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Overview
Week 11 (Jul 9) Class Transcript - Polygons
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Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:29:18
Hi, everyone!
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hello!
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hi!
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hi
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hello
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hi!
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hello
iejake
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hello
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hi
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hi
Siella
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hi!
Colorcrazy
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hello!
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hi
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hi!
cwc28
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hihi achillleas
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hi
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 1/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
SpencerSun
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hey!
grayspider
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hello
GarudS
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hi!
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:29:37
Hi!
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:29:37
hello!!!!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:29:40
Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:29:46
The word polygon is a generic term that refers to a closed geometric figure with line segments as boundaries. The simplest
polygons are triangles, with three sides (try to draw a polygon with two sides and see what happens). Next are quadrilaterals with
four sides. Beyond that, polygons are somewhat easy to name based on the number of sides they have. What is a five-sided
polygon called?
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
GarudS
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
dan09
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 19:30:24
Pentagon
iejake
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Siella
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Colorcrazy
2021-07-09 19:30:24
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 2/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
pentagon
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
JC0001
2021-07-09 19:30:24
pentagon
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:30:27
A five-sided polygon is called a pentagon. Here is a table of other commonly-referenced polygons:
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:30:31
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:30:42
In general, a polygon with n sides can be called an n-gon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:30:57
We can derive an interesting formula for the sum of the angle measures in a polygon. We determined early on that the sum of the
angle measures in a triangle is 180 degrees. Later we showed that the angles of a quadrilateral add to 360 degrees. We showed
this by breaking a quadrilateral into triangles:
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:31:12
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:31:31
Let's consider next the pentagon. How many triangles can we split the pentagon into?
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 3/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
pwr
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3 triangles
iejake
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
dan09
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
GarudS
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3 triangles
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:32:00
3
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:32:06
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:32:16
We can split a pentagon into three triangles. Be careful that your split doesn't look like this, where there is a point inside the
pentagon where more than two triangles meet:
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:32:22
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 4/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:32:28
Every such interior point artificially inflates the sum of the angles because we would be adding angles that did not form part of the
angles of the actual polygon. The vertices of our triangles must be on the vertices of the polygon if we want the sum of the angles
to stay the same.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:32:42
So what is the sum of the angle measures of a pentagon?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:32:50
(use degrees)
pwr
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:33:32
3*180=540 degrees
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540º
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 19:33:32
∘
540
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:33:32
3 ⋅ 180 º = 540º
iejake
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:33:32
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 5/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
540 degrees
cwc28
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540 degrees
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540˚
JC0001
2021-07-09 19:33:32
540°
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:33:35
We have three triangles that contribute 180 degrees each, for a total of 540 degrees.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:33:46
Each of the angles of the three triangles contributes to the angles of the pentagon, because there are no interior vertices for those
triangles. That's why we can add them up.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:33:55
For a given polygon of n sides, how many triangles can we partition it into, making sure that the vertices of the triangles are
vertices of the polygon?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:35:11
(Hint: Does your formula match the case of a pentagon, that is when n = 5 ?)
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:35:24
(n-2)
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n − 2
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n − 2
dan09
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n − 2
Yashvini
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2
pwr
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2 triangles
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2 triangles
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:35:24
(n-2)
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n–2
superhero2020
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n − 2
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 6/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n − 2
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2 triangles
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2 triangles
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2
max_z
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 19:35:24
n-2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:35:35
We can partition an n-gon into n − 2 triangles. What does this give us for the sum of the angle measures in an n-gon?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:35:54
(use degrees)
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:36:30
180(n – 2) degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 19:36:30
180(n − 2) degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:36:30
(n − 2) ∗ 180 º
tkubota
2021-07-09 19:36:30
180(n − 2) degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:36:30
(n-2)180 degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 19:36:30
∘
180 ⋅ (n − 2)
takolhe12
2021-07-09 19:36:30
(n-2)*180 degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:36:30
(n-2)*180 degrees
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:36:30
180*(n-2) degrees
Save_The_Elephants
2021-07-09 19:36:30
(n-2)*180degrees
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:36:30
i mean (n-2)180˚
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:36:30
180(n-2) degrees
cwc28
2021-07-09 19:36:30
180(n-2) degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:36:35
The angle measures in an n-gon will add up to (n − 2) ⋅ 180∘ .
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 7/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:36:43
Sometimes it is useful to consider the exterior angles of a polygon. Let's explore the sum of the exterior angles. Here is a picture
of a pentagon with exterior angle measures a, b, c, d, and e.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:36:51
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:36:54
How can we find the sum of the exterior angles in this polygon? In other words, how can we find the sum a + b + c + d + e?
Mathqueen20
2021-07-09 19:37:21
By finding the interior angles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:37:23
Well, we know the sum of the interior angles, so let's see if we can relate the exterior angles to the interior angles. Each exterior
angle is paired with an interior angle to give how many degrees?
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180 degrees
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180 degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180 degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180 degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 19:37:45
∘
180
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180 degrees
Yashvini
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:37:45
180 degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:37:47
Each exterior angle added to its interior angle is 180 degrees because they form a straight angle.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:38:11
So, what is the sum of the exterior angles here?
pwr
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 8/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360º
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 19:38:53
∘
360
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360 degrees
JC0001
2021-07-09 19:38:53
360°
GarudS
2021-07-09 19:38:53
∘
360
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:38:57
We have 5 pairs of interior and exterior angles. These add up to 5 ⋅ 180 = 900 degrees.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:39:03
There are 540 degrees in the interior angles, so there are 900 − 540 = 360 degrees in the exterior angles.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:39:13
Now, rather than doing this over and over again for every possible number of sides, let's generalize. In other words, let's solve the
problem for an n-gon so it's done once and for all.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:39:25
How many of these interior-exterior angle pairs do we have in an n-gon?
