The median of an equilateral triangle is increasing at the rate of $2\sqrt{3} \text{ cm/s}$. Find the rate at which its side is increasing.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → $4\text{ cm/s}$ ##
Let the length of the median be $x \text{ cm}$.
And side of equilateral triangle be $y \text{ cm}$.
In $\triangle ABD$, $AB^2 = AD^2 + BD^2 \ (\angle D = 90^{\circ})$
$y^2 = x^2 + \left( \frac{y}{2} \right)^2$
$\frac{3}{4}y^2 = x^2$
$y^2 = \frac{4}{3}x^2$
$y = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}x$
$\frac{d}{dt}(y) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \frac{d}{dt}(x)$
$\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \frac{dx}{dt}$
$\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \times 2\sqrt{3}$
$= 4 \text{ cm/s}$
Hence, side of equilateral triangle increases at $4 \text{ cm/s}$.