AD is the median of triangle ABC. If P is any point on AD, then which one of the following is correct?

  1. A. Area of triangle PAB is greater than the area of triangle PAC
  2. B. Area of triangle PAB is equal to the area of triangle PAC
  3. C. Area of triangle PAB is one-fourth of the area of triangle PAC
  4. D. Area of triangle PAB is half of the area of triangle PAC

Correct Answer: B. Area of triangle PAB is equal to the area of triangle PAC

Explanation

A median divides a triangle into two triangles of equal area. Thus, Area(\Delta ABD) = \text{Area}(\Delta ACD). Since PD is the median of \Delta PBC, Area(\Delta PBD) = \text{Area}(\Delta PCD). Subtracting the lower triangles from the larger ones yields Area(\Delta PAB) = \text{Area}(\Delta PAC).

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