Possible Measures of Angle C in Triangle ABC with Given Equation

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In triangle ABC, the equation a^4 + b^4 + c^4 = 2c^2(a^2 + b^2) leads to the conclusion that angle C must be either 45° or 135°. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the notation, as lowercase letters typically denote side lengths while uppercase letters represent angle measures. Participants suggest focusing on the expansion of (a^2 + b^2 - c^2)^2 to simplify the problem. Clarification of the variables is essential for accurate problem-solving. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correct notation in geometric equations.
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Homework Statement


If in a triangle ABC, a^4+b^4+c^4=2c^2(a^2+b^2), prove that c=45° or 135°

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Rearranging I have

(a^c-c^2)^2+b^2(b^2-2c^2)=0 \\<br /> <br /> cos C=\dfrac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab} \\<br /> a^2-c^2=2abcosC-b^2
 
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utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


If in a triangle ABC, a^4+b^4+c^4=2c^2(a^2+b^2), prove that c=45° or 135°<br />
You have things tangled up here, I believe. The lowercase letters a, b, and c typically represent the lengths of the sides. The uppercase letters A, B, and C typically represent the angle measures. Angle C would be the angle across from the side of length c. It&#039;s confusing to me that you use c for what appears to be a side length <u>and</u> an angle.<br /> <br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="utkarshakash" data-source="post: 4234263" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> utkarshakash said: </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> <h2>Homework Equations</h2><br /> <br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> Rearranging I have <br /> <br /> (a^c-c^2)^2+b^2(b^2-2c^2)=0 \\&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; cos c=\dfrac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab} \\&lt;br /&gt; a^2-c^2=2abcosC-b^2 </div> </div> </blockquote>
 
Mark44 said:
You have things tangled up here, I believe. The lowercase letters a, b, and c typically represent the lengths of the sides. The uppercase letters A, B, and C typically represent the angle measures. Angle C would be the angle across from the side of length c. It's confusing to me that you use c for what appears to be a side length and an angle.

I have edited the question. Please see again.
 
Start by investigating the expansion of ##(a^2+b^2-c^2)^2##. Its pretty straightforward after that.
 
Pranav-Arora said:
Start by investigating the expansion of ##(a^2+b^2-c^2)^2##. Its pretty straightforward after that.

Thanks
 

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