Possible Measures of Angle C in Triangle ABC with Given Equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter utkarshakash
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a triangle ABC where the relationship \(a^4+b^4+c^4=2c^2(a^2+b^2)\) is given, and participants are tasked with proving that angle C can be either 45° or 135°. The problem involves understanding the implications of the equation in the context of triangle properties.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to rearrange the equation and explore its implications, with some questioning the notation used for sides and angles. There is also a suggestion to investigate the expansion of a specific expression related to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the notation and attempting to make sense of the equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the expansion of an expression, but there is no clear consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the notation where the lowercase letters represent side lengths and the uppercase letters represent angle measures, particularly concerning the use of 'c' for both a side length and an angle. This may affect the interpretation of the problem.

utkarshakash
Gold Member
Messages
852
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


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

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Rearranging I have

[itex](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[/itex]
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


If in a triangle ABC, [itex]a^4+b^4+c^4=2c^2(a^2+b^2), prove that c=45° or 135°[/itex]
[itex]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 <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 /> [itex](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[/itex] </div> </div> </blockquote>[/itex]
 
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
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K