In the figure, matching tick marks indicate congruent segments. The perimeter of is centimeters.
Which choice gives the area, in square centimeters, of the shaded triangular region?
For a figure that combines a large special right triangle with a smaller right triangle inside it, first use the large triangle to determine an actual side length. Then transfer that length using any congruence markings. Finally, treat the shaded triangle as its own right triangle and use the relevant trig ratio or special-triangle ratio before applying the area formula.
Hints
Identify a special right triangle
Use the angle and the right-angle marker at to write the three side lengths of in terms of .
Use the perimeter before the shaded region
Set the sum of the three side lengths of equal to the given perimeter. Then use the matching tick marks.
Focus on the small right triangle
In , the angle at is still . Relate to with tangent, then use the triangle-area formula.
Desmos Guide
Find the short leg
Algebra is faster for this problem. For a Desmos verification, graph y=x(3+sqrt(3)) and y=24+8sqrt(3). Click their intersection to confirm that .
Calculate the shaded area
Enter (1/2)(8)(8/sqrt(3)). Desmos displays the decimal value of the shaded area; the exact form is found by rationalizing the denominator.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the large right triangle
Let . Since and , is a -- triangle. Its side lengths are , , and .
Therefore, its perimeter is
Set this equal to the given perimeter:
so . Thus, .
Use the congruent-segment marking
The matching tick marks show that . Therefore, .
Find the height of the shaded triangle
Triangle is a right triangle with . Using ,
Thus,
Calculate the shaded area
The shaded region is , so