Folding a Right Triangle Along the Median to the Hypotenuse

★ 5/10Law of Sinessolid geometryCasework

Problem

figure

In right triangle ABCABC, ∠B=π2\angle B=\dfrac{\pi}{2} and AC=2BC=4AC=2BC=4, and DD is the midpoint of segment ACAC. Triangle ABDABD is folded along BDBD, carrying AA to a point PP, so that a tetrahedron P-BCDP\text{-}BCD is formed (left: before the fold; right: after the fold).

Determine, with proof, which of the following claims about the folding process are true.

1. The circumradius of triangle PBDPBD is 22. 2. In some position of the fold, PD⊥BDPD\perp BD. 3. In some position of the fold, PB⊥CDPB\perp CD. 4. If PD⊥DCPD\perp DC, then the circumscribed sphere of tetrahedron P-BCDP\text{-}BCD has volume 323π\dfrac{32}{3}\pi.

Answer

Solution

Difficulty5/10
TopicsLaw of Sines, solid geometry, Casework

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