Geometry - Quadrilaterals & Polygons - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
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A trapezium ABCD has side AD parallel to BC. ∠BAD = 90°, BC = 3 cm and AD = 8 cm. If the perimeter of this trapezium is 36 cm, then its area, in sq. cm, is
Answer: 66
Explanation :
Let AB = x
In right ∆CED,CE = AB = x
⇒ CD =
In the given figure,
⇒ 3 + 8 + x + = 36
⇒ = 25 – x
⇒ x2 + 25 = 625 + x2 – 50x
⇒ 50x = 600
⇒ x = 12
Now, area of a trapezium = 1/2 × (sum of parallel sides) × height
= 1/2 × 11 × 12 = 66
Hence, 66.
Workspace:
Regular polygons A and B have number of sides in the ratio 1 : 2 and interior angles in the ratio 3 : 4. Then the number of sides of B equals
Answer: 10
Explanation :
Interior angle of a n-sided regular polygon =
Let the number of sides of polygon A and B be n and 2n respectively.
⇒ =
⇒ =
⇒ 4n – 8 = 3n – 3
⇒ n = 5
∴ Number of sides of polygon B = 2n= 10.
Hence, 10.
Workspace:
The lengths of all four sides of a quadrilateral are integer valued. If three of its sides are of length 1 cm, 2 cm and 4 cm, then the total number of possible lengths of the fourth side is
- (a)
5
- (b)
4
- (c)
3
- (d)
6
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
In a quadrilateral, the longest side is less than the sum of other three sides and greater than the least of the difference of any 2 of the other three sides.
Let the fourthe sides of the quadrilateral be x.
⇒ 2 - 1 < x < 1 + 2 + 4
⇒ 1 < x < 7
∴ x can be 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6
Hence, x can take 5 integral values.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
Suppose the length of each side of a regular hexagon ABCDEF is 2 cm. If T is the mid point of CD, then the length of AT, in cm, is
- (a)
√14
- (b)
√12
- (c)
√13
- (d)
√15
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Side of the regular hexagon = 2 cm.
Consider the figure below.
Consider the isosceles ∆ATF
TU is the altitude from T to AF.
We know, in a regular hexagon the distance between any two parallel sides = √3 × side.
∴ TU = √3 × 2 = 2√3 cm.
Since ATF is an isosceles triangle, U will be the mid-point of AF
∴ AU = 1 cm.
In ∆ATU
AT2 = TU2 + AU2
⇒ AT2 = (2√3)2 + 12
⇒ AT2 = 13
⇒ AT = √13
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
The sides AB and CD of a trapezium ABCD are parallel, with AB being the smaller side. P is the midpoint of CD and ABPD is a parallelogram. If the difference between the areas of the parallelogram ABPD and the triangle BPC is 10 sq cm, then the area, in sq cm, of the trapezium ABCD is
- (a)
20
- (b)
30
- (c)
40
- (d)
25
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Refer the diagram below.
ABPD is a parallelogram.
ABPD and ∆BPC have equal base and same height.
∴ Area (ABPD) = 2 × Area (∆BPC)
Also, Area (ABPD) - Area (∆BPC) = 10
⇒ 2 × Area (∆BPC) - Area (∆BPC) = 10
⇒ Area (∆BPC) = 10
∴ Area (ABPD) = 20
⇒ Area (ABCD) = Area (ABPD) + Area (∆BPC) = 20 + 10 = 30
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
If a rhombus has area 12 sq cm and side length 5 cm, then the length, in cm, of its longer diagonal is
- (a)
√13 + √12
- (b)
√37 + √13
- (c)
(√13 + √12)/2
- (d)
(√37 + √13)/2
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Consider the diagram below.
In a rhombus diagonals perpendicularly bisect each other.
∴ Let OA = OC = x and OB = OD = y
In ∆AOB ⇒ x2 + y2 = 52 …(1)
Also, area of the rhombus = ½ × 2x × 2y = 12
⇒ 2xy = 12 …(2)
(1) + (2)
⇒ x2 + y2 + 2xy = 25 + 12 = 37
⇒ (x + y)2 = 37
⇒ x + y = √37 …(3)
(1) - (2)
⇒ x2 + y2 - 2xy = 25 - 12 = 13
⇒ (x - y)2 = 13
⇒ x - y = √13 …(4)
Solving (3) and (4) we get,
2x = √37 + √13 and
2y = √37 - √13
∴ The longer diagonal = 2x = √37 + √13
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
A park is shaped like a rhombus and has area 96 sq m. If 40 m of fencing is needed to enclose the park, the cost, in INR, of laying electric wires along its two diagonals, at the rate of ₹125 per m, is
Answer: 3500
Explanation :
Side of the rhombus = ¼ × 40 = 10 cm.
