I solved it by assuming that there was a unique answer:
If this is solvable (we have been given enough information) then WLOG we can assume E is at the center of the square so that all four angles at the center between A and B, B and C, C and D, and D and E are right angles. The triangle in question is a right triangle with legs equal to 8, and has an area of 8^2 / 2 = 32.
The same is true when E is coincident with B, which is of course on the semicircle connecting A with B that forms the locus of E when AEB is a right angle.
When is or is approaching A, this can only be a limit as E approaches A, with the requirement for a larger and larger square with a longer and longer but narrower and narrower triangle. I haven't done the calculus, but the assurance that the answer doesn't change, combined with the one or two solutions, gives confidence 32 is correct.
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Posted by Charlie
on 2023-03-29 21:52:20 |