Solving Semi-circle Inside Triangle Geometry Problem

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT and Bing Chat in solving a specific geometry problem involving a semi-circle inscribed within a triangle. The problem requires determining the radius (r) of the semi-circle and the distance (x) from the left end of the triangle's base to the center of the diameter. Users express frustration over the AI's inability to provide accurate solutions, emphasizing the need for reliable mathematical tools such as Wolfram Alpha for complex geometric problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, particularly triangles and semi-circles.
  • Familiarity with analytic geometry and its applications.
  • Knowledge of mathematical problem-solving techniques involving variables and equations.
  • Experience with AI tools like ChatGPT and their limitations in mathematical contexts.
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  • Research the capabilities of Wolfram Alpha for solving geometric problems.
  • Explore analytic geometry principles and their applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Investigate the limitations of AI in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
  • Learn how to formulate and solve equations involving geometric shapes.
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This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, educators, students studying geometry, and anyone interested in the capabilities and limitations of AI in solving complex mathematical problems.

mathman
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TL;DR
AI cannot do geometry!
Gave following to bing chat and chatgpt, Both gave wrong answers. Any thoughts?
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Geometry problem: Semi-circle inside triangle: Triangle with known length sides a, b, c where a is the longest. Place inside the triangle a semi-circle with entire diameter resting on side a, which is horizontal. The arc of the semicircle is maximum possible inside the triangle.
Known - triangle dimensions. Unknown r (semi-circle arc radius) and x (distance along a from left end of a to center of diameter). Find equations for r and x In terms of all possible triangles.
 
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You'll likely need to wait for the Wolfram Alpha plugin to get out of early access for more confident math results.
 
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mathman said:
TL;DR Summary: AI cannot do geometry!

Any thoughts?
Certainly, despite the "AI" claim, ChatGPT doesn't have any.
 
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There are over a dozen threads here of the form "ChatGPT gets this wrong!" "And this!" "And this too!". To me the surprise isn't that it gets things wrong; it's that it sometimes gets them right.

Maybe it would be best to consolidate all these threads.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
There are over a dozen threads here of the form "ChatGPT gets this wrong!" "And this!" "And this too!". To me the surprise isn't that it gets things wrong; it's that it sometimes gets them right.
I'd like to say I was surprised by the surprise, but it's easy to get swept up in the hype. After learning the basics of how it works though, I share your take. Maybe when linked to real knowledge sources/tools (like Wolfram Alpha) it will have some reliability.
 
I detect a similarity between ChatGPT hype and the words emitted by a used car salesman. :eek:
 
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Except that used car salesmen occasionally have actual cars.
 
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My question requires analytic geometry. AI (chatgpt or Bingchat) don;t have it.
 
I asked the AI to give my life purpose, and it didn't know how. I was so disappointed. :rolleyes:
 
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  • #10
mathman said:
My question requires analytic geometry. AI (chatgpt or Bingchat) don;t have it.
If you want to be more systematic in testing their capabilities, you should try first asking them elementary questions about the constructions in your problem, and then gradually make the task more difficult.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
You'll likely need to wait for the Wolfram Alpha plugin to get out of early access for more confident math results.
why wait https://www.wolframalpha.com/downloads.

ChatGPT is easily confused with operators in math as a large language model.
 
  • #12
I don't think ChatGPT can do geometry, although it can do very simple arithmetics.
 
  • #13
If enough people put a proof on the web, ChatGPT can echo it back.

In the words of John Entwistle:

Everything I do has been done before
Every sentence in my head,
Someone else has said.
 

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