Problem 8: Geometry AIME 2008 #5

Problem: In trapezoid ABCD with BC k AD, let BC = 1000 and AD = 2008. Let
∠A = 37◦ , ∠D = 53◦ , and m and n be the midpoints of BC and AD, respectively. Find the
length M N .

Solution:
We extend segments AB and CD to meet at E, which is a 90◦ angle.
E

B C
M 500

A N 1004 D

Since M and N are midpoints, M is the circumcenter of 4EBC and N of 4EAD. Thus,
EN = N D = 1004 and EM = M C = 500, so M N = EN − EM = 504 .

Solution was written by Patrick Hulin and compiled from Art of Problem Solving Forums.