Bunuel
The figure shown is a rhombus in which the measure of angle A = 120°. What is the ratio of the length of AC to the length of DB?
A. \(1:2\sqrt{3}\)
B. \(1:2\sqrt{2}\)
C. \(1:2\)
D. \(1:\sqrt{3}\)
E. \(1:\sqrt{2}\)
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Geometry plus clues . . .
THREE clues suggest that a (30-60-90)
triangle is likely to help solve:
• The figure is a rhombus
Equal side lengths,
diagonals bisect vertices,
diagonals are perpendicular
(create 90° angles),
opposite angles are equal
• Vertex A = 120° (= C)
A and
C's bisected angle = 60° + 60°
From above, diagonals create 90° angles
180° in a triangle: 60 . . . 90 . . . 30
• Answer choices (not foolproof, but a hint)
Four options' lengths are square roots
\(\sqrt{2}\) suggests a 45-45-90 triangle
\(\sqrt{3}\) suggests a 30-60-90 triangle
1) Fill in angle measures
A = C = 120 (opposite angles equal)
A + C = 240
360° = sum of interior angles
360° - 240° = 120° remains, to be split equally:
B = D = 60
2) Draw diagonals AC and BD
=> 4 identical right triangles
Angles: 90° (diagonals' intersection)
60° (bisected A and C)
30° (
bisected B and
D)
3) Lengths for
one triangle
30-60-90 triangles:
sides
lengths opposite those angles correspond, respectively,
in ratio
\(x: x\sqrt{3}: 2x\)Diagonal
AC\(= (x + x) =\) \(2x\)Diagonal
BD\(= x\sqrt{3} + x\sqrt{3}=\) \(2x\sqrt{3}\)Ratio of AC: BD?
\(\frac{AC}{BD} = \frac{2x}{2x\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)Answer D