Greg solved this problem using the choose numbers method. I’m wondering if any folks can show/explain the algebraic way? I tried it, applying 45-45-90 rules, but didn’t arrive seem to arrive at anything resembling the answers. I’m sure there is something simple I’m missing.
- AB = x
- BC = kx
- CD = x
So the area of the shaded region would be 1 - (Area of the small triangles) - (Area of the large triangles)
Small triangles are ABL, GHF. Large triangles are JLH, FDB.
- Area of ABL = (1/2)* base* height = \frac{x^2}{2}
- Area of JLH = (1/2)* base* height = \frac{(x+kx)^2}{2} = \frac{x^2*(1+k)^2}{2}
So finally, area = 1 - \frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{x^2*(1+k)^2}{2} - \frac{x^2*(1+k)^2}{2}
Simplify and voila!
Thank you so much, I see what I did now!