Trignometric manipulation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves trigonometric manipulation with the conditions A+B+C=π and cotA+cotB+cotC=√3. The original poster attempts to show that A=B=C based on these conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the relationships between cotangent functions and the sum of angles, with some suggesting to manipulate the expressions involving cotA, cotB, and cotC. Questions arise about effectively using the condition cotA+cotB+cotC=√3 and eliminating √3 from the equations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with hints being shared about manipulating the expressions. Some participants are questioning the assumptions made regarding the relationships between the angles and their cotangents, while others are trying to clarify the implications of the given conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using standard mathematical symbols correctly, as there is confusion regarding the representation of π in degrees versus radians. This has led to some clarification requests regarding the problem setup.

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Homework Statement


If A+B+C=pi where pi=180 and cotA+cotB+cotC=√3 show that A=B=C


Homework Equations


cot(A+B)= cotAcotB-1/cotA+cotB


The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried to solve it by using both A+B+C=pi and cotA+cotB+cotC=√3. I also know that we have manipulate the whole expression in such a way that the end result that we get is cotA=cotB=cotC. What confuses is how we can use cotA+cotB+cotC=√3 effectively
 
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Often a way to show something like x=y and u=v is to show that (x-y)2+(u-v)2=0.
Another hint is to consider cot(A+B+C).
 
Initially, I have tried to solve it by considering cot(A+B+C). But, my real question to you guys is how do I eliminate √3 from the expression √3= cotAcotBcotC-1 where cotA+cotB+cotC=√3.
 
Since there is a √3 the expression should look something like cot^3A+ cot^3B+cot^3C-3cotAcotBcotC=0 so that we can get the final result 1/2(cotA+cotB+cotC){(cotA-cotB)^2+(cotB-cotC)^2+(cotC-cotA)^2}=0. What is baffling me is How do I get there by using cot(A+B+C) and A+B+C=pi where pi=180
 
Last edited:
Please do not use standard math symbols with non-standard meanings! pi= [itex]\pi[/itex]= 3.1415926... not "180".

(Yes, [itex]\pi[/itex] radians, angle measure, is equivalent to 180 degrees but that has nothing to do with this problem.)
 
I am sorry for my mistake. Your help would be very much appreciated if you could give a proper reply to my earlier posts regarding this problem
 
Dumbledore211 said:
Initially, I have tried to solve it by considering cot(A+B+C). But, my real question to you guys is how do I eliminate √3 from the expression √3= cotAcotBcotC-1.
I don't know how you reached that expression.
What did you get for cot(A+B+C)? What did setting that equal to cot(pi) tell you about cot A, cot B, cot C?
Did you understand what to do with my other hint?
 

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