MathLabs

Problem 1

In a convex quadrilateral of area 3232, the sum of the lengths of two opposite sides and one diagonal is 1616. Determine all possible lengths of the other diagonal.
Step 6 of 7: Compute the other diagonal
In plain words

Coordinates expose a right triangle whose legs are the diagonal and the combined height.

AC2=BD2+(AB+DC)2=82+82=128AC^2=BD^2+(AB+DC)^2=8^2+8^2=128
Detailed analysis

Put B=(0,0)B=(0,0) and D=(8,0)D=(8,0). Convexity places A,CA,C on opposite sides of BDBD, so the vertical separation is AB+DC=8AB+DC=8. Therefore AC2=BD2+(AB+DC)2=82+82=128AC^2=BD^2+(AB+DC)^2=8^2+8^2=128.