Proving Angles in Triangle ABC < 120° & Cos + Sin > -√3/3

In summary, proving angles in a triangle is important for understanding the relationship between angles and sides, determining the type of triangle, and solving for missing angles or sides. This can be done using the Triangle Sum Theorem or the Law of Cosines. Additionally, proving that the sum of Cos and Sin is greater than -√3/3 in a triangle allows us to conclude that the triangle has at least one acute angle. This information is useful in real-world applications such as engineering, architecture, surveying, and advanced math problems.
  • #1
anemone
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All the angles in triangle $ABC$ are less than $120^{\circ}$. Prove that

$\dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}>-\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{3}$.
 
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\coordinate[label=right:B] (B) at (6, 0);
\coordinate[label=above:C] (C) at (2.4,3);
\coordinate[label=above: $A_1$] ($A_1$) at (7,3);
\coordinate[label=below: $B_1$] ($B_1$) at (7.2,0);
\coordinate[label=below: $C_1$] ($C_1$) at (12,2);
\draw (A) -- (B)-- (C)-- (A);
\draw (7,3) -- (7.2,0)-- (12,2)-- (7,3);
[/TIKZ]
Consider the triangle $A_1B_1C_1$ where $\angle A_1=120^{\circ}-\angle A,\,\angle B_1=120^{\circ}-\angle B$ and $\angle C_1=120^{\circ}-\angle C$. The given condition guarantees the existence of such a triangle.

Applying the triangle inequality in triangle $A_1B_1C_1$ gives $B_1C_1+C_1A_1>A_1B_1$, i.e.

$\sin A_1+\sin B_1>\sin C_1$ by applying the law of sines to triangle $A_1B_1C_1$.

It follows that

$\sin (120^{\circ}-A)+\sin (120^{\circ}-B)>\sin (120^{\circ}-C)$ or

$\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}(\cos A+\cos B+\cos C)+\dfrac{1}{2}(\sin A+\sin B+\sin C)>0$.

Taking into account that $a+b>c$ implies $\sin A+\sin B-\sin C>0$, the above inequality can be rewritten as

$\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\cdot \dfrac{\cos A+\cos B+\cos C}{\sin A+\sin B+\sin C}+\dfrac{1}{2}>0$, from which the conclusion follows.
 

1. How do you prove that angle ABC is less than 120 degrees?

To prove that angle ABC is less than 120 degrees, you can use the Triangle Inequality Theorem, which states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side. If you can show that the sum of two sides of triangle ABC is less than the third side, then you have proven that angle ABC is less than 120 degrees.

2. What is the significance of the inequality Cos + Sin > -√3/3 in triangle ABC?

The inequality Cos + Sin > -√3/3 in triangle ABC is significant because it relates to the measure of angle ABC. The cosine and sine functions are used to calculate the lengths of the sides of a right triangle, and the inequality indicates that the measure of angle ABC must be less than 120 degrees.

3. Can you use the Pythagorean Theorem to prove that angle ABC is less than 120 degrees?

No, the Pythagorean Theorem cannot be used to prove that angle ABC is less than 120 degrees. The Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right triangles, and angle ABC may not necessarily be a right angle. Instead, you can use the Triangle Inequality Theorem or other geometric principles to prove the measure of angle ABC.

4. How does the inequality Cos + Sin > -√3/3 relate to the concept of trigonometric functions?

The inequality Cos + Sin > -√3/3 relates to the concept of trigonometric functions because it involves the cosine and sine functions. These functions are used to calculate the ratios of the sides of a right triangle, and in this case, they are used to determine the measure of angle ABC.

5. Is it possible for angle ABC to be greater than 120 degrees if Cos + Sin > -√3/3 is true?

No, it is not possible for angle ABC to be greater than 120 degrees if Cos + Sin > -√3/3 is true. This is because the inequality indicates that the measure of angle ABC must be less than 120 degrees. If the measure of angle ABC were greater than 120 degrees, then the inequality would not hold true.

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