Circles in an equilateral triangle.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the ratio of the area of three circles, each tangent to the vertices of an equilateral triangle, to the area of the triangle itself. Participants clarify the initial confusion regarding the placement of circles and triangles, with the correct interpretation being that three circles are inscribed within one triangle. The relevant formulas for calculating the areas of circles and triangles are provided, including the area of a triangle using its base and height. Despite attempts to solve the problem using various methods, participants express difficulty in making the necessary logical connections. The conversation highlights the need for clearer problem statements to facilitate understanding and solutions.
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Homework Statement



Three triangles are placed into a circle; The vertices of the triangle are tangential to each circle. How do you find the ratio of the area of the circles to that of the triangle?

Homework Equations



pi r^2, 1/2(b)(h), sqrt3/4 * a^2 (2r^2).

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried drawing lines within, tried using double angle formulae, tried a lot of different things, but I still can't make that logical jump. Help? :(
 
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"Three triangles are placed into a circle; The vertices of the triangle are tangential to each circle. How do you find the ratio of the area of the circles to that of the triangle?"

Your first sentence implies there is only one circle and three triangles. The question implies there is more than one circle but only one triangle. It sounds a bit vague to me.
 
Whoops sorry. I meant.

"Three circles are placed into a triangle.". That's it. LOL
 
I tried to combine those 2 formulas but it didn't work. I tried using another case where there are 2 red balls and 2 blue balls only so when combining the formula I got ##\frac{(4-1)!}{2!2!}=\frac{3}{2}## which does not make sense. Is there any formula to calculate cyclic permutation of identical objects or I have to do it by listing all the possibilities? Thanks
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
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