Let ABC be an isosceles triangle with apex A. Let I be the incenter. If AI=3 and the distance from I to BC is 2 , then what is the length of BC ?
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Solution
Let X and Y be the points where the incircle touches AB and BC, respectively. Then AXI and AYB are similar right triangles. Since I is the incenter, we have IX=IY=2. Using the Pythagorean theorem on triangle AXI, we find AX=5. By similarity, AY/AX=BY/IX. Plugging in the numbers given, 5/5=BY/2, so BY=25.Y is the midpoint of BC, so BC=45.
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