adi_800 wrote:If CD = 6, what is the length of BC?
(1) BD = 6 rt3
(2) x = 60
My Explanation:
Draw a perpendicular line from B to AC, which will intersect line AC at E.
Let BC = a, EC = b and EB = c
(1)
in the triangle BED, it is a 30:60:90 triangle. Hence the sides are in the ratio 1x : xrt3 : 2x
as 2x = 6rt3.
therefore, x = 3 rt3
Hence, EB = c = x = 3rt3
EC = b = ED - CD = xrt3 - 6 = (3 rt 3 * rt3) - 6 = 9-6 = 3
Now in the triangle BEC, using Pythagoras theorem,
a^2 = b^2 + c^2
i.e a = 6
SUFFICIENT
(2)
In the triangle BEC, It is a 30:60:90 triangle. Hence the sides are in the ratio 1x : xrt3 : 2x
as 2x = a
therefore x = a/2
b will become, b =a/2
and c =(a/2) rt3
Now in triangle BED, again it is a 30:60:90 triangle. Hence the sides are in the ratio 1y : yrt3 : 2y [ taking variable y so as not to get confused between the earlier x and this y]
as side ED is opposite to angle 60. therefore, yrt3 = (a/2) + 6
i.e. y = (((a/2)+6)/ rt3)
Also as side EB is opposite to angle 30, so y = (a/2) rt 3
equating both ys,
(((a/2)+6)/ rt3) = (a/2) rt 3
solving, we get a =6
SUFFICIENT
Therefore CORRECT ANSWER (D)