Area of a rhombus = ½ d1d2 = 96 [d1 and d2 are the two diagonals]
⇒ d1d2 = 192
We know, (d1/2)2 + (d2/2)2 = 102
⇒ d12 + d22 = 400
⇒ (d1 + d2)2 - 2d1d2 = 400
⇒ (d1 + d2)2 – 2 × 192 = 400
⇒ (d1 + d2)2 = 784
⇒ d1 + d2 = 28
Hence, the cost of laying electric wore along its two diagonals = 125 × (d1 + d2) = 125 × 28 = Rs. 3,500
Hence, 3500.
Workspace:
Let ABCD be a parallelogram. The lengths of the side AD and the diagonal AC are 10 cm and 20 cm, respectively. If the angle ∠ADC is equal to 30° then the area of the parallelogram is sq. cm. is
- (a)
25(√3 + √15)/2
- (b)
25(√5 + √15)
- (c)
25(√3 + √15)
- (d)
25(√5 + √15)/2
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Let AE be a perpendicular from A to DC.
∆ADE is a 30-60-90 triangle.
⇒ DE = √3/2 × 10 = 5√3
⇒ AE = 10/2 = 5
∆ACE is a right triangle.
⇒ CE2 = AC2 – AE2
⇒ CE2 = 400 – 25 = 375
⇒ CE = 5√15
∴ Area of parallelogram = 2 × Area of triangle ADC
⇒ Area of parallelogram = 2 × (1/2 × CD × AE) = CD × AE
= (DE + EC) × AE
= (5√3 + 5√15) × 5
= 25(√3 + √15)
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
A circle is inscribed in a rhombus with diagonals 12 cm and 16 cm. The ratio of the area of circle to the area of rhombus is
- (a)
5π/18
- (b)
2π/15
- (c)
3π/25
- (d)
6π/25
Answer: Option D
Explanation :
The following diagram can be drawn from the given information.
⇒ Area of the Rhombus = = 96
Radius of the circle is same as the height of ∆ABC
In a right triangle, altitude from right angle = = =
⇒ Area of circle =
∴ Area of Circle : Area of Rhombus = = 6π : 25.
Hence, option (d).
Workspace:
The sum of the perimeters of an equilateral triangle and a rectangle is 90 cm. The area, T, of the triangle and the area, R, of the rectangle, both in sq cm, satisfy the relationship R = T². If the sides of the rectangle are in the ratio 1 : 3, then the length, in cm, of the longer side of the rectangle, is
- (a)
27
- (b)
24
- (c)
18
- (d)
21
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
Let the side of equilateral triangle be a. Hence, perimeter = 3a.
Let the sides of the rectangle be x and 3x. Hence, perimeter = 8x
Given, 3a + 8x = 90 …(1)
Also given, R = T2
⇒ x × 3x =
⇒ 16x2 = a4
⇒ a2 = 4x
Substituting x in (1)
⇒ 3a + 2a2 = 90
⇒ 2a2 + 3a – 90 = 0
⇒ a = -15/2 or 6 (-ve value will be rejected)
∴ x = = 9
∴ Longer side of the rectangle = 3x = 27.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
In a trapezium ABCD, AB is parallel to DC, BC is perpendicular to DC and ∠BAD = 45°. If DC = 5 cm, BC = 4 cm, the area of the trapezium in sq.cm is
Answer: 28
Explanation :
The following diagram can be drawn using the information given.
Since, ∆ADE is an isosceles right triangle hence, DE = AE = 4 cm
⇒ AB = BE + AE = 5 + 4 = 9 cm
∴ Area of trapezium = = = 28 cm2.
Hence, 28.
Workspace:
Let A and B be two regular polygons having a and b sides, respectively. If b = 2a and each interior angle of B is 3/2 times each interior angle of A, then each interior angle, in degrees, of a regular polygon with a + b sides is
Answer: 150
Explanation :
Sum of the interior angles of a n-sided Polygon = (n - 2) × 180
Measure of each interior angle = × 180°
So, Interior angle of the polygon with side a = × 180°
Interior angle of the polygon with side b = × 180°
It is given that interior angle of side b is 3/2 times to that of the polygon with side A
⇒ × 180° =
⇒ (2a - 2) × 180 = (3a - 6) × 180
⇒ 2a - 2 = 3a - 6
⇒ a = 4. So, b = 8
Now, (a + b) sides = 8 + 4 = 12 sides
Interior angle =× 180° = 150°
Hence, 150.
