Similar to 2013 Mathcounts Nationals # 29 Question: Given the lengths of the trapezoid center of the circle?

, , and , what is the length of , if O is the

Solution I: Extend and

so the two lines intercept at point G. From center O, draw the radius angle E (both ) and

and

Tangent lines are congruent ; angle F , so GFO

right triangle, leg and hypotenuse are congruent.

Thus bisect angle AGB. Using angle bisector theorem and

GAB, you can set up the equation

and

Mrs. Lin : http://mathcountsnotes.blogspot.com

Page 1

Solution II: You can answer extra questions using solution II: What is the ratio of the radius of the circle to the height of the trapezoid?

Using the area of the trapezoid = the sum of the areas of the three triangles have

, you

=
on both sides and you have

Both sides times 2, cancel

Again, using area is the congruent in a triangle, you have Times both sides by 2 and you have = =

Using the same method, you can also get

2013 Mathcounts Nationals sprint #29 and 1992 AIME #9 are similar to this question. Check !! http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/1992_AIME_Problems/Problem_9

Mrs. Lin : http://mathcountsnotes.blogspot.com

Page 2