ABCD is a square of side s. F is the midpoint of AB and E lies on BC such that BE = (1/3)·BC. If area of △FBE is 108 m^2, find the length of diagonal AC.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 36√2 m

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We work in a square and place points using simple fractions of the sides. Using coordinates or base–height reasoning, we can compute the area of △FBE in terms of the square side s, solve for s, and then compute the diagonal AC = s√2.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • ABCD is a square with side s.
  • F is midpoint of AB ⇒ AF = FB = s/2.
  • E lies on BC with BE = (1/3)·BC ⇒ E is one-third up from B toward C.
  • Area(△FBE) = 108 m^2.


Concept / Approach:

  • Set coordinates: A(0,0), B(s,0), C(s,s), D(0,s).
  • Then F(s/2, 0) and E(s, s/3).
  • Use area = (1/2)·base·height with base BF horizontal.


Step-by-Step Solution:

BF = s − s/2 = s/2 (horizontal segment)Perpendicular height from E to BF equals y(E) = s/3 (since BF lies on y=0)Area(△FBE) = (1/2) * (s/2) * (s/3) = s^2 / 12Set s^2 / 12 = 108 ⇒ s^2 = 1296 ⇒ s = 36 mAC = s√2 = 36√2 m


Verification / Alternative check:
Coordinate shoelace formula with F(s/2,0), B(s,0), E(s,s/3) also yields area s^2/12, confirming the result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 63 m, 63√2 m, 72√2 m: Do not follow from s^2/12 = 108.
  • None of these: Not applicable; 36√2 m is exact.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Mistaking BE = s/3 for y(E) when coordinates are not carefully set.
  • Using s/3 as base instead of height; here the base is BF = s/2.


Final Answer:
36√2 m

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