Triangle $PQR$: Find $\tan P,\,\tan Q,\,\tan R$ Values

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In triangle $PQR$, the values of $\tan P$, $\tan Q$, and $\tan R$ are established as integers. The discussion confirms that these tangent values can be derived from the properties of the triangle, specifically utilizing the relationships between the angles. The participants reached a consensus on the integer values without delving into the derivation process, emphasizing the importance of understanding triangle properties in trigonometry.

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In triangle $PQR$, $\tan P,\,\tan Q,\,\tan R$ are integers, find their values.
 
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anemone said:
In triangle $PQR$, $\tan P,\,\tan Q,\,\tan R$ are integers, find their values.

Do not ask me how to derive but the values are

1, 2,3

because i know

$\arctan(1) + \arctan (2) + \arctan (3) = \pi$
 
My solution:

The triple tangent identity says that for angles $x,\,y,\,z$ such that $x+y+z=\pi$, then we must have:

$$\tan(x)+\tan(y)+\tan(z)=\tan(x)\tan(y)\tan(z)$$

And so, as a consequence, we must have:

$$\left(\tan(P),\tan(Q),\tan(R)\right)$$

are one of the six permutations of:

$(1,2,3)$.
 

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Last edited:
Thanks all for participating!:)

Solution proposed by other:

Note that we have $\tan P+\tan Q+\tan R=\tan P \tan Q \tan R$.

Let $\tan P=m$, $\tan Q=n$ and $\tan R=k$, where $m,\,n,\,k$ are integers such that $m+n+k=mnk$.

We can tell $PQR$ cannot be a right triangle.

Now, suppose $\angle P$ is obtuse. Then $m$ is negative while $n$ and $k$ are positive. If $n=k=1$, then $mnk=m<m+2=m+n+k$. Any increase in the values of $n$ or $k$ will increase that of $m+n+k$ while decrease that of $mnk$. It follows that $PQR$ is an acute triangle, so that $m,\,n,\,k$ are all positive.

We may assume that $k \ge n \ge m$. Then $mnk=m+n+k \le 3k$, so that $mn \le 3$. We cannot have $m=n=1$, hence $m=1$, $n=2$, $k=3$.
 

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