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
dan09
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n pairs
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n pairs
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 9/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
pwr
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n paris
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
iejake
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
pwr
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n pairs
max_z
2021-07-09 19:39:49
n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:39:51
We have n pairs of angles that add to 180 degrees. What is the sum of all the interior and exterior angles in an n-gon?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:40:37
n * 180º
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:40:37
180n degrees
cwc28
2021-07-09 19:40:37
180n degrees
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:40:37
180n degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 19:40:37
180n degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:40:37
180n degrees
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:40:37
n(180) degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:40:39
The interior and exterior angles together add to 180n degrees. How can we then determine what the exterior angles sum to?
pwr
2021-07-09 19:41:05
by subtracting the sum of the interior angles
superhero2020
2021-07-09 19:41:12
subtract the sum of interior angles from 180n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:41:14
Subtract the interior angles from this total. We know the interior angles sum to (n − 2)180∘ . What is the sum of the exterior
angles?
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 10/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
GarudS
2021-07-09 19:42:17
∘
360
pwr
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 19:42:17
180n˚-(n-2)*180˚=180n˚-180n˚+360˚=360˚
dan09
2021-07-09 19:42:17
∘ ∘ ∘ ∘
180 ⋅ n − 180 ⋅ (n − 2) = 180 ∗ 2 = 360
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees since the 180n cancels
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:42:17
360 degrees
ARay10
2021-07-09 19:42:20
∘
360
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:42:23
The sum of the exterior angles is
∘
180n − (n − 2)180 = 180n − 180n + 360 = 360 .
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:42:37
So no matter how many sides the polygon has, the exterior angles add to 360∘ .
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:42:49
Let's look at a special class of polygons called regular polygons, which are those where all sides are congruent and all angles are
congruent. What have we been calling a regular triangle?
ARay10
2021-07-09 19:43:16
Equilateral triangle
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:43:16
equilateral triangle
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:43:16
equilateral triangle
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 19:43:16
an equilateral trangle
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:43:16
Equilateral Triangle
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:43:16
equilateral
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 19:43:16
Equilateral
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:43:16
equilateral triangle!!
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 11/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 19:43:16
An equilateral triangle
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:43:16
a equilateral triangle
JC0001
2021-07-09 19:43:16
equilateral triangle
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 19:43:16
an equilateral triangle
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:43:16
An equilateral triangle
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:43:16
equilateral triangle
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:43:19
A regular triangle is called an equilateral triangle. What about a regular quadrilateral?
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
pwr
2021-07-09 19:43:40
a square
dan09
2021-07-09 19:43:40
A square
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
Yashvini
2021-07-09 19:43:40
a square
ARay10
2021-07-09 19:43:40
Square
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:43:40
a square
superhero2020
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:43:40
Square
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:43:40
Square
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
cwc28
2021-07-09 19:43:40
a square
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:43:40
A square
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:43:40
a square
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 12/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
JC0001
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 19:43:40
a square
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:43:40
Square
iejake
2021-07-09 19:43:40
square
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:43:47
A regular quadrilateral is a square. We don't have common names for any of the other regular polygons, but there are some
interesting properties that we shall explore.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:44:15
Regular polygons fit nicely inside circles. Let's prove that an equilateral polygon inscribed in a circle is a regular polygon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:44:28
We'll start by considering regular polygons that are inscribed in a circle (that is, all their vertices are on the circle). If a regular
polygon is inscribed in a circle, what can we say about how its vertices are located around the circle?
pwr
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they are equally spaced out
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they are the same distance from each other
max_z
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they evenly divide the circle's circumference into rqual parts
superhero2020
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they are evenly spaced
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they are equidistant from eachother
iejake
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they are evenly spaced around the circle
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:45:34
they are spaced equally on the circumference of the circle
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:45:40
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 13/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:45:47
The vertices of a regular polygon appear to be equally spaced around the circumference of a circle.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:45:55
Can we prove it?
pwr
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes!
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes we can
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 19:46:10
YES
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes!!!
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:46:10
Yes
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes
dan09
2021-07-09 19:46:10
Yes!
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yeah
iejake
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes
Siella
2021-07-09 19:46:10
yes
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:46:12
What can we add to our circle diagram?
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 14/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
pwr
2021-07-09 19:46:48
the center of the circle and the radii
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:46:48
the center of the circle, and connect it to the vertices
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:46:52
We can draw in radii from the vertices of the polygon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:46:53
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:46:59
What did those radii create?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:47:39
congruent triangles
dan09
2021-07-09 19:47:39
Congruent triangles!
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:47:39
congruent triangles
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:47:39
congruent triangles!
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:47:39
many congruent triangles
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:47:39
congruent triangles
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:47:39
congruent triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:47:43
They created a bunch of congruent triangles! All radii have the same length, as do the sides of the regular polygon, so these
triangles are congruent by SSS.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:47:55
Each triangle has the same angle at the circle's center, which spaces the polygon vertices out evenly.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:48:01
So, the vertices are, indeed, equally spaced.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:48:15
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 15/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Conversely, if we take n points that are equally spaced around the circumference of a circle and connect them in order, will we get
a regular n-gon?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:48:38
Yes!
dan09
2021-07-09 19:48:38
Yes
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes!!
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
Sarah010
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
pwr
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:48:38
yes
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:48:41
Yes, we will. Let's prove it.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:48:46
Take a circle, and space n points equally around the circle. How far apart, in degrees, is each adjacent pair of points? (That is,
what angles do they form at the center of the circle?)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:49:13
(degrees)
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360/n degrees
apple.xy
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360/n degrees
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360/n degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 19:49:59
∘
360
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360 º
n
Brendangho
2021-07-09 19:49:59
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 16/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
360/n degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360/n degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360/n degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:49:59
degrees
360
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:49:59
360/n degrees
tkubota
2021-07-09 19:49:59
degrees
360
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:50:12
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:50:16
(The diagram shows 9 equally spaced points. Pretend we have n, though!)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:50:21
The points are 360/n degrees apart. Now let's connect these points to form an n-gon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:50:25
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 17/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:50:35
By definition, a regular polygon is one which has all sides congruent and all angles congruent. What tools do we have to prove
congruences at this point?
