Proving Solution of Triangles with Tan Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the identity involving the tangent function in triangle geometry, specifically for triangle $ABC$ with sides $a$, $b$, and $c$. The key equation presented is: $$ \frac{\tan\left( \frac{A}{2}\right)}{(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{\tan\left( \frac{B}{2}\right)}{(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{\tan\left( \frac{C}{2}\right)}{(c-a)(c-b)} = \frac{1}{\Delta}$$ where $\Delta$ is the area of the triangle. The proof utilizes the half-angle identity for tangent, the area formula $\Delta=\frac{1}{2}bc\sin(A)$, and the law of sines to manipulate and verify the identity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triangle geometry and properties.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, specifically the half-angle identity for tangent.
  • Knowledge of the law of sines and its application in triangle calculations.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the half-angle identities in trigonometry.
  • Explore the law of cosines and its relationship with triangle side lengths and angles.
  • Investigate advanced properties of triangle areas and their derivations.
  • Learn about other trigonometric identities and their proofs in the context of triangle geometry.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and students studying trigonometry and triangle properties will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in advanced proofs and identities involving trigonometric functions.

DrunkenOldFool
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In a triangle $ABC$, the sides opposite to vertices $A,B,C$ are $a,b,c$ respectively. I have to prove

$$ \frac{\tan\left( \frac{A}{2}\right)}{(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{\tan\left( \frac{B}{2}\right)}{(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{\tan\left( \frac{C}{2}\right)}{(c-a)(c-b)} = \frac{1}{\Delta}$$

$\Delta$ denotes the area of the triangle.
 
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I would consider the half-angle identity for tangent:

$\displaystyle \tan\left(\frac{\theta}{2} \right)=\frac{1-\cos(\theta)}{\sin(\theta)}$

and the formula:

$\displaystyle \Delta=\frac{1}{2}bc\sin(A)$

and the law of sines:

$\displaystyle \frac{\sin(A)}{a}=\frac{\sin(B)}{b}=\frac{\sin(C)}{c}$

to write the expression as:

$\displaystyle \frac{1-\cos(A)}{\sin(A)(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{a(1-\cos(B))}{b\sin(A)(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{a(1-\cos(C))}{c\sin(A)(c-a)(c-b)}=\frac{2}{bc\sin(A)}$

Multiply through by $\displaystyle bc\sin(A)$

$\displaystyle \frac{bc(1-\cos(A))}{(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{ac(1-\cos(B))}{(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{ab(1-\cos(C))}{(c-a)(c-b)}=2$

Multiply through by $\displaystyle (a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$:

$\displaystyle bc(b-c)(1-\cos(A))+ac(c-a)(1-\cos(B))+ab(a-b)(1-\cos(C))=2(a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$

Using the law of cosines, we may write:

$\displaystyle 1-\cos(A)=1-\frac{b^2+c^2-a^2}{2bc}=\frac{a^2-(b-c)^2}{2bc}$

$\displaystyle 1-\cos(B)=1-\frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac}=\frac{b^2-(a-c)^2}{2ac}$

$\displaystyle 1-\cos(C)=1-\frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab}=\frac{c^2-(a-b)^2}{2ab}$

and we have:

$\displaystyle (b-c)(a^2-(b-c)^2)+(c-a)(b^2-(a-c)^2)+(a-b)(c^2-(a-b)^2)=4(a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$

I shall leave you now to verify (as I have), that this is an identity.(Mmm)
 

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