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Two Triangles in a Square

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
Secondary curriculum
  • Problem
  • Student Solutions

You may like to ponder the fact that, looking at David's diagram below, the square $LPKJ$ is 1/5th of the area of the square $ABCD$.

The following solution came from David (Madras College).

Label angles $x$ and $y$, where $x + y = 90^{\circ}$, $\angle MBC = x$ and $\angle ABM = y$

A line is drawn from point $A$ to point $L$ so that $\angle ALB = 90^{\circ}$

Triangles $ABL$ and $BCP$ are congruent because they have equal angles and $AB = BC$. Similarly triangles $CDK$ and $DAJ$ can be proven congruent with $ABL$ and $BCP$ forming a "camera shutter'' shape.

Triangle $ABM$ is similar to the four congruent triangles (with angles $x$, $y$ and $90^{\circ}$) and therefore the proportions are the same.

Because $AB = 2AM$ we have $PC = 2PB$ and then, as $KC = PB$, we have $PC = 2KC$, so $K$ is the midpoint of the line $PC$.

When triangle $CDK$ is reflected along the line $DK$, the line $DP$ is the reflection of the line $DC$ and they are therefore the same length.


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Fitting In

The largest square which fits into a circle is ABCD and EFGH is a square with G and H on the line CD and E and F on the circumference of the circle. Show that AB = 5EF. Similarly the largest equilateral triangle which fits into a circle is LMN and PQR is an equilateral triangle with P and Q on the line LM and R on the circumference of the circle. Show that LM = 3PQ

Look Before You Leap

Can you spot a cunning way to work out the missing length?

Triangle Midpoints

You are only given the three midpoints of the sides of a triangle. How can you construct the original triangle?

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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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