Workspace:
Points E, F, G, H lie on the sides AB, BC, CD, and DA, respectively, of a square ABCD. If EFGH is also a square whose area is 62.5% of that of ABCD and CG is longer than EB, then the ratio of length of EB to that of CG is
- (a)
2 : 5
- (b)
4 : 9
- (c)
3 : 8
- (d)
1 : 3
Answer: Option D
Explanation :
y > x
Side of smaller square =
∴ Area of smaller square = (x2 + y2)
Side of bigger square = (x + y)
∴ Area of bigger square = (x + y)2
By the given condition,
⇒ x2 + y2 = 62.5% of (x + y)2
⇒ x2 + y2 = 5/8 (x + y)2
⇒ 8x2 + 8y2 = 5x2 + 5y2 + 10xy
⇒ 3x2 + 3y2 - 10xy = 0
⇒ 3 -10 + 3 = 0
⇒ = = = 9/3 of 1/3
As y > x, x/y < 1
∴ x : y = 1 : 3
Hence, option (d).
Workspace:
In a parallelogram ABCD of area 72 sq cm, the sides CD and AD have lengths 9 cm and 16 cm, respectively. Let P be a point on CD such that AP is perpendicular to CD. Then the area, in sq cm, of triangle APD is
- (a)
12√3
- (b)
24√3
- (c)
18√3
- (d)
32√3
Answer: Option D
Explanation :
Area of parallelogram = base × height
∴ A(□ABCD) = CD × AP
∴ 72 = 9 × AP
∴ AP = 8
Consider ∆APD.
PD = = 8√3
A(APD) = 1/2 × 8√3 × 8 = 32√3 sq.cm.
Hence, option (d).
Workspace:
Let ABCD be a rectangle inscribed in a circle of radius 13 cm. Which one of the following pairs can represent, in cm, the possible length and breadth of ABCD?
- (a)
24, 12
- (b)
24, 10
- (c)
25, 10
- (d)
25, 9
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
As □ABCD is a rectangle, diagonal AC will be the diameter of the circle
∴ AC = DB = 2 × 13 = 26 cm
⇒ AB2 + BC2 = 262 = 676
Only option (b) satisfies this: (242 + 102) = 676
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
A parallelogram ABCD has area 48 sqcm. If the length of CD is 8 cm and that of AD is s cm, then which one of the following is necessarily true?
- (a)
s ≠ 6
- (b)
s ≥ 6
- (c)
5 ≤ s ≤ 7
- (d)
s ≤ 6
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Area of parallelogram = Base × Height
∴ 48 = 8 × Height
∴ Height = 6 cm
If the parallelogram is a rectangle, AD is its height. In that case, s = 6.
Otherwise, using Pythagoras theorem,
AD > 6 or s > 6.
Therefore, s ≥ 6.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The area of a rectangle and the square of its perimeter are in the ratio 1 ∶ 25. Then the lengths of the shorter and longer sides of the rectangle are in the ratio ?
- (a)
1 : 3
- (b)
2 : 9
- (c)
1 : 4
- (d)
3 : 8
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Suppose l = length of the rectangle and b = breadth of the rectangle.
Therefore, the area of the rectangle = lb and the perimeter of the rectangle = 2(l + b)
Therefore,
Substituting the options, we can see that only option (c) i.e., 1 : 4 matches.
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
Let ABCDEF be a regular hexagon with each side of length 1 cm. The area (in sq cm) of a square with AC as one side is
- (a)
3√2
- (b)
3
- (c)
4
- (d)
√3
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
ABCDEF is a hexagon with side 1 cm. Let us construct the diagram as shown below
Now if we look at triangle ABC
Further, as AB = BC, △ABC will become a 120° - 30° - 30° triangle and the ratio of it’s sides. (∵ ∠ABC is an angle of regular hexagon ABCDEF)
will be √3 : 1 : 1.
Now
∴ AC = √3 units
Area of square with side AC = (√3)2 = 3 sq.units
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
ABCD is a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle with centre O. If ∠COD = 120 degrees and ∠BAC = 30 degrees, then the value of ∠BCD (in degrees) is
Answer: 90
Explanation :
Angle subtended by an arc on circle is half of the angle it makes at the center.
∴ Considering arc CD, it makes an angle of 120° at the center hence ∠CAD = 60°.
⇒ ∠BAD = 90°
Now, in a cyclic quadrilateral, sum of opposite angle = 90°.
⇒ ∠BAD + ∠BCD = 90°
∴ ∠BCD = 90°
Hence, 90.
