2023 AMC 8 Problem 19

Attempt Problem 19 of the 2023 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the video solution and professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2023 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

19.

An equilateral triangle is placed inside a larger equilateral triangle so that the region between them can be divided into three congruent trapezoids, as shown below. The side length of the inner triangle is 23\frac{2}{3} the side length of the larger triangle. What is the ratio of the area of one trapezoid to the area of the inner triangle?
1:31 : 3
3:83 : 8
5:125 : 12
7:167 : 16
4:94 : 9
Answer: C
Concepts:area ratiosimilarity
Small hint:
Areas of similar triangles scale as the square of side lengths
Big hint:
The inner triangle has (23)2\left(\frac23\right)^2 of the large triangle’s area
Video solution:
Solution video thumbnail
Play video

Click to load, then click again to play

Written solution:
Since the inner triangle’s side length is 23\frac{2}{3} the side length of the outer triangle, its area is (23)2=49\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^2 = \frac{4}{9} the area of the outer triangle.
This means that the three trapezoids are 1−49=591 - \frac{4}{9} = \frac{5}{9} the area of the outer triangle.
Therefore, one trapezoid is 59÷3=527\frac{5}{9} \div 3 = \frac{5}{27} the area of the outer triangle.
This makes the ratio of the areas of one trapezoid and the inner triangle 52749=527⋅94=512. \dfrac{\frac{5}{27}}{\frac{4}{9}} = \dfrac{5}{27} \cdot \dfrac{9}{4} = \dfrac{5}{12}.
Thus, C is the correct answer.
LIVE by Po-Shen Loh
Programs

LIVE Classes

Self-Paced Classes

Stars

Scholarship

About Us

Who Is Po-Shen Loh?

Email Contact

Newsletter

Jobs

Become a Star

For a more Thought Full world.

© 2026 Expii, Inc.