HMMT-Feb 2024 guts, Problem 11

Let $A B C D$ be a rectangle such that $A B=20$ and $A D=24$. Point $P$ lies inside $A B C D$ such that triangles $P A C$ and $P B D$ have areas 20 and 24, respectively. Compute all possible areas of triangle $P A B$.

Solution: Solution: There are four possible locations of $P$ as shown in the diagram. Let $O$ be the center. Then, $[P A O]=10$ and $[P B O]=12$. Thus, $[P A B]=[A O B] \pm[P A O] \pm[P B O]=120 \pm 10 \pm 12$, giving the four values $98,118,122$, and 142 . $\fbox{98,118,122,142}$.

Answer: 98,118,122,142