2009 AMC 10B Problem 20

Attempt Problem 20 of the 2009 AMC 10B below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2009 AMC 10B solutions, or check the answer key.

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20.

Triangle $ABC$ has a right angle at $B,$ $AB=1,$ and $BC=2.$ The bisector of $\angle BAC$ meets $\overline{BC}$ at $D.$ What is $BD?$

$\dfrac{\sqrt3-1}{2}$

$\dfrac{\sqrt5-1}{2}$

$\dfrac{\sqrt5+1}{2}$

$\dfrac{\sqrt6+\sqrt2}{2}$

$2\sqrt3-1$

Answer: B

Concepts:angle bisector theorem Pythagorean Theorem

Difficulty rating: 1600

Solution:

By the Pythagorean Theorem, $AC=\sqrt{1^2+2^2}=\sqrt5.$ The Angle Bisector Theorem gives $\dfrac{BD}{DC}=\dfrac{AB}{AC}=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt5},$ so $DC=\sqrt5\,BD.$

Since $BD+DC=2,$ we have $BD(1+\sqrt5)=2,$ so $BD=\dfrac{2}{1+\sqrt5}=\dfrac{\sqrt5-1}{2}.$

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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