Proving Triangle Properties with Sin and Cos

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving two properties of triangles using trigonometric identities. The first property states that for angles A, B, and C in a triangle, the equation sin(1/2 B) cos(1/2 C) + sin(1/2 C) cos(1/2 B) = cos(1/2 A) holds true. The second property involves proving that tan²(α/2) + tan²(β/2) + tan²(γ/2) = 1. Participants suggest using the sine rule and relationships between angles to derive these identities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically sine and cosine functions.
  • Familiarity with the properties of triangles, including angle relationships.
  • Knowledge of LaTeX for mathematical notation.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for simplifying trigonometric expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the sine rule and its applications in triangle geometry.
  • Learn about the half-angle formulas for sine and cosine.
  • Research the derivation of the tangent half-angle identity.
  • Practice proving trigonometric identities using algebraic techniques.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying geometry and trigonometry, as well as educators looking for examples of triangle properties and proofs.

mohlam12
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hey everyone,
i have to show that in a triangle, there is : (A, B, C are the angles of that triangle)
\sin \left( 1/2\,B \right) \cos \left( 1/2\,C \right) +\sin \left( 1/2<br /> <br /> \,C \right) \cos \left( 1/2\,B \right) =\cos \left( 1/2\,A \right)

for this one, here is what i got to...

1/4\,\sqrt {2-2\,{\it cosB}}\sqrt {2+2\,{\it cosC}}+1/4\,\sqrt {2-2\,{<br /> <br /> \it cosC}}\sqrt {2+2\,{\it cosB}}


my question is, i don't have any A in this equation above, and i have to prove that it is equal to cos(a/2)! i know that cos(a)=cos(pi-(b+c) ... please if someone can help me with that!

for the second one, we have : \left( \cos \right) \,\alpha={\frac {a}{b+c}}

and \left( \cos \right) \,\beta={\frac {b}{c+a}}<br /> and \left( \cos \right) \,\gamma={\frac {c}{a+b}}

and we have to show that:
1/2\,{\tan}^{2}\alpha+1/2\,{\tan}^{2}\beta+1/2\,{\tan}^{2}\gamma = 1

this one, i erally don't know what to do! if someone can help me out! or maybe give me hints...

i appreciate your help!
 
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mohlam12 said:
this one, i erally don't know what to do! if someone can help me out! or maybe give me hints...

i appreciate your help!
You can use the fact that

\tan ^2 \theta = \frac{{\sin ^2 \theta }}<br /> {{\cos ^2 \theta }} = \frac{{1 - \cos ^2 \theta }}<br /> {{\cos ^2 \theta }} = \frac{1}<br /> {{\cos ^2 \theta }} - 1
 
Sorry... for the second one, there is a mistake (I am still learning how to us LaTex so, yeah) here is the correct form: I am not going to use LaTex, I can't get what I want...

tan²(α/2) + tan²(β/2) + tan²(γ/2) = 1

Thanks,
 
mohlam12 said:
Sorry... for the second one, there is a mistake (I am still learning how to us LaTex so, yeah) here is the correct form: I am not going to use LaTex, I can't get what I want...

tan²(α/2) + tan²(β/2) + tan²(γ/2) = 1

Thanks,
Then you can use the fact that:

\tan \left( {\frac{\theta }<br /> {2}} \right) = \frac{{\sin \theta }}<br /> {{1 - \cos \theta }} \Leftrightarrow \tan ^2 \left( {\frac{\theta }<br /> {2}} \right) = \frac{{\sin ^2 \theta }}<br /> {{\left( {1 - \cos \theta } \right)^2 }} = \frac{{1 - \cos ^2 \theta }}<br /> {{\left( {1 - \cos \theta } \right)^2 }} = \frac{{\left( {1 - \cos \theta } \right)\left( {1 + \cos \theta } \right)}}<br /> {{\left( {1 - \cos \theta } \right)^2 }} = \frac{{1 + \cos \theta }}<br /> {{1 - \cos \theta }}
 
okay, so iam here:
<br /> \left( {\frac {a}{b+c}}+1 \right) \left( -{\frac {a}{b+c}}+1<br /> <br /> \right) ^{-1}+ \left( 1+{\frac {b}{a+c}} \right) \left( 1-{\frac {b}<br /> <br /> {a+c}} \right) ^{-1}+ \left( 1+{\frac {c}{a+b}} \right) \left( 1-{<br /> <br /> \frac {c}{a+b}} \right) ^{-1}<br /> <br />

is there any way that this can be equal to 0 !

PS: sorry about messing up the equation in latex, but i am sure u still can get what i did (i am using maple 10 to convert to latex, i think there is a problem there)
 
I calculated it too and I don't think it simplifies to 1, although I can't find an error in my derivation for the tangents to cosines.
 
Okay, and for the first one, I noticed that what I had is a sine rule... it's equal tu sin((b+c)/2) but, where do i get it to get equal to cos (a/2) ... :huh:
 
mohlam12 said:
Okay, and for the first one, I noticed that what I had is a sine rule... it's equal tu sin((b+c)/2) but, where do i get it to get equal to cos (a/2) ... :huh:
Very good, but we know that a+b+c=180 so:

\sin \left( {\frac{{a + b}}<br /> {2}} \right) = \sin \left( {\frac{{180 - c}}<br /> {2}} \right) = \sin \left( {90 - \frac{c}<br /> {2}} \right) = \cos \left( { - \frac{c}<br /> {2}} \right) = \cos \left( {\frac{c}<br /> {2}} \right)
 
yup, thanks!
 
  • #10
No problem :smile:

Never forget to use everythings that's given.
 
  • #11
but anyone, can help me with the second problem?! pliiiiz
 
  • #12
ok i got it. never mind everyone!
 

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