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 19:51:19
Triangles
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:51:19
congruent triangles
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 19:51:19
triangles?
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:51:25
congruent triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:51:29
Let's split the polygon into triangles. What is a good way to do this, keeping in mind we are looking for congruencies?
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 19:52:12
the radii of the circle
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 19:52:12
Using the radius
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:52:12
add the circle's center, and connect the radii to each vertice
pwr
2021-07-09 19:52:12
draw the radii to the vertices
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:52:12
Using the center of the circle and radii
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 19:52:12
make a circumcenter and draw radii
JC0001
2021-07-09 19:52:12
draw radii from each point to the center of the circle
Siella
2021-07-09 19:52:16
make radii from each vertice
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:52:19
We'll draw radii to each of the vertices of the polygon, so that we have a lot of congruent parts.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:52:22
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 18/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:52:33
How do we show all these triangles are congruent?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:53:07
Remember what we're given in this situation, the converse of what we were proving a few minutes ago. We chose our points on the
circle so that they form equal angles at the center of the circle, but don't know anything else about them.
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:53:26
SAS
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:53:26
SAS Congruence!!!!!
superhero2020
2021-07-09 19:53:26
SAS
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 19:53:26
by SAS Congruence
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:53:26
by SAS then
Siella
2021-07-09 19:53:29
SAS
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:53:31
They are all isosceles triangles that have two congruent sides because the sides are radii of the circle. Additionally, the angle
measures between the congruent sides are all congruent, because the vertices of the n-gon are equally spaced around the circle.
Thus, these triangles are all congruent to one another by SAS congruence.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:53:48
Now that we know we have congruent triangles, let's see if we can prove the polygon is regular.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:53:52
Why are all the side lengths the same?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:54:28
because of the congruent triangles
dan09
2021-07-09 19:54:28
Because all the triangles are congruent
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:54:28
Because all of the triangles are congruent
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 19:54:28
because all the triangles are congruent
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 19/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
pwr
2021-07-09 19:54:28
because CPCTC
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 19:54:28
They are corresponding parts of congruent triangles
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:54:34
by CPCTC, the side lengths of the congruent triangles are the same
max_z
2021-07-09 19:54:34
because all triangles are congruent
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:54:38
The bases of all the congruent triangles are congruent, so we know that all sides of the polygon are the same length.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:54:45
Why are all the angles of the n-gon congruent?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:55:42
(You need to explain the use of CPCTC a bit further)
Teediv
2021-07-09 19:56:39
because if all of the triangles are congruent tha tmeans that all the angles are congruent also
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:56:39
because the angle measurement of the congruent isosceles triangles are the same
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:57:08
What do the angles of the isosceles triangles have to do with the angles of the polygon, though?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 19:58:27
Since all of the triangles are isosceles, the two base angles are congruent. All triangles have the same base angles and thus the
angles of the n-gon are congruent
superhero2020
2021-07-09 19:58:27
the pair of congruent angles in the isosceles triangle form one of the angles in the polygon
pwr
2021-07-09 19:58:27
the base angles of an isosceles triangle are congruent so the sum of the two base angles is an interior angle of the polygon. Since
they are congruent then all the angles are congruent as well
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 19:58:27
2 base angles of isosceles = 1 polygon angle
Teediv
2021-07-09 19:58:27
the angles are also the angles of the polygon, so if all of the angles are the same that should mean that all of the angles of the
polygon are the same which means it is a regular polygon
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 19:58:27
the angle of the polygon is made up of two base angles of the isosceles triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:58:34
Each angle of the polygon has twice the measure of a base angle of one of the isosceles triangles, so they are congruent as well.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:58:44
Thus, our n-gon really is regular: its sides are all congruent and its angles are all congruent.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:58:56
So we have demonstrated that n points equally spaced around the circumference of a circle are the vertices of a regular n-gon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:59:04
It turns out that actually every regular polygon can be obtained in this way. That is, given any regular polygon, it is inscribed in a
circle such that its vertices form equal angles at the center of the circle.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:59:12
The center of the circle is then called the center of the regular polygon.
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 20/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:59:18
If we have time at the end of class, we may look at how to do so. If we don't have time, I challenge you to try to prove it on your own
after class.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:59:24
Here's a quick question: Suppose we have a regular polygon with n sides. What is the measure of an interior angle of this polygon?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 19:59:50
(degrees)
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:00:32
(n-2)*180/n degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:00:32
180(n-2)/n degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 20:00:32
180(n−2)
n
degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:00:32
(n − 2) ⋅ 180 º
One interior angle is
n
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:00:32
(180(n-2))/n degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:00:32
180(n-2)/n degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:00:32
180(n – 2)/n degress
dan09
2021-07-09 20:00:32
∘
180 ⋅(n−2)
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:00:32
(n-2)*180˚/n
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:00:32
(n−2)∗180
n
degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:00:53
We showed earlier that all the interior angles add up to 180(n − 2) degrees. There are n angles, and because the polygon is
regular, we know that all these angles have the same measure. So, each angle measures 180(n − 2)/n degrees, or
∘ ∘
180 (n − 2) 360
∘
= 180 − .
n n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:01:02
Does this suggest another way to quickly find the measure of an interior angle in a regular polygon?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:01:18
use the exterior angles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:01:20
We showed that the sum of the exterior angles in any n-gon is 360∘ . If all the angles are equal, then what is the measure of each
exterior angle?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360º/n
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 21/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360
n
degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360 º
n
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360º/n
Siella
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360
n
degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
iejake
2021-07-09 20:02:14
360/n degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:02:18
∘
360
If all the angles are equal, then each exterior angle is equal to .
n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:02:27
∘
360
Each interior angle is supplementary to an exterior angle, so each interior angle measures 180∘ − .
n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:02:41
Let's try a few angle problems.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:02:43
A regular n-gon has interior angles of 175 degrees. What is the value of n?
