ABC is a triangle right angled at B. D is a point on AC such that BD is perpendicular to AC. If AB = p and BC = \sqrt{3}p, then what is BD equal to?

  1. A. p\sqrt{3}
  2. B. p\sqrt{2}
  3. C. \frac{\sqrt{3}p}{2}
  4. D. \frac{\sqrt{3}p}{4}

Correct Answer: C. \frac{\sqrt{3}p}{2}

Explanation

In right \Delta ABC, AC = \sqrt{p^2 + (\sqrt{3}p)^2} = 2p. The area of the triangle is \frac{1}{2} \times p \times \sqrt{3}p = \frac{1}{2} \times 2p \times BD. Solving this gives BD = \frac{\sqrt{3}p}{2}.

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