In the adjacent figure, ∠ B = 90 degrees and D and E are the trisection points of BC then prove that 3AC^2 + 5AD^2 = 8AE^2 ?

In the adjacent figure,#/_# B = 90 degrees and D and E are the trisection points of BC then prove that #3AC^2# + #5AD^2# = #8AE^2#
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1 Answer
Jan 12, 2016

Use the Pythagorean Theorem and combine the equations

Explanation:

Calling #BC=3x# => #BD=DE=CE=x#

#triangle_(ABD) -> AD^2=x^2+AB^2# [1]
#triangle_(ABE) -> AE^2=4x^2+AB^2# [2]
#triangle_(ABC) -> AC^2=9x^2+AB^2# [3]

Subtracting [1] from [2]
#AE^2-AD^2=3x^2# [4]

Subtracting [1] from [3]
#AC^2-AD^2=8x^2# => #x^2=(AC^2-AD^2)/8# [5]

Using [5] in [4]
#AE^2-AD^2=(3/8)(AC^2-AD^2)#
#8AE^2-8AD^2=3AC^2-3AD^2#
#8AE^2=3AC^2+5AD^2#
Q.E.D.