Length from centroid to midpoint on a median:\nIn triangle PQR, centroid C. Given PQ = 30 cm, QR = 36 cm, PR = 50 cm. If D is the midpoint of QR, find the exact length (in cm) of CD.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: (4√86)/3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The centroid divides each median in a 2:1 ratio measured from the vertex to the midpoint. We first compute the full median length using the formula for a median in terms of side lengths, then take one-third of that to get CD.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • PQ = 30 cm, QR = 36 cm, PR = 50 cm.
  • D is the midpoint of QR.
  • Median from P to D has length m_p with m_p^2 = (2PQ^2 + 2PR^2 − QR^2)/4.
  • CD = (1/3) * m_p (since centroid divides median in ratio 2:1).


Concept / Approach:
Compute the median length algebraically and scale by 1/3 to obtain the centroid-to-midpoint segment.


Step-by-Step Solution:

m_p^2 = (2*30^2 + 2*50^2 − 36^2)/4 = (1800 + 5000 − 1296)/4 = 5504/4 = 1376.m_p = √1376 = √(16*86) = 4√86.CD = (1/3) * m_p = (4√86)/3.


Verification / Alternative check:
Ratio property check: PC = (2/3)m_p and CD = (1/3)m_p; their sum is the median length m_p.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other expressions do not equal one-third of 4√86.


Common Pitfalls:
Taking 2/3 instead of 1/3 for CD or miscomputing the median formula.


Final Answer:
(4√86)/3

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