In triangle ABC with altitude AD,∠BAC=45∘,DB=3, and CD=2. Find the area of triangle ABC.
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
Suppose first that D lies between B and C. Let ABC be inscribed in circle ω, and extend AD to intersect ω again at E. Note that A subtends a quarter of the circle, so in particular, the chord through C perpendicular to BC and parallel to AD has length BC=5. Therefore, AD=5+DE. By power of a point, 6=BD⋅DC=AD⋅DE=AD2−5AD, implying AD=6, so the area of ABC is 21BC⋅AD=15. If D does not lie between B and C, then BC=1, so A lies on a circle of radius 2/2 through B and C. But then it is easy to check that the perpendicular to BC through D cannot intersect the circle, a contradiction.
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