Question

Points $M$ and $N$ are the midpoints of sides $PA$ and $PB$ of $\triangle PAB.$ As $P$ moves along a line that is parallel to side $AB,$ how many of the four quantities listed below change?

(a) the length of the segment $MN;$ (b) the perimeter of $\triangle PAB;$ (c) the area of $\triangle PAB;$ (d) the area of trapezoid $ABNM.$

$0$

$1$

$2$

$3$

$4$

Solution:

Since $MN$ is a midsegment, $MN = \tfrac12 AB,$ which is fixed.

The base $AB$ and the height from $P$ to $AB$ are both constant as $P$ slides along the parallel line, so the area of $\triangle PAB$ does not change. The trapezoid $ABNM$ is the triangle minus $\triangle PMN,$ both of whose areas are constant, so its area does not change either.

Only the perimeter changes, since $PA$ and $PB$ vary as $P$ moves. So exactly one quantity changes.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2000 AMC 10 Problem 5

Solution:

Problem 5 in Other Years