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:03:37
72
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:03:37
n = 72
pwr
2021-07-09 20:03:37
n=72
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:03:37
72
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:03:37
72
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:03:37
n = 72
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 22/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:03:41
72
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:03:41
72
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:03:43
There is more than one way of doing this problem. First, we have a formula for the interior angle in a regular n-gon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:03:48
This gives us the equation
180(n − 2)
= 175.
n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:03:59
Solving, we get (n − 2)180 = 175n or
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:04:10
I think using the exterior angles is easier
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:04:21
This requires a little change of perspective. Instead of looking at the interior angles, let's look at the exterior angles. If each interior
angle is 175 , how big is each exterior angle?
∘
pwr
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5º
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:04:58
∘
5
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
superhero2020
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5˚
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees..
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 23/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5 degrees
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:04:58
5º
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:05:01
5 degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:05:05
Each exterior angle is 180 − 175 degrees, and they all add up to 360 , so how do we find the number of sides?
∘
= 5
dan09
2021-07-09 20:05:46
∘
360
∘
= 72
5
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:05:46
360/5
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:05:46
divide 360 by 5 to get n
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:05:46
360/n = 5
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:05:46
*360/5 = 72 sides
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:05:46
360
sides or 72
5
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:05:52
n = 360 /5 = 72. Quite simple this way.
∘ ∘
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:06:06
It is a very useful skill to be able to look at problems in a different way; sometimes it helps simplify the problem significantly. Many
problems written in terms of interior angles can be solved faster by considering the exterior angles.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:06:18
The sum of the interior angles of a polygon is three times the sum of the exterior angles. How many sides does the polygon have?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:06:27
Let's derive an equation. Suppose the polygon has n sides. When we translate the given data into an equation, what do we get?
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:07:39
(n-2)*180 = 3*360
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:07:39
180(n-2)=1080
pwr
2021-07-09 20:07:39
180(n − 2) = 3(360)
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:07:39
180(n-2)=3*360
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:07:39
180(n – 2) = 360(3)
yoyododococo123
2021-07-09 20:07:39
(n-2)*180=360*3
dan09
2021-07-09 20:07:39
∘ ∘
180 ⋅ (n − 2) = 3 ⋅ 360
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:07:42
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 24/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
We know that the sum of the exterior angles of a polygon equals 360 , and that the sum of the interior angles of a polygon with n
∘
180(n − 2) = 3 ⋅ 360.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:07:43
So, what is n?
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n=8
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n=8
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
pwr
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n = 8
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
iejake
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n=8
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n=8
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n=8
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:08:38
8
Siella
2021-07-09 20:08:38
n=8
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:08:41
We divide both sides by 180 to find n − 2 = 3 ⋅ 2, so n = 8. The polygon is an octagon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:08:52
Many basic problems involving angle measures in a polygon really are this straightforward; if you understand how to find the sum
of the interior and exterior angles of a polygon, you can usually solve these questions fairly quickly.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:09:02
Let's try one more angle problem.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:09:04
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 25/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:09:08
In the diagram, ABCD is a square and ABEF G is a regular pentagon. What is ∠BEC?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:09:10
First, what kind of triangle is △BEC?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:10:17
Isosceles
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:10:17
isosceles
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:10:17
isosceles tirangle
pwr
2021-07-09 20:10:17
it is isosceles
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:10:17
isosceles
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:10:17
an isosceles triangle
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:10:17
Isosceles
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:10:17
isosceles
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:10:17
triangle BEC is isosceles
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:10:17
Isosceles
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:10:17
isosceles
tkubota
2021-07-09 20:10:17
isosceles
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:10:17
an isosceles triangle
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:10:17
*isosceles triangle
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:10:22
Both ABCD and ABEF G are regular polygons. From the square, we know that BC = AB, and from the regular pentagon, we
see that AB = BE. Then BC = AB = BE, and since BC = BE, we conclude that △BEC is isosceles.
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 26/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:10:47
Therefore, the base angles are congruent and ∠BEC = ∠BCE. We can't determine these directly, but we can determine
∠CBE. How?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:12:04
360º - Interior angles of the pentagon and the square
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:12:04
BY adding angles EBA and angle ABC then subtracting from 360
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:12:04
by subtracting <ABC and <ABE from 360 degrees
yoyododococo123
2021-07-09 20:12:04
We can find the angles of the pentagon and the square and subtract from 360
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:12:15
What's ∠ABC?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90º
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90˚
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
iejake
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90°
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:13:13
angle ABC = 90 degrees
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90˚
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 27/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Siella
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
superhero2020
2021-07-09 20:13:13
90 degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 20:13:13
∘
90
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:13:13
∘
∠ABC = 90
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:13:13
∘
90
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:13:20
Because ABCD is a square, we have ∠ABC
∘
= 90 .
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:13:29
What's ∠ABE?
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108˚
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108˚
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:14:30
angle ABE = 108 degrees
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:14:30
∘
108
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:14:30
angle ABE= 108 degrees
yoyododococo123
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
JC0001
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108°
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108º
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 28/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
Siella
2021-07-09 20:14:30
108 degrees
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:14:30
∘
108
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:14:36
Because ABEF G is a regular pentagon, we have
180(5 − 2)
∘
∠ABE = = 108 .
5
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:15:57
angle CBE= 162 degrees
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 20:15:57
360 − 90 − 108 = 162 degrees
Siella
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:15:57
∘
162
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:15:57
angle CBE = 162 degrees
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:15:57
∘
162
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:15:57
360 º − (108º + 90º) = 360º − 198º = 162º
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:15:57
360˚-108˚-90˚=162˚
rapte
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162°
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:15:57
∘ ∘ ∘ ∘
360 − 108 − 90 = 162
yoyododococo123
2021-07-09 20:15:57
162 degrees
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:16:01
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 29/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
We have ∠CBE = 360 − ∠ABE − ∠ABC
∘
= 360
∘
− 108
∘
− 90
∘ ∘
= 162 , because the angles around a point must add to
360 . So what is ∠BEC?
