Can You Solve the Triangle $PQR$ Equation from POTW #238?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2016
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The triangle $PQR$ problem from POTW #238 establishes a relationship between the sides $p$, $q$, and $r$ given the angle condition $2\angle P=3\angle Q$. The proof requires demonstrating that the equation $(p^2-q^2)(p^2+pr-q^2)=q^2r^2$ holds true under these conditions. The solution provided by kaliprasad effectively utilizes trigonometric identities and properties of triangles to arrive at the conclusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triangle properties and the Law of Sines
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Knowledge of angle relationships in triangles
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Law of Sines and its applications in triangle problems
  • Explore trigonometric identities relevant to angle relationships
  • Learn about the properties of triangles, specifically regarding angle bisectors
  • Practice solving similar triangle equations and proofs
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and enthusiasts interested in advanced triangle geometry and problem-solving techniques.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

In a triangle $PQR$ with its sides $p,\,q$ and $r$ where $2\angle P=3\angle Q$, prove that $(p^2-q^2)(p^2+pr-q^2)=q^2r^2$.

-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution!:)

Here's the suggested model solution:

By the Law of Sines, the targeted identity can be rewritten as follows:

$$\left(\sin^2P-\sin^2 Q\right)\left(\sin^2 P+\sin P \sin R -\sin^2 Q\right)=\sin^2 Q \sin^2 R$$(*)

Note that

$$\cos 2P - \cos 2Q =-2\sin(P+Q) \sin (P-Q)$$

$$1-2\sin^2 P -\left(1-2\sin^2 Q\right)=-2\sin(P+Q) \sin (P-Q)$$

$$\sin^2 P -\sin^2 Q=\color{yellow}\bbox[5px,green]{\sin (P+Q)}\color{black} \sin (P-Q)$$

and also

$$\sin R = \sin (180^\circ-(P+Q))=\color{yellow}\bbox[5px,green]{\sin (P+Q)}$$

Therefore we have $$\sin^2 P -\sin^2 Q=\sin R \sin (P-Q)$$(**)

Replace (**) into (*) we get:

$$\sin R \sin (P-Q)\left(\sin R \sin (P-Q)+\sin^2 Q+\sin P \sin R -\sin^2 Q\right)=\sin^2 Q \sin^2 R$$

$$\sin^2 R \sin (P-Q)\left( \sin (P-Q)+\sin P \right)=\sin^2 Q \sin^2 R$$

$$ \sin (P-Q)\left( \sin (P-Q)+\sin P \right)=\sin^2 Q $$

From the given condition that says $2\angle P=3\angle Q$, we can write $P=3x,\,Q=2x$ for some $x$ so that we are left to prove

$$\sin x(\sin x+\sin 3x)=\sin^2 2x$$

which is true since both sides are equal to $2\sin x \cos x \sin 2x$, this completes the proof.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K