I Geometry question with a triangle

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The discussion revolves around finding the length of segment PQ in an isosceles triangle where AB=AC, with points P and Q dividing segments AC and CB in a 3:1 ratio. Participants explore using the Cosine theorem but seek a solution strictly through geometric means, primarily employing the Pythagorean theorem. The coordinates for points A, B, and C are established, leading to expressions for points P and Q. Ultimately, the length of PQ is derived as PQ = (1/4)√(6a² + c²), indicating that while a purely geometric approach is preferred, some algebraic manipulation is necessary. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the problem and the need for careful setup to avoid errors.
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Geometry question with triangle
AB=AC. P is on ac such that AP=3PC. Q on CB such that CQ=3BQ.
Need to find the length of PQ.

I know i can use the Cosine theorem, but the answer is without Cosine.
 

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You can use the cosine theorem and then replace that cosine by a different expression.
 
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Thanks, solved using cosine for the two triangles
IMG_4512.JPG
 
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I obtain a different answer but perhaps I'm not setting up the problem correctly. As I understand it, we have an isosceles triangle and the ratios are 3:1 or PB=1/4 of AB and CQ=1/4 of CB. Is this not correct? If so then I obtain ##PQ=1/4\sqrt{(AB)^2+6(CB)^2}##. In the diagram below, the height is 10, the base is 5 with ##AB=AC=\sqrt{10^2+(5/2)^2}##. In that case ##PQ\approx 4.00195##. Might someone explain where I went wrong?

triangle problem.jpg
 
OP forgot to square a "b" in the line that starts with the equal sign, apart from that the result is the same.
 
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Thanks for showing me that mfb.

Can I ask if the problem is solvable without invoking the cosine law strictly through geometric means?
 
With Pythagoras only:

Put B at the origin, BC to the right along the x direction, BA (length c) upwards/right. Let a be the length CB.

C=(0, 0)
B=(a, 0)
A=(a/2, ##\sqrt{c^2-a^2/4}##)
Therefore:
Q=(3a/4, 0)
P=(a/8, 1/4##\sqrt{c^2-a^2/4}##)
Using Pythagoras again, ##PQ = \sqrt{(5a/8)^2 + 1/4^2 (c^2-a^2/4)} = \frac{1}{4}\sqrt{6a^2 + c^2}##

I don't think you can avoid anything like that completely. Square roots typically mean you need Pythagoras or more.
 
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mfb said:
With Pythagoras only:

Put B at the origin, BC to the right along the x direction, BA (length c) upwards/right. Let a be the length CB.

C=(0, 0)
B=(a, 0)
A=(a/2, ##\sqrt{c^2-a^2/4}##)
Therefore:
Q=(3a/4, 0)
P=(a/8, 1/4##\sqrt{c^2-a^2/4}##)
Using Pythagoras again, ##PQ = \sqrt{(5a/8)^2 + 1/4^2 (c^2-a^2/4)} = \frac{1}{4}\sqrt{6a^2 + c^2}##

I don't think you can avoid anything like that completely. Square roots typically mean you need Pythagoras or more.

Thanks mfb! Here's how I worked through your solution:

1. Basically, using similar purple and red triangles below, we need to determine ##x## and ##y## in the diagram below. So we have
$$
\begin{array}{c}
\frac{\sqrt{c^2-a^2/4}}{a/2}=y/x\\
(c/4)^2=x^2+y^2
\end{array}$$

Once we have ##x## and ##y## , we can then use ##(QP)^2=(QR)^2+y^2## although quite a bit of algebra to get from P to Q.

lineintriangle2.jpg
 

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