Workspace:
Consider a square ABCD with midpoints E, F, G, H of AB, BC, CD and DA respectively. Let L denote the line passing through F and H. Consider points P and Q, on L and inside ABCD, such that the angles APD and BQC both equal 120°. What is the ratio of the area of ABQCDP to the remaining area inside ABCD?
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- (e)
Answer: Option E
Explanation :
Let the length of the sides of the square be 2s.
Consider ∆BQF,
BF = s
In 30° - 60° - 90° triangle,
QF =
∴ Area of ∆BQF = × s ×
Area of ABQCDP = Area of square ABCD – 4 × Area of ∆BQF
∴ Required ratio = =
Hence, option (e).
Workspace:
Each question is followed by two statements A and B. Answer each question using the following instructions.
Mark (1) if the question can be answered by using statement A alone but not by using statement B alone.
Mark (2) if the question can be answered by using statement B alone but not by using statement A alone.
Mark (3) if the question can be answered by using both the statements together but not by using either of the statements alone.
Mark (4) if the question cannot be answered on the basis of the two statements.
Rahim plans to draw a square JKLM with a point O on the side JK but is not successful. Why is Rahim unable to draw the square?
A. The length of OM is twice that of OL.
B. The length of OM is 4 cm.
- (a)
1
- (b)
2
- (c)
3
- (d)
4
- (e)
5
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
Let p be the side of square JKLM.
From Statement A,
OM = 2 × OL
OM is maximum when it is the diagonal of the square and has length
When OM is maximum,
∴ OM ≠ 2 × OL if O lies on JK.
∴ Rahim is unable to draw the square.
Statement B offers no additional or relevant information.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
An equilateral triangle BPC is drawn inside a square ABCD. What is the value of the angle APD in degrees?
- (a)
75
- (b)
90
- (c)
120
- (d)
135
- (e)
150
Answer: Option E
Explanation :
BP = PC = BC
m ∠BPC = m ∠PCB = m ∠PBC = 60°
Also, PC = CD = BP = AB
∆ ABP and ∆ PCD are isosceles triangles.
m ∠ABP = m ∠PCD = 90 – 60 = 30°
∴ m ∠APB = m ∠DPC = (180 – 30)/2 = 75°
∴ m ∠APD = 360 – (m ∠APB + m ∠DPC + m ∠BPC) = 360 – (75 + 75 + 60) = 150°
Hence, option (e).
Workspace:
Each side of a given polygon is parallel to either the X or the Y axis. A corner of such a polygon is said to be convex if the internal angle is 90° or concave if the internal angle is 270°. If the number of convex corners in such a polygon is 25, the number of concave corners must be
- (a)
20
- (b)
0
- (c)
21
- (d)
22
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Consider the polygon as shown in the figure. Here 4 corners A, D, G and J are the concave corners and remaining 8 corners are convex corners.
In general, for a polygon with sides parallel to either of the axes, if n is the number of concave corners and m is the number of convex corners, then we have,
m − n = 4
∵ m = 25
∴ n = 21
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
In the figure below, ABCDEF is a regular hexagon and ∠AOF = 90°. FO is parallel to ED. What is the ratio of the area of the triangle AOF to that of the hexagon ABCDEF?
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
We can see that triangles AMF, AMB, BMC, CMD, DME and EMF are all equilateral triangles. Also, AE, XY and BD bisect MF, AB, ED and CM.
∴ All the small right triangles in the figure are congruent.
∴ A(∆AOF) = × the area of the hexagon ABCDEF
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
A square tin sheet of side 12 inches is converted into a box with open top in the following steps – the sheet is placed horizontally. Then, equal sized squares, each of side x inches, are cut from the four corners of the sheet. Finally, the four resulting sides are bent vertically upwards in the shape of a box. If x is an integer, then what value of x maximizes the volume of the box?
- (a)
3
- (b)
4
- (c)
1
- (d)
2
Answer: Option D
Explanation :
When the tin sheet is cut across its corners as shown in the figure, the box formed will have a height of x inches and its base will be a square of side (12 – 2x) inches.
Let the volume of the box, V = (12 – 2x)2 × x = 4x3 − 48x2 + 144x
For V to be maximum, shoule be 0.
i.e. 12x2 − 96x + 144 = 0
∴ 12(x − 6)(x − 2) = 0
∴ x = 2 or x = 6
However, x cannot be 6 as the length of the side is (12 – 2x).
∴ x = 2
Hence, option (d).
Alternatively,
Since V = (12 – 2x)2 × x = [2(6 – x)]2 × x = 4x(6 – x)2,
Substituting values of x from 1 to 5, we get V maximum when x = 2 (i.e. V = 128)
Workspace:
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