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Three by One

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
Secondary curriculum
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Three by One printable sheet


$ABCD$ is a rectangle where $BC$ = $3AB$. $P$ and $Q$ are points on $BC$ such that $BP$ = $PQ$ = $QC$.

Diagram of rectangle ABCD

Show that: angle $DBC$ + angle $DPC$ = angle $DQC$

Generalise this result.

 

N.B. This problem can be tackled in at least 8 different ways using different mathematics learnt in the last two years in school and earlier. The methods are essentially the same when viewed from a more advanced perspective.

 

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Flexi Quads

A quadrilateral changes shape with the edge lengths constant. Show the scalar product of the diagonals is constant. If the diagonals are perpendicular in one position are they always perpendicular?

Tetra Perp

Show that the edges $AD$ and $BC$ of a tetrahedron $ABCD$ are mutually perpendicular if and only if $AB^2 +CD^2 = AC^2+BD^2$. This problem uses the scalar product of two vectors.

Flexi Quad Tan

As a quadrilateral Q is deformed (keeping the edge lengths constnt) the diagonals and the angle X between them change. Prove that the area of Q is proportional to tanX.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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