Prove ABC is an equilateral triangle

In summary, an equilateral triangle is a type of triangle with three equal sides and angles measuring 60 degrees each. It can be proven using congruence criteria and has three lines of symmetry, intersecting perpendicular and angle bisectors, and no right angles. It differs from an isosceles triangle, which has only two equal sides and angles.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Prove $ABC$ is an equilateral triangle if $\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}=3\cot A \cot B \cot C$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Let $ABC$ be a triangle inscribed in a circle of center O (circumcenter) and circumscribed in a circle of center I (incenter). We know

$\cos A+\cos B+\cos C=1+\dfrac{r}{R}$ where $r$ and $R$

$\sin A+\sin B+\sin C=\dfrac{s}{R}$ where $s$ represents the triangle's semi-perimeter

$\cos A \cos B \cos C=\dfrac{s^2-(2R+r)^2}{4R^2}$

$\sin A \sin B \sin C=\dfrac{rs}{2R^2}$

$2r\le R$ (Euler's inequality)

$s^2\le 4R^2+4Rr+3r^2$ (Gerretsen inequality)

We try to show

$\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}\le 3\cot A \cot B \cot C$

$\dfrac{1+\dfrac{r}{R}}{\dfrac{s}{R}}\le 3\left(\dfrac{\dfrac{s^2-(2R+r)^2}{4R^2}}{\dfrac{rs}{2R^2}} \right)$

$5r^2+14rR+12R^2 \le 3s^2 \le 9r^2+12rR+12R^2$ which implies $R\le 2r$

This is impossible but that suggests $R=2r$must be true or $\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}= 3\cot A \cot B \cot C$. This can happen if and only if $ABC$ is an equilateral triangle.
 

1. How do you prove that ABC is an equilateral triangle?

To prove that ABC is an equilateral triangle, we need to show that all three sides of the triangle are equal in length. This can be done by measuring the length of each side and showing that they are all the same.

2. What is the definition of an equilateral triangle?

An equilateral triangle is a triangle with all three sides of equal length. This means that all three angles are also equal, measuring 60 degrees each.

3. Can you use the Pythagorean Theorem to prove ABC is an equilateral triangle?

No, the Pythagorean Theorem can only be used to prove that a triangle is a right triangle. Since an equilateral triangle does not have a right angle, the Pythagorean Theorem cannot be used to prove it is equilateral.

4. Are there any other ways to prove that ABC is an equilateral triangle?

Yes, there are a few other ways to prove that ABC is an equilateral triangle. One way is to show that all three angles of the triangle are equal, which can be done using the properties of triangles. Another way is to use the SAS (side-angle-side) or SSS (side-side-side) congruence criteria to show that the triangle is congruent to itself, thus proving that all three sides are equal.

5. Why is it important to prove that ABC is an equilateral triangle?

Proving that ABC is an equilateral triangle is important because it helps us understand the properties and relationships of different types of triangles. It also allows us to use the properties of equilateral triangles in various mathematical and scientific applications.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
715
Replies
1
Views
878
  • General Math
Replies
2
Views
926
Replies
1
Views
584
Replies
1
Views
683
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
818
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top