700 x
+
b
2b
1400 700 x
=
+
2b
2b
2100 x
=
2b
2100 x
=
b
=
a
2100
a 7
=
and = from (1) earlier.
b
2100 x
b
6
2100
7
=
2100 x 6
Solving for x,
12600 = 14700 7x
7x = 2100
x = 300
Therefore Will Race is 300 m behind Lisa-Mai Winn when she
completes the run.
Similar cuts are made at each of the remaining corners of the cube.
Determine the increase or decrease in total surface area as a result of slicing
the eight corners off the original cube.
Solution
To determine the increase or decrease in surface area, we need only
look at one corner, find the surface area increase or decrease there
and multiply the result by eight to account for the eight corners.
At each corner, the surface area of three right angled triangles is
removed and replaced by the surface area of a single triangle.
Since the cut is made from the midpoints of three adjacent sides,
each right triangle has base and height with length 2 cm. The
resulting area of one of the right triangles is 12 (2)(2) = 2 cm2 .
The hypotenuse
of the right triangle is found using Pythagoras Thep
2
2
orem, 2 + 2 = 8 = 2 2. Since the length of the hypotenuse is
the same in each of the three right triangles,
the remaining triangle
in the corner is equilateral with side lengths 2 2. The triangle looks
like the bottom triangle shown to the right.
The altitude of an equilateral triangle right bisects the base. Let
h be the
Theorem,
height
of the triangle. Using Pythagoras
h2 = (2 2)2 ( 2)2 = 8 2 = 6. Therefore h = 6.
2 2
2 2
Two circles with centres O and P , each with a radius of 2, are tangent to each
other. A straight line is drawn through O and P meeting the circles at A
and B. Two other sides of 4ABC are drawn such that side AC is tangent to
the circle with centre P at D and side CB is tangent to the circle with
centre P at B.
Determine the length of BC.
For purposes of this problem accept the fact that a line drawn from the centre
of a circle to a point of tangency is perpendicular to the tangent.
D
2
A
2 O
2T
Solution
Let T be the point of tangency of the two circles. Then
AO = OT = T P = P B = 2. Since AC is tangent to the circle with centre P
at D, CD P D. Since CB is tangent to the circle with centre P at B,
CB P B. Since P D and P B are radii of the circle with centre P ,
P D = P B = 2. This information has been added to the diagram.
4ADP is right angled at D since AD P D. So
4
4 2
16
=2 2
CB = = =
2
4 2
2
There are many other solutions to this problem. The solver can use
Pythagoras Theorem in 4ABC. Another solution uses similar triangles
4AP D and 4ACB.
B
2
T
Q
The diagram shows the plan for a deck which is to be built on the corner of a
cottage. A railing is to be constructed around the four outer edges of the deck
from P to Q to R to S to T . The length of the rail from P to Q is the same as
the length of the rail from S to T and the length of the rail from Q to R is the
same as the length of the rail from R to S. The total length of the railing is
30 m.
Determine the dimensions of the deck which will have the maximum area.
y
W y-x
S
x
y
V
Q
Solution
Label the corner of the cottage V . Draw a line segment through P V to RS intersecting at W .
P W RS. This makes two rectangles P QRW and W ST V .
Let x represent the length of P Q and ST . Let y represent the length of QR and RS. Since
P QRW is a rectangle, RW = P Q = x and W S = RS RW = y x.
Let A represent the area of the deck.
The total length of fencing is P Q + QR + RS + ST = x + y + y + x = 2x + 2y = 30. By
dividing by 2, x + y = 15. Rearranging to solve for y we obtain y = 15 x. (1)
Area of deck = Area P QRW + Area W ST V
A = QR RW + W S ST
= yx + (y x)x
= (15 x)x + ((15 x) x)x, substituting from (1) above
= (15 x)x + (15 2x)x
= 15x x2 + 15x 2x2
= 3x2 + 30x
= 3(x2 10x)
= 3(x2 10x + 52 52 ), by completing the square
= 3(x 5)2 + 75
This is the equation of a parabola which opens down from a vertex of (5, 75). The maximum
area is 75 m2 when x = 5 m. When x = 5, y = 15 x = 15 5 = 10 m.
The side lengths of the deck are 5 m and 10 m giving a maximum area of 75 m2 .
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