Math questions from any Manhattan Prep GMAT Computer Adaptive Test.
RonPurewal
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Re: Inscribed Triangle, Data Suff - Could someone explain?

by RonPurewal Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:41 pm

rustom.hakimiyan Wrote:2) Statement 2 states that 18 is the diameter.Doesn't that mean that C HAS to be 90 degrees? So regardless of what A is and what B is, don't we still get the base/height combo?

Thanks


Yes, that means C is a 90º angle. No, you don't have a unique height.

Try drawing a couple of pictures. Make the diameter horizontal every time, for easy comparison.

• If you put C exactly halfway between A and B, then you'll get a 45º-45º-90º triangle, whose height is the same as the radius of the circle.

• If you put C anywhere else, the height will be less than the radius. (Remember to draw the height vertically, if the diameter is horizontal.)
In particular, if you put C really close to A (or close to B), you'll notice pretty easily that the height is a lot less. You'll also see that the triangle is a mere sliver, with much less area.