1957 AMC 12 Problem 49
Attempt Problem 49 of the 1957 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 1957 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.
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49.
The parallel sides of a trapezoid are and The non-parallel sides are and A line parallel to the bases divides the trapezoid into two trapezoids of equal perimeters. The ratio in which each of the non-parallel sides is divided is:
Answer: C
Small Hint:
A segment parallel to the bases divides both legs in the same fraction
Big Hint:
Let the upper leg segments be and ; the common dividing segment cancels when the two perimeters are equated
Solution:
Let the upper pieces of the legs of lengths and be and respectively. The dividing segment appears once in each perimeter and cancels. Equal perimeters therefore give Hence so Each leg is divided in the ratio
Thus, the correct answer is C.