∘
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:17:14
(We welcome and appreciate your answers Still waiting for more. )
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9 degrees
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9 degrees
dan09
2021-07-09 20:17:40
∘
9
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9 degrees
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:17:40
angle BEC= 9 degrees
pwr
2021-07-09 20:17:40
180-162=18 and 18/2=9 so 9 degrees
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:17:40
∘
9
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:17:40
<BEC=9 degrees
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9 degrees
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9 degrees
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:17:40
angle BEC = 9 degrees
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9º
JC0001
2021-07-09 20:17:40
<BEC = 9°
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9º
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9˚
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:17:40
9 degrees
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:17:40
∘ ∘
∠BEC = 18 /2 = 9
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:17:40
∘
9
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:17:44
Because △BEC is isosceles with BE = BC, we have
∘ ∘ ∘
180 − ∠CBE 180 − 162
∘
∠BCE = ∠BEC = = = 9 .
2 2
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10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:17:59
Alright!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:02
We'll now discuss concave polygons.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:06
Every polygon we have discussed so far is a convex polygon, which means intuitively that none of the sides are caved in. More
formally, a convex polygon is a polygon in which all the interior angles are less than 180∘ .
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:15
A concave polygon is a polygon that is not convex: that is, a polygon that has at least one angle that is greater than 180∘ (such an
angle is called a reflex angle).
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:21
Here's an example of a concave pentagon, with its reflex angle marked:
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:22
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:26
What's the smallest number of sides a concave polygon can have?
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:18:51
4
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:18:51
4 sides
max_z
2021-07-09 20:18:51
4
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:18:51
4
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:18:51
4
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:18:51
4
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:18:53
Right, a concave polygon needs to have at least 4 sides. You can't have a concave triangle. Since the angles of a triangle add to
180 , you can't have a single angle that is more than 180 !
∘ ∘
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:00
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 31/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
On the other hand, it is possible for a quadrilateral to be concave. Here's one, for example:
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:02
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:12
We won't worry about concave polygons much in this course. Just be aware that it is sometimes important in problems to pay
careful attention to whether you are sure polygons are convex, because some properties only apply to convex polygons.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:24
Just as quadrilaterals have diagonals, all polygons with more than 3 sides have diagonals. As with a quadrilateral, a diagonal of a
polygon is any segment that connects two vertices of the polygon, but is not a side of the polygon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:33
Let's try a quick diagonal problem.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:34
Suppose a convex polygon has 35 diagonals. How many sides does it have?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:19:39
Where should we start?
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:20:11
find a formula
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:20:11
Find a pattern
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:20:11
combinations
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:20:11
find a formula for # diagonals in an n-sided polygon
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:20:18
Nice!
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:20:25
define some variables?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:20:25
let the number of sides be n
pwr
2021-07-09 20:20:25
how many diagonals n-gon has?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:20:28
We let the polygon have n sides, and we try to find a formula for the number of diagonals a polygon with n sides has. We then set
this formula equal to 35 and find n.
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 32/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:20:37
If there are n sides, how many vertices does the polygon have?
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
pwr
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n vertices
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n vertices
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n vertices
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n vertices
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
Siella
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
cwc28
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n vertices
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n vertices
superhero2020
2021-07-09 20:21:24
n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:21:27
That's right! If a polygon has n sides, it also has n vertices. A triangle has 3 sides and 3 vertices. A quadrilateral, 4 sides and 4
vertices.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:21:33
So, how will we find the formula?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:21:46
What should we focus on?
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:22:09
the vertices
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:22:09
vertices
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 33/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:22:14
All of them at once?
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:22:25
one at a time
pwr
2021-07-09 20:22:25
no one at a time
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:22:29
one at a time...
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:22:31
Let's focus on a single vertex. Suppose A is a vertex of the polygon. How many diagonals are connected to A?
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:23:07
n-3
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:23:07
n-3
pwr
2021-07-09 20:23:07
n-3 diagonals
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:23:07
n − 3
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:23:07
n-3
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:23:07
n – 3
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:23:09
The vertex A is connected to two other vertices by sides, and connected to the other n − 3 vertices by diagonals (because it is
not connected to itself by a diagonal, nor is it connected by a diagonal to the two vertices connected to A by sides). So, there are
n − 3 diagonals connected to A.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:23:25
There's nothing special about A, so there are n − 3 diagonals connected to each of the n vertices. Does this mean that there are a
total of n(n − 3) diagonals?
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:23:40
No, we’ve overcounted
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:23:40
no because there is overcount
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:23:53
No! So, what do we do?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2, that's overcounting
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by two to fix it
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2
pwr
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 34/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:24:11
Divide it by 2
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:24:11
divide by 2
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:24:16
divide by 2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:24:22
There are n − 3 diagonals connected to each of the n vertices, so it seems like there are n(n − 3) diagonals. However, this
counts each diagonal twice, once for each vertex. So, we must divide by 2 to count each diagonal only once. Therefore, there are
n(n − 3)
diagonals.
2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:24:32
n
Another way of counting the number of diagonals is as follows: Every diagonal connects two vertices, and there are total of ( )
2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:24:38
However, we must subtract the number of sides because they do not count as diagonals, so the total number of diagonals is
n n(n − 1) n(n − 3)
( ) − n = − n = .
2 2 2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:24:47
So, how do we find the number of sides in a convex polygon with 35 diagonals?
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:26:48
n(n - 3) = 70
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:26:48
n(n − 3)
= 35
2
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:26:48
n(n-3)/2=35
dan09
2021-07-09 20:26:48
n(n−3)
set to equal 35
2
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:26:48
solve n(n-3)/2 = 35
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:26:48
n(n−3)
35 =
2
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:26:53
n(n-3)/2=35
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:26:57
We let n be the number of sides, so the polygon has n(n − 3)/2 diagonals. We therefore have the equation
n(n − 3)
= 35.
