Triangle with median and altitude

AI Thread Summary
In triangle ABC with an obtuse angle A, the problem involves finding the expression sin^3(A/3)cos(A/3) using medians and altitudes. The user attempts to derive relationships using triangle ADB but finds it complicated due to unknown variables. Suggestions are made to utilize simpler right-angled triangles instead, which could streamline the calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of choosing the right triangles for solving geometric problems effectively. The conversation concludes with a realization of the oversight in not considering the simpler approach.
utkarshakash
Gold Member
Messages
852
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


In triangle ABC with A as obtuse angle, AD and AE are median and altitude respectively. If BAD = DAE=EAC, then sin^3(A/3)cos(A/3) equals

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



CE = a/2. Let DE = x. Then BD = a/2 - x.
Let AE = p, AD = q.

For ΔADB

\cos \frac{A}{3} = \dfrac{q^2+c^2-(a/2 -x)^2}{2cq}

I can also write cos A/3 for other two triangles using the same approach but I don't know which one to use in the final expression. Also it will contain p and q which is unknown. I have no idea what sin(A/3) would be. This seems really complicated. :cry:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi utkarshakash! :smile:
utkarshakash said:
For ΔADB

\cos \frac{A}{3} = \dfrac{q^2+c^2-(a/2 -x)^2}{2cq}

why use such an awkward triangle? :redface:

there are three right-angled triangles …

use them! :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi utkarshakash! :smile:


why use such an awkward triangle? :redface:

there are three right-angled triangles …

use them! :wink:

How could I miss them?:-p Thanks a lot.
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Back
Top