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2011 Math Kangaroo

Problem 17

Problem 17 · 2011 Math Kangaroo Hard
Geometry & Measurement spatial-reasoning

You are given the three corner points of a triangle and want to add a fourth point to make the four corners of a parallelogram. In how many places can the fourth point be placed?

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Answer: C — 3
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Hint 1 of 2
Draw the triangle, then try sliding the new point off each of the three corners in turn.
Still stuck? Show hint 2 →
Hint 2 of 2
Each corner of the triangle can be the one that sits opposite the new point — count those choices.
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Approach: let each triangle corner be the one opposite the new point
  1. Draw the triangle with corners A, B, C; the fourth point joins them into a parallelogram.
  2. Pick which corner is opposite the new point: if it is A you get one parallelogram, if B another, if C a third.
  3. That gives three different spots for the fourth point, so the answer is 3.
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