2
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 35/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Now what?
dan09
2021-07-09 20:27:16
Multiply by 2 and solve the quadratic for n
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:27:16
multiply by 2 on both sides
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:27:16
solve it for n
pwr
2021-07-09 20:27:16
multiply both sides by 2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:27:19
We have n2 − 3n = 70, so n2 − 3n − 70 = 0 . How does this factor?
dan09
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n − 10)(n + 7) = 0
pwr
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n − 10)(n + 7) = 0
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n+7)(n-10)=0
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n-10)(n+7)=0
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n – 10)(n + 7) = 0
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n-10)(n+7)=0
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:28:04
(n+7)(n-10)=0
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:28:10
Factoring the left side gives (n − 10)(n + 7) = 0, so n = 10 or n = −7.
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:28:23
it has to be positive
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:28:24
However, the number of sides, n, needs to be positive, so our polygon has 10 sides.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:28:33
(Of course, the fast way to find n would be to multiply by 2 to get n(n − 3) = 70, and since 70 = 10 ⋅ 7 the answer must be
n = 10.)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:28:49
Let's talk about area.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:28:52
Some polygons have nice area formulas, but when asked to find others we will need to break them down into polygons we already
know how to find the area for. We've already done this extensively in finding the area formulas for quadrilaterals, so you should be
comfortable with this.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:29:15
Let's take a look at the area of a regular polygon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:29:25
We know a lot about finding the areas of triangles. How can we cut a regular n-gon into triangles whose area might be easy to
find? Is there an especially nice way to split a regular polygon into triangles?
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 36/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
pwr
2021-07-09 20:30:43
use the center and draw lines from the vertices to it
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:30:43
Connect the center of the polygon to the vertices
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:30:43
draw a line from the vertices to the center of the polygon
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:30:49
We can cut the regular n-gon into n isosceles triangles by connecting each vertex to the center, as we did earlier when we had our
n-gon inscribed in a circle:
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:30:52
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:30:56
Why are all these little triangles congruent?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:31:32
by SSS
dan09
2021-07-09 20:31:32
By SSS or by SAS
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SSS
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SSS congruencs
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:31:32
by SSS
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:31:32
Because of SSS congruence
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SSS congruence
pwr
2021-07-09 20:31:32
they are congruent by SSS
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SAS congruence
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:31:32
They are congruent by SSS
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SSS congruence
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10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SSS congruency
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SSS
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:31:32
by SSS
Siella
2021-07-09 20:31:32
SAS
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:31:34
They're congruent by SSS: two sides are radii of the circumcircle, and one is a side of the regular polygon. We could also use SAS
given that the points are equally spaced around the circle, so that the angles at the center are equal.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:31:41
Let's suppose we know the side length of our regular polygon. What else would we need in order to find the area?
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:31:58
the height of one of the little congruent triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:32:00
We need to find the height of one of these little isosceles triangles. This altitude from the center of a regular polygon to one of the
sides is often called an apothem. Since these triangles are isosceles, an apothem is thus a median and an altitude of these
triangles at the same time.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:32:12
Here's one of these altitudes in our polygon above, labelled a (for apothem):
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:32:13
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:32:21
Keep in mind as we develop our area formula here that we are never making use of the fact that our original diagram is an octagon
(use n for the number of sides). Our formula will thus be applicable to all regular polygons.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:32:29
The height of each triangle is the apothem of the polygon, which we called a in the diagram above. What is the base of each
triangle?
dan09
2021-07-09 20:33:04
The side length of the polygon
pwr
2021-07-09 20:33:04
the side length of the polygon
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:33:08
The base is the length of a side of the polygon. Let's denote this by p/n, where p is the perimeter and n is the number of sides.
Now the area of each triangle is what?
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 38/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:33:54
(use parentheses, if needed, for proper formatting)
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:34:05
p
a
2n
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:34:05
(ap)/(2n)
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:34:05
ap/(2n)
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:34:05
pa
2n
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:34:05
(a*p/n)/2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:34:09
The area of each triangle is
1 p
Atriangle = ⋅ a ⋅ .
2 n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:34:14
Now in our polygon with n sides, how many such triangles are there?
pwr
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n triangles
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n triangles
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n triangles
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n triangles
Vitah2008
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n
dan09
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n triangles
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:34:49
n triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:34:52
There are n triangles, so we must multiply the area of the triangle by n to get
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 39/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
1
Apolygon = ⋅ a ⋅ p.
2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:35:00
Let's see how we can use this information to get the area of a circle!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:35:03
Consider what happens when we increase the number of sides of a regular polygon: the polygon begins to look more like a circle.
So we might pretend a circle is a regular polygon with a number of sides approaching infinity.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:35:09
What is the "apothem" of a circle?
dan09
2021-07-09 20:35:55
The radius
superhero2020
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:35:55
radius
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:35:55
The radius
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:35:55
The radius
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
Siella
2021-07-09 20:35:55
radius
JC0001
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
rapte
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:35:55
the radius
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:35:58
the radius of the circle
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:36:04
The apothem of a circle is just the radius, which we'll call r. What about the perimeter?
rapte
2021-07-09 20:36:43
circumference
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:36:43
The circumference
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:36:43
the circumference
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 40/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:36:43
The circumference
dan09
2021-07-09 20:36:43
2πr
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:36:43
the circumference
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:36:43
the circumference
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:36:43
The circumference of the circle
superhero2020
2021-07-09 20:36:43
the circumference
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:36:43
2rπ
Siella
2021-07-09 20:36:43
circumfrence
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:36:43
the circumference is 2πr
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:36:46
The "perimeter" of a circle is its circumference, which is 2πr by definition. (That is to say, the constant π is defined to be the
number you need in order for that statement to be true. This is where π comes from.)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:36:54
Let's now plug these values into the formula we have:
1 1
2
Acircle = ⋅ a ⋅ p = ⋅ r ⋅ 2πr = πr .
2 2
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:37:11
YAY!!!!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:37:14
This explains why it's the same number π that appears in the circumference and area formulas, and not some different constant!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:37:20
Here's something to think about later. If we let s be the semiperimeter of a polygon, then we can write our area formula as
A = (1/2)(a ⋅ p) = (p/2)a = sa.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:37:28
This looks a lot like the area formula we found for a triangle: Area = rs, where r is the radius of the inscribed incircle and s is the
semiperimeter.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:37:35
What is the area of a regular hexagon with side length s? (Find a formula in terms of s.)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:37:48
How can we find the area of a regular hexagon?
