Same Areas of Trapezoid within Triangle, why?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the areas of two triangles, CDE and BED, within a trapezoid formed by a triangle. Participants explore whether these areas are indeed the same, examining the geometric properties and calculations involved. The conversation includes mathematical reasoning and attempts to clarify the relationships between the shapes involved.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the equality of areas CDE and BED, expressing uncertainty about their calculations and suggesting a possible error in the area formula.
  • Another participant asserts that since both triangles share the same base (DE) and height (h), their areas must be equal, stating the area formula as 1/2 b h.
  • A participant challenges the assumption that the coordinates for point C are correct, indicating that the difference in x-direction between points D and C may not align with the proposed values.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake in the coordinate for point C but maintains that their area formula was correct, prompting further inquiry into the necessity of the calculations.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the complexity of the calculations, questioning the need for a complicated approach when simpler reasoning could suffice.
  • Participants discuss the implications of shared bases and heights, with some arguing that differing angles and side lengths complicate the assertion of equal areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the areas CDE and BED are the same. There are competing views regarding the necessity and correctness of the calculations involved, as well as the geometric properties of the triangles.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of their calculations and the assumptions made about the geometric relationships. The discussion highlights the complexity of the problem and the potential for differing interpretations of the triangle's properties.

chrisoutwrigh
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Good day,
while reading up on an elementary math study book, i have encountered that a proof is build upon the following (see attachment for the figure).
Are the Areas CDE and BED really the same? I tried to calculate this from abstraction, not sure where I could have made a mistake..
g1 is the falling diagonal, g2 the rising, referenced to the start (0,0), the intercepts c1 is yielded when g1(x=b); c2 when g2(x=0).
The formula for the area is constructed via (two triangles at the points: [C-(b,c1)-D) and (b,c1)-D-E]) the other vice versa):
CDE: (h-c1)*b*0.5 + 0.5*h*r*m - 0.5*c1*r*m
BDE: (h-c2)*b*0.5 + 0.5*h*r - 0.5*c2*r
I made the whole figure and the formula, so it could all be wrong!
Although I calculated the intercepts with the drawn perpendicular and they came out correct with quite a big figure and m number, I think the rug is in the surface area formula..
Also upon rough calculation I think formula for BED is correct! so CDE must be revisited!
Thank you for your response!
 

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Are the Areas CDE and BED really the same?
They have the same base (DE) and the same height (h), so they have the same area 1/2 b h.

I don't see the reason for that complicated calculation.

How do you get (b+r,0) as coordinate for C? In general, the difference in x-direction between D and C is not r. This would require that BA and CA have the same length.
 
mfb said:
They have the same base (DE) and the same height (h), so they have the same area 1/2 b h.

I don't see the reason for that complicated calculation.

How do you get (b+r,0) as coordinate for C? In general, the difference in x-direction between D and C is not r. This would require that BA and CA have the same length.

Hi!
You are right! I' might have used a different letter for it. Actually it should be root[(e*m)^2-h^2] .. i will calculate it accordingly!
 
I have now replaced the wrong x-coordinate value for the point C but my formula still was phrased correctly, I just made a transfer typo..some other ideas why this seems wrong?
Does it suffice when the base and height is the same? the angle isn't so it shouldn't be so obvious? Or do I overcomplicate this simple exercise?
 

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I still don't see the reason for that complicated calculation.

How did you get the area CDE with g1(x)?
 
Sadly I had no time to properly end this seedless quest.
To answer your question:
The intercepts of the linear equations (diagonals) are needed and then one can split up the triangles (upwards from the diagonal / beneath the diagonal) in two triangles with right angles.
The reason for this complicated formula is following: I only want to use the segments stated in the picture, so as few information as possible.
@ mfb: why is it obvious that they the same base/height? One side they share right! but the angles are different and the other side needed has different length..for me it's not at all obvious..
 
chrisoutwrigh said:
The intercepts of the linear equations (diagonals) are needed and then one can split up the triangles (upwards from the diagonal / beneath the diagonal) in two triangles with right angles.
I don't see what you mean.
The reason for this complicated formula is following: I only want to use the segments stated in the picture, so as few information as possible.
Easy: Both triangles have the area 1/2 b h. Nothing else was required.

@ mfb: why is it obvious that they the same base/height? One side they share right! but the angles are different and the other side needed has different length..for me it's not at all obvious..
They share the same base, and their height is the same (h) as well. Use the standard formula for the area of a triangle, and you are done. This general formula can be derived from the formula of the area of a right triangle in two simple steps, if you like.
 

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