The diagonals divide the trapezoid into four triangles. Find the area of a triangle adjacent to the larger
The diagonals divide the trapezoid into four triangles. Find the area of a triangle adjacent to the larger base if the areas of the triangles adjacent to the side and the smaller base are 6 and 4, respectively.
Let us construct a perpendicular BH to the AC diagonal.
Consider triangles ABO and BOC, which have a common height BH, then:
Saov = OA * BH / 2 = 6 cm2.
BH = 2 * 6 / OA = 12 / OA.
Svos = OS * BH / 2 = 4 cm2.
BH = 2 * 4 / OC = 8 / OC.
Equate equalities 1 and 2.
12 / OA = 8 / OC.
OS / OA = 8/12 = 2/3.
In triangles BОС and AOD, the angle BОС = AOD as vertical angles, the angle ОBС = ОDА as criss-crossing angles at the intersection of parallel lines BC and AD of the secant BD, then the triangles BОС and AOD are similar in two angles.
OC / OA = 2/3 is the coefficient of similarity of triangles.
Then Svos / Sаod = (2/3) 2 = 4/9.
Saod = Svos * 9/4 = 4 * 9/4 = 9 cm2.
Answer: The area of the triangle at the larger base is 9 cm2.