Mathematics 4024 · O Level · Non-right-angled triangles

Non-right-angled triangles — practice question

The points $A$, $B$ and $D$ lie on one straight line, while $A$, $C$ and $E$ lie on another. $BD = 12\text{ cm}$ and $CE = 4\text{ cm}$. $AB = x\text{ cm}$ and $AC = (2x - 5)\text{ cm}$. Angle $BAC = \theta^{\circ}$.
(a)[2]

Show that the ratio $\dfrac{\text{area of triangle }ABC}{\text{area of triangle }ADE}$ equals $\dfrac{AB \times AC}{AD \times AE}$.

(b)[3]

The ratio $\dfrac{\text{area of triangle }ABC}{\text{area of triangle }ADE}$ is given as $\dfrac{1}{3}$. Using the result from part (a), form an equation in $x$ and show that it reduces to $2x^2 - 19x + 6 = 0$.

(c(i))[3]

Solve the equation $2x^2 - 19x + 6 = 0$, and state each solution correct to $2$ decimal places.

(c(ii))[1]

State, with a reason, which one of these solutions is not valid for triangle $ABC$.

(d)[3]

If $\theta = 25$, calculate $BC$.

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