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Printjmc
geometry senior
Problem
A hexagon inscribed in a circle has three consecutive sides, each of length 3, and three consecutive sides, each of length 5. The chord of the circle that divides the hexagon into two trapezoids, one with three sides, each of length 3, and the other with three sides, each of length 5, has length equal to , where and are relatively prime positive integers. Find .
Solution
In hexagon , let and let . Since arc is one third of the circumference of the circle, it follows that . Similarly, . Let be the intersection of and , that of and , and that of and . Triangles and are equilateral, and by symmetry, triangle is isosceles and thus also equilateral.
Furthermore, and subtend the same arc, as do and . Hence triangles and are similar. Therefore, It follows that Solving the two equations simultaneously yields so .
Furthermore, and subtend the same arc, as do and . Hence triangles and are similar. Therefore, It follows that Solving the two equations simultaneously yields so .
Final answer
409