A triangle ABC is placed inside a rectangle PQRS such that the minimum...
Steps 1 and 2 – Understand the question statement and draw inferences
To find – Area of rectangle PQRS given the conditions about triangle ABC.
Given – Minimum distance from any vertex of the triangle to the frame = 2”.
The Area of the Rectangle = PQ*PS . . . (1)
So, in order to find the area, we need to know the values of PQ and PS.
Now, from the given diagram, it’s clear that PQ = 2 + AB +2
That is, PQ = AB + 4 . . . (2)
Similarly, let’s try to express PS in terms of a dimension of the triangle ABC. (Note: We are expressing the dimensions of the rectangle in terms of the dimensions of the triangle because both St. 1 and 2 give us information regarding the triangle only)
Let’s drop a perpendicular CD from C on the side AB.
By doing so, we get: PS = 2 + CD + 2
That is, PS = CD + 4 . . . (3)
Substituting (2) and (3) in (1), we get:
Area of rectangle = (AB+4)(CD+4) . . . (4)
Thus, in order to find the area of rectangle PQRS, we need to find the values of AB and CD.
With this understanding, let’s analyze the given statements.
Step 3 – Analyse Statement (1)
Per statement (1), Triangle ABC is an equilateral triangle.
This means, AB = BC = AC
And, CD = √3/2 * AB
However, since this statement doesn’t provide us the exact value of AB, we will not be able to find the area of rectangle PQRS.
Therefore, statement 1 does not provide sufficient information to arrive at a unique answer.
Step 4 – Analyse Statement (2)
Statement 2 provides two pieces of information
- Area of Triangle ABC = 4√3 in2.
- AB = 50% of PQ.
Area of triangle ABC = ½ * AB * CD = 4√3
Also,
- AB = 0.5 * PQ
- 2AB = AB + 4
- AB = 4 . . . (6)
Substituting (6) in (5), we get:
4CD = 8√3
So, CD = 2√3 . . .(7)
Substituting (6) and (7) in (4), we can find the area of rectangle PQRS.
Thus, St. 2 is sufficient to determine the area of the rectangle.
Step 5 – Analyze both Statements together
This step is not required since statement 2 helps us arrive at a unique answer.
Correct Answer – Choice B