Question

Let $ABCD$ be a square. Let $E,$ $F,$ $G,$ and $H$ be the centers, respectively, of equilateral triangles with bases $\overline{AB},$ $\overline{BC},$ $\overline{CD},$ and $\overline{DA},$ each exterior to the square. What is the ratio of the area of square $EFGH$ to the area of square $ABCD?$

$1$

$\dfrac{2+\sqrt{3}}{3}$

$\sqrt{2}$

$\dfrac{\sqrt{2}+\sqrt{3}}{2}$

$\sqrt{3}$

Solution:

Let square $ABCD$ have side length $6.$ Each equilateral triangle has height $3\sqrt3,$ and its center lies $\frac13$ of that height, namely $\sqrt3,$ from the square's side.

Square $ABCD$ has diagonal $6\sqrt2.$ Square $EFGH$ has diagonal equal to the side of $ABCD$ plus twice $\sqrt3,$ namely $6+2\sqrt3.$ The area ratio is the square of the ratio of diagonals: $\left(\dfrac{6+2\sqrt3}{6\sqrt2}\right)^2=\left(\dfrac{3+\sqrt3}{3\sqrt2}\right)^2=\dfrac{12+6\sqrt3}{18}=\dfrac{2+\sqrt3}{3}.$

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2016 AMC 12A Problem 17

Solution:

Problem 17 in Other Years