Infinite midpoint-triangle process: Starting with a right triangle with sides 12 cm, 16 cm, and 20 cm, a new right triangle is formed by joining midpoints of the sides; the process continues infinitely. Find the sum of the areas of all triangles formed (including the original).

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 128 sq.cm

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Joining midpoints of a triangle’s sides forms the medial triangle, whose area is one-quarter of the original. Repeating this generates a geometric series of areas.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original right triangle sides: 12 cm, 16 cm, 20 cm
  • Area of right triangle = (1/2) * product of perpendicular sides
  • Each medial triangle has area = 1/4 of its parent
  • We include the original triangle unless otherwise specified (standard for “all triangles so made”).


Concept / Approach:
The sum S of an infinite geometric series with first term a and ratio r (|r| < 1) is S = a / (1 - r). Here a = initial area, r = 1/4.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Original area a = (1/2) * 12 * 16 = 96 sq cmRatios: 96, 24, 6, 1.5, … (each next is 1/4 of previous)S = a / (1 - r) = 96 / (1 - 1/4) = 96 / (3/4) = 128 sq cm


Verification / Alternative check:
Partial sums: 96 + 24 = 120; + 6 = 126; + 1.5 = 127.5; approaching 128, confirming the limit.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
312, 412, 246 are unrelated totals; 96 is just the first area without the infinite continuation.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing side-halving (which halves length) with area-halving; area reduces by a factor of 1/4, not 1/2.


Final Answer:
128 sq.cm

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