How Do Triangle Sides Relate to Acute Angles?

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  • Thread starter anemone
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In summary, a triangle relation is formed when three points on a plane are connected to create a triangle, based on the lengths of its sides and angles. An acute angle is an angle that measures less than 90 degrees and is commonly found in triangles, helping to determine their properties. To find the acute angles in a triangle, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometric functions, or the Laws of Sines and Cosines can be used. In a triangle, the sum of the three angles is always 180 degrees, meaning that if one angle is acute, the other two must also be acute. Acute angles are important in geometry as they help classify triangles and determine their properties, as well as playing a crucial role in trig
  • #1
anemone
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MHB
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Here is the POTW for the week 52, 2019:

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The sides $a,\,b,\,c$ and $u,\,v,\,w$ of two triangles $ABC$ and $UVW$ are related by the equations

$u(v+w-u)=a^2\\v(w+u-v)=b^2\\w(u+v-w)=c^2\\$

Prove that $ABC$ are acute, and express the angles $U,\,V$ and $W$ in terms of $A,\,B$ and $C$.

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Remember to read the POTW submission guidelines to find out how to submit your answers!
 
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  • #2
Congratulations to MegaMoh for his correct solution!(Cool)

Below is a suggested solution:
Note that $a^2+b^2-c^2=w^2-u^2-v^2+2uv=(w+u-v)(w-u+v)>0$

By the triangle inequality, $\cos C >0$.

By this reasoning, all of the angles of triangle $ABC$ are acute. Moreover,

$\begin{align*} \cos C &=\dfrac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab}\\&=\sqrt{\frac{(w+u-v)(w-u+v)}{4uv}}\\&=\sqrt{\dfrac{w^2-u^2-v^2+2uv}{4uv}}\\&=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\sqrt{1-\cos U}\end{align*} $

from which we deduce

$\cos U = 1-2\cos^2 A = \cos (\pi -2A)$

Therefore,

$U=\pi-2A$

Similarly,

$V=\pi-2B$ and $W=\pi-2C$
 

Related to How Do Triangle Sides Relate to Acute Angles?

1. What is a triangle relation?

A triangle relation refers to the relationship between the sides and angles of a triangle. This includes concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem, trigonometric ratios, and the relationship between acute, obtuse, and right angles in a triangle.

2. What is an acute angle?

An acute angle is an angle that measures less than 90 degrees. In a triangle, all three angles must be acute angles for the triangle to be classified as an acute triangle.

3. How do you find the missing side length in a triangle using trigonometry?

To find the missing side length in a triangle using trigonometry, you can use the sine, cosine, or tangent ratios. These ratios are based on the triangle's acute angles and the lengths of the sides that form those angles.

4. What is the Pythagorean theorem?

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. It can be written as a² + b² = c², where c is the length of the hypotenuse and a and b are the lengths of the other two sides.

5. How can triangle relations and acute angles be applied in real life?

Triangle relations and acute angles have many real-life applications, such as in architecture, engineering, and navigation. For example, architects use the Pythagorean theorem to ensure that buildings are structurally sound, while engineers use trigonometric ratios to calculate forces and distances in structures. Navigators also use trigonometry to determine their position and course while at sea.

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