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:38:35
create triangles
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:38:35
split It into six triangles
yoyododococo123
2021-07-09 20:38:35
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 41/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
with the triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:38:48
We need to relate the hexagon to other figures we know the area of.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:38:53
Suppose we connect the center of a hexagon to all the vertices. What kind of triangles would the resulting 6 triangles be?
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral
pwr
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral triangles
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral triangles
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral triangles
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equailateral
dan09
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral triangles
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:39:40
Equilateral triangles!
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral triangles
Brendangho
2021-07-09 20:39:40
Equilateral
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:39:40
equilateral
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:39:44
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 42/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:39:49
Each of the triangles is isosceles since the center is equidistant from the vertices. The angle of each triangle at the center is
∘ ∘ ∘
360 180 − 60
, and each of the base angles measure , so the triangles are equilateral.
∘ ∘
= 60 = 60
6 2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:39:58
In summary, if we connect the center of a regular hexagon to the vertices of a regular hexagon, we get 6 equilateral triangles.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:40:12
s √3s
Remember that for a 30-60-90 triangle with hypotenuse length s, the leg lengths will be and . These leg lengths are also
2 2
the base and height lengths, respectively, of the right triangle, so the area is
2
1 s √3s √3s
Area = ⋅ ( ⋅ ) = .
2 2 2 8
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:40:26
So what is the area of the hexagon?
pwr
2021-07-09 20:41:54
3 √3 2
∗ s
2
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:41:54
2
3√3s
Area = .
2
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:41:54
(3s^2sqrt(3))/2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:41:59
An equilateral triangle of side length s will have area double this value, which is
2
√3s
Area = .
4
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:42:03
Since the regular hexagon is 6 equilateral triangles, our area is 6 times the area of an equilateral triangle with side length s, or
2 2
s √3 3s √3
6 ⋅ = .
4 2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:42:13
If we view a regular hexagon as a collection of equilateral triangles, that can often dramatically simplify problems.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:42:29
For example, we see from our equilateral triangles that the radius of the circumcircle of a regular hexagon equals the side length
of the regular hexagon.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:42:31
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 43/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:42:55
Let's tackle some slightly more complicated polygon problems.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:43:00
[ABCE]
Suppose ABCDEF is a regular hexagon. Find .
[ABCDEF ]
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:43:01
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:43:13
That quadrilateral doesn't look too easy to deal with. How might we tackle it?
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:43:49
we could split it into triangles
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:43:49
Split it into two different triangles!
Siella
2021-07-09 20:43:49
split it into triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:44:09
Splitting it into triangles is a great way.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:44:23
Let's try a different way first.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:44:32
We could find the area of the quadrilateral by finding the area of the hexagon and subtracting the areas of the little triangles. The
little triangles are congruent by SAS, so all we have to do is find the area of one of them.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:44:42
What do we know about △CDE that might help to find its area?
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 44/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 20:45:10
It's isosceles
pwr
2021-07-09 20:45:10
it is isosceles
dan09
2021-07-09 20:45:10
It is isosceles
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:45:10
it is isosceles
Siella
2021-07-09 20:45:10
it is isosceles
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:45:10
It's isosceles
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:45:10
it is an isosceles triangle
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:45:14
We know that CD = DE, and that ∠EDC = 180(6 − 2)/6 = 120 degrees because ABCDEF is regular. So, what can we do
to find the area of CDE?
pwr
2021-07-09 20:45:39
split it into two 30-60-90 triangles
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:45:39
we can draw a height
dan09
2021-07-09 20:45:44
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Split it into 30-60-90 triangles by dropping the perpendicular of D to EC
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:45:46
Because △CDE is isosceles with CD = DE, we have ∠CED = ∠DCE = (180 − 120)/2 = 30 .
∘
So, drawing an altitude
from D to EC will split the triangle into two 30-60-90 triangles.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:45:56
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:46:06
it has the same area of the equilateral triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:46:11
Awesome!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:46:21
We let the side of the hexagon be s. What is [CDE] in terms of s?
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 45/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:46:52
s^2sqrt(3)/4
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:46:55
Triangle DXE is a 30-60-90 triangle with hypotenuse DE = s , so DX = s/2 and XE = s√3/2 . So, we have
2
[DXE] = (DX)(XE)/2 = (s/2)(s√3/2)/2 = s √3/8.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:47:01
Therefore, [CDE] = 2[DXE] = s √3/4
2
.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:47:16
¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯
Otherwise, intuitively, we can glue the two special 30 − 60 − 90 triangles △EXD and △XCD along EX and XC into one
equilateral triangle of side-length s and hence of area s2 √3/4.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:47:32
What is [ABCDEF ] in terms of s?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:47:59
(We saw this earlier )
pwr
2021-07-09 20:48:43
3*sqrt(3)*s^2/2
dan09
2021-07-09 20:48:43
2
s ⋅3√3
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:48:43
2
3√3s
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:48:43
3s^2sqrt(3)/2
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:48:43
3sqrt3 * s^2 /2
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:48:43
2
3s √3
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:48:43
3√3/2∗s^2
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:48:43
(3s^2sqrt(3))/2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:48:46
We showed earlier that we can think of [ABCDEF ] as 6 equilateral triangles with side length s, so its area in terms of s is
2 2
s √3 3s √3
[ABCDEF ] = 6 ( ) = .
4 2
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:48:52
So, what is [ABCE]?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:50:32
√3s2
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:50:32
s^2sqrt(3)
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 46/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:50:32
s^2sqrt(3)
dan09
2021-07-09 20:50:32
2
s √3
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:50:32
s^2sqrt(3)
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:50:32
s^2sqrt(3)
pwr
2021-07-09 20:50:32
s^2*sqrt(3)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:50:43
We have
2 2
3s √3 s √3
2
[ABCE] = [ABCDEF ] − 2[CDE] = − 2 ⋅ = s √3.
