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# Triangle ABC is equilateral with sides 10 cm long. Triangle DEF is formed by drawing lines parallel to, and 1 cm away from, the sides of tri

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Triangle ABC is equilateral with sides 10 cm long. Triangle DEF is formed by drawing lines parallel to, and 1 cm away from, the sides of triangle ABC. Find the perimeter of triangle DEF.

Guest Apr 10, 2015

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zacismyname  Apr 10, 2015
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My solution assumes that DEF is bigger than ABC, though you don't actually specify this in the question.

First, look at the diagram:

With reference to this we have:

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Alan  Apr 10, 2015
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WOW Alan,  that looks very impressive!

Melody  Apr 10, 2015
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Here's an alternative method of solution.

Assuming that the triangle DEF lies 'outside' the triangle ABC, the area of DEF is equal to the area of ABC plus the area of three trapezia.

So, calling the length of side of DEF L,

$$\frac{1}{2}L^{2}\sin 60 = \frac{1}{2}10^{2}\sin 60+\frac{3}{2}(10+L),$$

Multiplying throughout by 4,

$$L^{2}\sqrt{3}=100\sqrt{3}+6(10+L),$$

$$\sqrt{3}(L^{2}-100)=\sqrt{3}(L+10)(L-10)=6(10+L),$$

$$\sqrt{3}(L-10)=6,$$

$$L=2\sqrt{3}+10,$$

so the length of the perimeter is   $$6\sqrt{3}+30.$$

Assuming that DEF lies 'within' ABC leads to, (following the same procedure),  $$L=10-2\sqrt{3}.$$

Bertie  Apr 10, 2015
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zacismyname  Apr 10, 2015
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I like your solution, zacismyname......I would do this exactly the same way......

CPhill  Apr 11, 2015
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Hi Zacismyname,

Welcome to the forum.    :D

I think I may nickname you Zac   LOL

Melody  Apr 11, 2015