1953 AMC 12 Problem 48
Attempt Problem 48 of the 1953 AMC 12 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 1953 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.
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48.
If the larger base of an isosceles trapezoid equals a diagonal and the smaller base equals the altitude, then the ratio of the smaller base to the larger base is:
Answer: D
Small Hint:
A diagonal’s horizontal projection is half the sum of the two bases
Big Hint:
Scale the larger base to , and let the smaller base and altitude both be
Solution:
Let the larger base be and let the smaller base and altitude both be A diagonal has horizontal projection and length Thus This simplifies to The positive ratio is
Thus, the correct answer is D.