Math Problem : J.4 Division of quadrangle

As shown in the figure below, the quadrangle PQRS is divided into four parts by the diagonal line. 

The area of ​​A is 4 cm2, B is 12 cm2, C is 15 cm2

Find the area of D.




Answer
5 cm2

Solution
The base of the triangle A and the base of triangle B is set to PO and RO respectively.

Since the ratio of the base PO : RO is equal to the ratio of the area of the triangle A and B, it is 4 : 12 = 1 : 3.

This shows that the area ratio of the triangle D and C can be also set to 1 : 3.

Therefore, the area of D is 5 cm2 (15 × 1/3 = 5).