Maximum Angle ACD in Triangle

XAT 2021 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Hard · Geometry

ABC is a triangle with integer-valued sides AB = 1, BC > 1, and CA > 1. If D is the mid-point of AB, then, which of the following options is the closest to the maximum possible value of the angle ACD (in degrees)?

  1. A.

    15

  2. B.

    30

  3. C.

    45

  4. D.

    75

  5. E.

    60

Answer

A

Explanation

DD is the midpoint of ABAB, so AD=0.5AD = 0.5. To maximize ∠ACD\angle ACD, CD⊥ABCD \perp AB and ACAC should be as small as possible. Since AC>1AC > 1 and integer-valued, minimum AC=2AC = 2. In right triangle ADCADC, sin⁡(∠ACD)=ADAC=0.52=0.25\sin(\angle ACD) = \frac{AD}{AC} = \frac{0.5}{2} = 0.25. ∠ACD=arcsin⁡(0.25)≈14.48∘≈15∘\angle ACD = \arcsin(0.25) \approx 14.48^\circ \approx 15^\circ.

Related Geometry questions

Practise this under exam conditions

Sign in to solve it with a live timer, the on-screen CAT calculator, and streak and accuracy tracking across every question you attempt.

Solve in the workspace