Radius of insphere in a Tetrahedron

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the radius of the insphere in a regular tetrahedron with a given side length of 10. The original poster presents a calculation attempt and arrives at a different value than expected.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the radius using geometric relationships and height calculations, questioning the correctness of their approach. Another participant presents a different formula for the radius, leading to further exploration of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different perspectives on the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding formatting equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method for calculating the insphere radius.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, and there is a noted discrepancy in the expected results, prompting questions about the assumptions and relationships used in the calculations.

Matejxx1
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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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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   Reactions: Matejxx1
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

\frac{4s^3+4s^2+72}{s + 3}\;

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

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