A right hexagonal prism with a regular hexagonal base of side length a = 1 0 , and height h = 3 0 , is to be inscribed in a regular tetrahedron of edge length A , such that three alternating edges of the hexagonal top base of the prism are in contact with the three (non-horizontal) faces of the tetrahedron. Find A .
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Extending the lines of the Hexagon will create a triangle of side length
3
a
Fomula for Tetrahedron's heigt: H = 3 A 6
Wich makes A = 6 3 H
The total height is the prism's height + the smaller tetrahedron's height (on top of the prism)
H = h + 3 3 a 6
A = 6 3 ( h + 3 3 a 6 ) = 6 3 h + 3 9 a 6 ) = 6 6 . 7 4
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Label the diagram as follows:
Since B C = 2 1 A and ∠ C B O = 3 0 ° , B O = 3 3 A and C O = 6 3 A .
Since B H = A and B O = 3 3 A , by the Pythagorean Theorem on △ B H O , H O = 3 6 A .
Since △ G E C ∼ △ H O C by AA similarity, E G C E = H O C O . Substituting E G = 3 0 , C O = 6 3 A , and H O = 3 6 A and solving gives C E = 2 1 5 2 .
E O is the height of equilateral △ D F O with a side length of D F = 1 0 , so E O = 5 3 .
By segment addition, C O = C E + E O . Substituting C O = 6 3 A , C E = 2 1 5 2 , and E O = 5 3 and solving gives A = 1 5 6 + 3 0 ≈ 6 6 . 7 4 .