Prove ABC is an equilateral triangle

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SUMMARY

The discussion establishes that triangle ABC is equilateral if the equation $\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}=3\cot A \cot B \cot C$ holds true. This relationship is derived from the properties of trigonometric functions in relation to the angles of the triangle. The proof utilizes identities and theorems from trigonometry to demonstrate that the equality implies equal angles, confirming that ABC is equilateral.

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  • Understanding of trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with the properties of triangles
  • Knowledge of cotangent and its relationship to sine and cosine
  • Basic skills in mathematical proof techniques
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  • Explore the properties of equilateral triangles
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Prove $ABC$ is an equilateral triangle if $\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}=3\cot A \cot B \cot C$.
 
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Let $ABC$ be a triangle inscribed in a circle of center O (circumcenter) and circumscribed in a circle of center I (incenter). We know

$\cos A+\cos B+\cos C=1+\dfrac{r}{R}$ where $r$ and $R$

$\sin A+\sin B+\sin C=\dfrac{s}{R}$ where $s$ represents the triangle's semi-perimeter

$\cos A \cos B \cos C=\dfrac{s^2-(2R+r)^2}{4R^2}$

$\sin A \sin B \sin C=\dfrac{rs}{2R^2}$

$2r\le R$ (Euler's inequality)

$s^2\le 4R^2+4Rr+3r^2$ (Gerretsen inequality)

We try to show

$\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}\le 3\cot A \cot B \cot C$

$\dfrac{1+\dfrac{r}{R}}{\dfrac{s}{R}}\le 3\left(\dfrac{\dfrac{s^2-(2R+r)^2}{4R^2}}{\dfrac{rs}{2R^2}} \right)$

$5r^2+14rR+12R^2 \le 3s^2 \le 9r^2+12rR+12R^2$ which implies $R\le 2r$

This is impossible but that suggests $R=2r$must be true or $\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}= 3\cot A \cot B \cot C$. This can happen if and only if $ABC$ is an equilateral triangle.
 

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