Find the Ratio of $\overline{BD}: \overline{CD}$ in $\triangle ABC$

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In summary, the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ is typically written as $\overline{BD}:\overline{CD}$ or as a fraction $\frac{\overline{BD}}{\overline{CD}}$, and it represents the comparison of the length of $\overline{BD}$ to the length of $\overline{CD}$. To find the ratio, you need to measure the lengths of both line segments and divide the length of $\overline{BD}$ by the length of $\overline{CD}$. The resulting number can be simplified by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) and dividing both numbers by it. This ratio is useful in geometry for finding missing
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Albert1
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$\triangle ABC, \overline{AB}=5,\overline{AC}=6,\overline{BC}=7,$$M$ is the midpoint of $\overline{AC}$
$D$ is one point on $\overline{BC}$,if $\overline{AD}\perp \overline{BM}$,
please find the ratio of $\overline{BD}: \overline{CD}$
 

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\(\displaystyle 5^2=7^2+6^2-2(7)(6)\cos C\Rightarrow\cos C=\frac57\)

In an orthodiagonal quadrilateral, the sum of the squares of opposite sides are equal, hence

\(\displaystyle x^2+3^2=\overline{MD}^2+5^2\Rightarrow x^2-\overline{MD}^2-16=0\quad[1]\)

\(\displaystyle \overline{MD}^2=9+y^2-2(3)(y)\cos C\Rightarrow\overline{MD}^2=9+y^2-\frac{30}{7}y\quad[2]\)

Substituting \(\displaystyle [2]\) into \(\displaystyle [1]\) gives \(\displaystyle x^2- y^2+\frac{30}{7}y-25=0\)

\(\displaystyle 7x^2-7y^2+30y-175=0\)

\(\displaystyle 7(7-y)^2-7y^2+30y-175=0\Rightarrow y=\frac{42}{17},x=7-y=\frac{77}{17},\frac xy=\frac{11}{6},\overline{BD}:\overline{CD}=11:6\)
 
  • #3
greg1313 said:
\(\displaystyle 5^2=7^2+6^2-2(7)(6)\cos C\Rightarrow\cos C=\frac57\)

In an orthodiagonal quadrilateral, the sum of the squares of opposite sides are equal, hence

\(\displaystyle x^2+3^2=\overline{MD}^2+5^2\Rightarrow x^2-\overline{MD}^2-16=0\quad[1]\)

\(\displaystyle \overline{MD}^2=9+y^2-2(3)(y)\cos C\Rightarrow\overline{MD}^2=9+y^2-\frac{30}{7}y\quad[2]\)

Substituting \(\displaystyle [2]\) into \(\displaystyle [1]\) gives \(\displaystyle x^2- y^2+\frac{30}{7}y-25=0\)

\(\displaystyle 7x^2-7y^2+30y-175=0\)

\(\displaystyle 7(7-y)^2-7y^2+30y-175=0\Rightarrow y=\frac{42}{17},x=7-y=\frac{77}{17},\frac xy=\frac{11}{6},\overline{BD}:\overline{CD}=11:6\)
very good , your answer is right!
 

FAQ: Find the Ratio of $\overline{BD}: \overline{CD}$ in $\triangle ABC$

What is the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$?

The ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ is typically written as $\overline{BD}:\overline{CD}$ or as a fraction $\frac{\overline{BD}}{\overline{CD}}$. It represents the comparison of the length of $\overline{BD}$ to the length of $\overline{CD}$.

How do you find the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$?

To find the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$, you need to measure the lengths of both line segments using a ruler or a measuring tape. Then, you divide the length of $\overline{BD}$ by the length of $\overline{CD}$. The resulting number is the ratio in its simplest form.

Can the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ be simplified?

Yes, the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ can be simplified if the resulting number is not in its simplest form. To simplify a ratio, you need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the two numbers and divide both numbers by the GCF. The resulting ratio is in its simplest form.

How is the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ useful in geometry?

The ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ is useful in geometry as it helps to describe the relationship between two line segments. It can be used to find missing side lengths in triangles, determine the scale factor in similar figures, and solve various real-world problems involving proportional relationships.

Can the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ be greater than 1?

Yes, the ratio of $\overline{BD}$ to $\overline{CD}$ can be greater than 1. This means that the length of $\overline{BD}$ is longer than the length of $\overline{CD}$. Ratios can also be less than 1, which indicates that the length of $\overline{BD}$ is shorter than the length of $\overline{CD}$.

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