Ptolemy's Theorem: Deriving 2sin(θ/2)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving Ptolemy's theorem using the identity |e^{iθ} − 1| = 2sin(θ/2). The theorem states that for a cyclic quadrilateral with vertices A, B, C, and D, the product of the lengths of the diagonals (d1 and d2) equals the sum of the products of the lengths of opposite sides (l1*l3 + l2*l4). Key equations used include Euler's formula e^iθ = cosθ + i*sin(θ) and the Pythagorean identity cos^2(θ) + sin^2(θ) = 1. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying these identities to verify the theorem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and Euler's formula (e^iθ = cosθ + i*sin(θ))
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly sin and cos functions
  • Knowledge of cyclic quadrilaterals and their properties
  • Basic geometry involving distances in the complex plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Ptolemy's theorem in detail
  • Learn about the properties of cyclic quadrilaterals and their applications
  • Explore the use of complex numbers in geometry
  • Investigate additional trigonometric identities and their proofs
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the applications of complex numbers in geometric proofs will benefit from this discussion.

PcumP_Ravenclaw
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Homework Statement


7. Show that if θ is real then ## |e^{iθ} − 1| = 2\sin(\frac{θ} {2}) ##. Use this to derive
Ptolemy’s theorem: if the four vertices of a quadrilateral Q lie on a circle.
then ## d1*d2 = l1*l3 + l2*l4 ## where d1 and d2 are the lengths of the diagonals
of Q, and l1, l2, l3 and l4 are the lengths of its sides taken in this order around Q.

Homework Equations


using the identies, e^iθ = cosθ + i*sin(θ)
and cos^2(θ) + sin^2(θ) = 1
and cos(2θ) = 1 - 2sin^2(θ)

The Attempt at a Solution


using the identies I could show that ## |e^{iθ} − 1| = 2\sin(\frac{θ} {2}) ##
but I am not sure about the derivation. I have drawn out the statements below

upload_2014-10-29_4-21-49.png
 
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For this problem, I would start by writing the 4 points, A, B, C, D, as ##re^{i\theta_A}, re^{i\theta_B}, re^{i\theta_C}, re^{i\theta_D}##. The distance between any 2 points is ##d(re^{i\theta_1},re^{i\theta_2})=\sqrt{(r\cos\theta_1-r\cos\theta_2)^2+(r\sin\theta_1-r\sin\theta_2)^2}##
Using these distances, and the identities you already have, you should be able to verify the theorem.
I cannot see immediately where the equivalence you showed in part a is applicable, but I also have not worked all the way through this problem yet.
 
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