2 4
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:50:47
[ABCE]
So, what is ?
[ABCDEF ]
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:51:00
(If we get more than 30 correct answers in 60 seconds, we will dance)
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
pwr
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
ARay10
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
cwc28
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
dan09
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2
ARay10
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 47/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
MathNinja7
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:52:13
2/3
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:52:19
We have
2
[ABCE] s √3 2
= = .
[ABCDEF ] 2
3s √3/2 3
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:52:31
No dance?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:52:43
You never reached 30 correct answers,
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:52:53
(I used a timer for 60 seconds)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:52:58
Next time...
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:53:02
Notice again our tactic of expressing the area we want in terms of pieces we know how to handle. Also, notice that we use our
understanding of triangles to solve a polygon problem (and that seeing 30 degree angles made us think of 30-60-90 triangles).
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:53:21
But that answer is so simple. Is there a simpler way to find it?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:53:39
We saw earlier that we can think of a regular hexagon as 6 equilateral triangles. If we do that here . . .
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:53:44
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:53:48
In our diagram, we've dissected our original hexagon, with its quadrilateral, into equilateral triangles. What might we add to this
diagram?
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:54:18
we could draw line segment AC
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:54:18
draw a line AC to split it into an equilateral triangle and an isosceles triangle
pwr
2021-07-09 20:54:18
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 48/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
line segment AC
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:54:23
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Maybe a line AC ?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:54:26
We might as well sketch in AC ; it looks like it's missing from the diagram.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:54:27
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:54:31
Now what do we have?
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:54:57
lots of congruent 30-60-90 triangles
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:55:01
How many?
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
Siella
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12 congruent right ttiangles
dan09
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
tkubota
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 49/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
pwr
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12 total triangles
Siella
2021-07-09 20:55:35
12
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:55:42
After breaking the hexagon into equilateral triangles, we have now cut it into 12 congruent 30-60-90 triangles (they are congruent
[ABCE]
since their hypotenuses are all the side length of the hexagon). How does this help us find easily?
[ABCDEF ]
dan09
2021-07-09 20:56:08
The area of ABCE is 8 out of 12 of those smaller triangles!
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:56:08
And ABCE eats up 8 of those
pwr
2021-07-09 20:56:08
bc quadrilateral ABCE is 8 triangles out of 12
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:56:22
So, what's the answer? (Dance question)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:56:29
(If we get more than 30 correct answers in 60 seconds, we will dance)
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
Siella
2021-07-09 20:58:15
8/12=2/3
Suraahi
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
Wuwuspring
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
dan09
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
pwr
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2
ARay10
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
Teediv
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 50/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 20:58:15
8/12=2/3
Save_The_Elephants
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
Sunshine2016
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
JC0001
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
Siella
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3 !!!
joeshu60091
2021-07-09 20:58:15
it is 2/3
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
Sarah010
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
takolhe12
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3
CalvinGarces
2021-07-09 20:58:15
2/3.
Sirahulania
2021-07-09 20:58:15
the ratio is 2/3
SpencerSun
2021-07-09 20:58:20
2/3
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:58:22
ABCE consists of 8 of these 12 little triangles, so
[ABCE] 8 2
= = .
[ABCDEF ] 12 3
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:58:32
Dissections can be very powerful in polygon problems.
RollOver2020
2021-07-09 20:58:34
Party time?
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:58:38
Why not?
pwr
2021-07-09 20:58:58
dance?? (>'-')> <('-'<) ^(' - ')^ <('-'<) (>'-')>
pwr
2021-07-09 20:58:58
yayyy
dan09
2021-07-09 20:58:58
PARTY TIME!!!
apple.xy
2021-07-09 20:58:58
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 51/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
<(^-^<) ^(^-^)^ (>^-^)>
grayspider
2021-07-09 20:58:58
Lol
Siella
2021-07-09 20:59:14
whoop whoop!!!!!
SpencerSun
2021-07-09 20:59:14
woo!
Hridhaan
2021-07-09 20:59:14
PARTEE
GarudS
2021-07-09 20:59:14
dance
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:59:16
SUMMARY
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:59:18
Today, we discussed polygons. Mainly, we found that polygon problems are just triangle problems.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:59:23
We started with the angles in a polygon, and found that the sum of the interior angles of a polygon with n sides is 180(n − 2)
degrees, and that the sum of the exterior angles of a polygon is 360 degrees.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:59:29
A regular polygon has all its sides congruent and all its interior angles congruent. Therefore, the measure of each exterior angle of
∘
360
a regular polygon with n sides (i.e., a regular n-gon) is and the measure of each interior angle is
n
∘ ∘
360 180 (n − 2)
∘
180 − = .
n n
Achilleas
2021-07-09 20:59:41
We also counted the diagonals of polygons, and found that a polygon with n sides has n(n − 3)/2 diagonals.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 21:00:14
Then, we turned to area. We found that the area of a regular polygon equals half the product of the perimeter of the polygon and
the distance from the center of the polygon to one of the sides of the polygon. (This distance is called the apothem.)
Achilleas
2021-07-09 21:00:25
We also found the area of a few specific types of polygons.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 21:00:32
We saw that the area of a regular hexagon with side length s is 3s2 √3/2, which we found by dissecting a regular hexagon into 6
equilateral triangles.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 21:00:44
In general, we saw that dissection is a very powerful polygon-problem solving tool.
Achilleas
2021-07-09 21:00:48
That's it for today's class. Great work today, everybody! Any last questions before I unmod?
Colorcrazy
2021-07-09 21:01:13
nope!
Suraahi
2021-07-09 21:01:13
Nope!
shenpinyi
2021-07-09 21:01:13
no
turquoisewolf
2021-07-09 21:01:13
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 52/53
10/12/21, 8:31 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
No
RyanL2019
2021-07-09 21:01:13
nope!
AndrewZhong2012
2021-07-09 21:01:13
no!!!!!
JC0001
2021-07-09 21:01:13
no!
Achilleas
2021-07-09 21:01:17
Thank you all! Have a wonderful week! See you next time!
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40739 53/53