Radius of insphere in a Tetrahedron

In summary, the conversation discusses the largest possible radius of a sphere inscribed in a regular tetrahedron with an edge length of 10. After some calculations, the correct answer is determined to be r=5*√6/6. The conversation also briefly touches on formatting equations using LaTeX.
  • #1
Matejxx1
72
1

Homework Statement



What is the largest possible radius of a sphere which is inscribed in a regular tetrahedron
a=10 ( this is the side of the tetrahedron)
r=?
r=5*√6/6

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So first I calculated the Height of pyramid
a2=(2/3*va)2+h2
h=√(a2-(2/3*a*√3/2)2)
h=√(a2-(4*a2*3)/4)
h=√(a2-a2/3)
h=√(a2*2/3)
h=a*√(2/3)
and then I though since we have 2 similar triangles we could write the relation as
r/(h-r)=(2*va)/3a
r/(h-r)=2*a*√3/(3*a*2)
r/(h-r)=√3/3
r=(√3h-√3r)/3
3r=√3h-√3r
3r+√3r=√3*h
r(3+√3)=√3h
r=√3*h/(3+√3)
r=√3*a*√(2/3)/(3+√3)
r=a*√2/(3+√3)
r=a*√2+(3-√3)/(9-3)
r=(3a*√2-a√6)/6
r=2,99 which is wrong the right answer is
r=5*√6/6 but I don't know how to get it my only guess is that the relation is not correct but I don't know what else to try
any help would be really appreciated
 

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  • #2
I don't get either of those answers. I get that the radius of the largest sphere, that can be inscribed in a tetrahedron of edge length a, is a/4.
 
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Likes Matejxx1
  • #3
Hey, Thanks for the answer!
I figured out how to do it with trial and error :P
By the way another question if I may.
I see most people posting equations like this

[tex] \frac{4s^3+4s^2+72}{s + 3}\; [/tex]

Which is easier to read then (4s3+4s2+72)/(s+3)
mind telling me if you know how to do it ?
 

What is the definition of radius of insphere in a Tetrahedron?

The radius of insphere in a tetrahedron is the radius of the largest sphere that can fit inside the tetrahedron, touching all four faces of the tetrahedron.

How is the radius of insphere calculated in a Tetrahedron?

The radius of insphere in a tetrahedron can be calculated using the formula r = (3V/√6A), where r is the radius, V is the volume of the tetrahedron, and A is the total surface area of the tetrahedron.

What is the significance of radius of insphere in a Tetrahedron?

The radius of insphere in a tetrahedron is an important measurement in geometry and is used to determine the size and shape of the tetrahedron. It is also used in various mathematical and scientific calculations.

How does the placement of the insphere affect the geometry of a Tetrahedron?

The placement of the insphere affects the geometry of a tetrahedron in that it determines the distance between the vertices and the faces of the tetrahedron. It also affects the angles and lengths of the edges of the tetrahedron.

Can the radius of insphere be greater than or equal to the circumradius of a Tetrahedron?

No, the radius of insphere in a tetrahedron can never be greater than or equal to the circumradius (radius of the circumscribed sphere) of the tetrahedron. The insphere is always smaller than the circumradius.

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