2019 MPFG Problems/Problem 17

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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 2019MPFG 17.jpg

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

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

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