Proving Angle DBA + Angle DBC = 180: A Challenge!

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that angle DBA plus angle DBC equals 180 degrees, given points A, B, and C on line L with point D not on line L. Participants explore the relationship between angles using cosine functions, specifically stating that cos(X + Y) equals -1, where X is angle DBA and Y is angle DBC. The conversation highlights the challenge of proving this relationship despite its apparent obviousness, with suggestions to utilize vector properties and trigonometric identities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, particularly angles and lines.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically cosine and sine.
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics, including vector representation and operations.
  • Ability to apply trigonometric identities in geometric proofs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of angles formed by intersecting lines and transversals.
  • Study vector mathematics, focusing on vector addition and dot products.
  • Learn about trigonometric identities, particularly the cosine and sine addition formulas.
  • Explore geometric proofs involving angles and their relationships in Euclidean space.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for geometry students, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in advanced geometric proofs and trigonometric applications.

Pearce_09
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The question is:
Prove suppose A,B and C lie on a line L, with B between A and C, and that D is not on the line L. Prove that angle DBA + angle DBC = 180
this question is obvious. But because its obvious its hard to prove.
Say that X = angle DBA and Y = angle DBC
therefor cos(X + Y) = -1 ... I've gotten this far, i just don't know how to obtain anymore information
could i do cos(X) = u v/||u||||v|| and cos(Y) = v w/||v||||w||
where v is the vector shared with the two angles..
what do i do
thanks
 
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I don't think this is going to help, but

cos(X+Y) = cos(X)cos(Y)-sin(X)sin(Y)

and you could get the sine from the cross products.

Carl
 

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