CAT 2025 Slot3 Quant: Geometry Triangle
March 7, 2026 2026-03-07 15:14CAT 2025 Slot3 Quant: Geometry Triangle
Use Similarity: $\triangle ABD \sim \triangle AEB$.
Ratio of sides: $\frac{AB}{AE} = \frac{AD}{AB}$
$AB^2 = AE \times AD \implies 12^2 = AE \times 8$
$144 = 8 \times AE \implies AE = \mathbf{18}$ cm.
Detailed Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Identify given properties
In $\triangle ABC$, $AB = AC = 12$ cm, which means $\triangle ABC$ is an isosceles triangle.
Therefore, the base angles are equal: $\angle ABC = \angle ACB$.
Step 2: Establish Angle Equality
Given: $\angle ACB = \angle AEB$.
From Step 1, we know $\angle ABC = \angle ACB$.
By transitive property: $\angle ABD = \angle AEB$ (since $B, D, C$ are on the same line).
Step 3: Similarity of Triangles
Compare $\triangle ABD$ and $\triangle AEB$:
1. $\angle BAE = \angle BAE$ (Common angle)
2. $\angle ABD = \angle AEB$ (Proved above)
By AA Similarity criterion, $\triangle ABD \sim \triangle AEB$.
Step 4: Solve for AE
Using the property of similar triangles (ratio of corresponding sides):
$$\frac{AB}{AE} = \frac{AD}{AB}$$
$$AB^2 = AE \times AD$$
$$12^2 = AE \times 8$$
$$144 = 8 \times AE$$
$$AE = \frac{144}{8} = \mathbf{18} \text{ cm}.$$