Art of Problem Solving

2019 MPFG Problem 17

Revision as of 08:55, 7 November 2025 by Cassphe (talk | contribs) (Solution 1)

Problem

Let $P$ be a right prism whose two bases are equilateral triangles with side length $2$. The height of $P$ is $2\sqrt{3}$. Let $l$ be the line connecting the centroids of the bases. Remove the solid, keeping only the bases. Rotate one of the bases $180^\circ$ about $l$. Let $T$ be the convex hull of the two current triangles. What is the volume of $T$?

Solution 1

Here is a demonstration of the actual transformation

[[File::2019MPFG 17.jpg|450px|center]]

As we can see, the transformation creates a rectangular prism with $4$ triangular pyramids cut off from the corners.

The volume of the rectangular prism is \[2 \cdot (2 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) \cdot 2\sqrt{3} = 12\]

Subtract the volume of the $4$ triangular pyramids, and we get: \[V = 12 - 4 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \cdot 1 \cdot (2 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) \cdot 2\sqrt{3}\] \[= 12 - 8 = \boxed{4}\]

~cassphe