Prove the identity of a triangle in the given problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the identity of a triangle using the cosine rule and specific trigonometric identities. The key equation derived is ##\dfrac{1}{a} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} A + \dfrac{1}{b} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} B + \dfrac{1}{c} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} C = \dfrac{(a+b+c)^2}{4abc}##, which simplifies to ##\dfrac{s^2}{abc}##. The proofs presented in the discussion utilize the cosine theorem and the semi-perimeter formula, demonstrating a consistent approach to the problem. Both proofs leverage similar principles, confirming the validity of the identity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cosine functions.
  • Familiarity with the cosine theorem in triangle geometry.
  • Knowledge of semi-perimeter calculations in triangle properties.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving fractions and square terms.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the cosine theorem in detail.
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities related to triangle properties.
  • Learn about the applications of semi-perimeter in various geometric proofs.
  • Investigate alternative methods for proving triangle identities using different mathematical tools.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and students studying trigonometry and triangle properties will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in proofs and identities related to triangles.

chwala
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Homework Statement
Prove that in a triangle ABC

##\dfrac{1}{a} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} A+ \dfrac{1}{b} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} B +\dfrac{1}{c} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} C = \dfrac{(a+b+c)^2}{abc}##
Relevant Equations
Trig. identities
My approach,
##\cos^2 \frac{1}{2} A = \dfrac{s(s-a)}{bc}## ...
then it follows that,

##\dfrac{1}{a} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} A+ \dfrac{1}{b} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} B +\dfrac{1}{c} \cos^2 \dfrac{1}{2} C =\dfrac{s(s-a)+s(s-b)+s(s-c)}{abc}##

##=\dfrac {3s^2-s(a+b+c)}{abc}##

##=\dfrac{3s^2-2s^2}{abc}##

##=\dfrac{s^2}{abc}=\dfrac{(a+b+c)^2}{4abc}##

any insight or better approach welcome.
 
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\frac{1}{a}\cos ^2\frac{A}{2}=\frac{\cos A}{2a}+\frac{1}{2a}=\frac{b^2+c^2-a^2}{4abc}+\frac{1}{2a}
using cosine theorem
a^2=b^2+c^2-2bc \cos A
Doing the same for b and c, the sum is
\frac{a^2+b^2+c^2}{4abc}+\frac{1}{2a}+\frac{1}{2b}+\frac{1}{2c}=\frac{(a+b+c)^2}{4abc}
 
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Likes   Reactions: neilparker62, SammyS, scottdave and 2 others
## \begin{align}
\cos^2\frac A2&=\frac {s(s-a)}{bc}\nonumber\\
&=\frac{(a+b+c)(b+c-a)}{4bc}\nonumber\\
&=\frac{ab+b^2+bc+ac+bc+c^2-a^2-ab-ac}{4bc}\nonumber\\
&=\frac{b^2+c^2-a^2}{4bc}+\frac 12\nonumber
\end{align} ##

The proof in the post #1 and the proof in the post #2 are almost the same. They use the same principle.
 
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