How Do You Calculate the Sum of Sides and Diagonals of a Regular 12-Gon?

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In summary, a regular 12-gon is a polygon with 12 equal sides and 12 equal angles, also known as a dodecagon. When a 12-gon is inscribed in a circle, it means that all of its vertices lie on the circumference of the circle. The perimeter of a regular 12-gon inscribed in a circle can be found using the formula P = 12s or P = 24r. The radius of the circle is equal to the apothem of the 12-gon, which is the distance from the center of the circle to any side of the polygon. This means that the radius is also the length of the perpendicular line from the center of the circle to any
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A regular 12-gon is inscribed in a circle of radius 12. The sum of the lengths of all sides and diagonals of the 12-gon can be written in the form $a+b\sqrt{2}+c\sqrt{3}+d\sqrt{6}$, where $a,\,b,\,c$ and $d$ are positive integers. Find $a+b+c+d$.

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Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution! (Cool)

You can find the suggested solution below:
Position the 12-gon in the Cartesian plane with its center at the origin and one vertex at $(12,\,0)$. Compute the sum, $S$, of the lengths of the eleven segments emanating from this vertex. The coordinates of the other vertices are given by $(12\cos kx,\,12\sin kx)$ where $x=30^{\circ}$ and $k=1,\,2,\,\cdots,\,11$. The length of the segment joining $(12,\,0)$ to $(12\cos kx,\,12\sin kx)$ is

$12\sqrt{(\cos kx-1)^2+(\sin kx)^2}=12\sqrt{2-2\cos kx}=24\sin \dfrac{kx}{2}$

Thus the sum of the lengths of the 11 segments from $(12,\,0)$ is

$S=24(\sin 15^{\circ}+\sin 30^{\circ}+\cdots+\sin 150^{\circ})+24\sin 165^{\circ}$

Since $\sin t=\sin (180^{\circ}-t)$, we may write

$S=48(\sin 15^{\circ}+\sin 30^{\circ}+\sin 45^{\circ}+\sin 60^{\circ}+\sin 75^{\circ})+24\sin 90^{\circ}$

Now,

$\begin{align*}\sin 15^{\circ}+\sin 75^{\circ}&=\sin (45^{\circ} -30^{\circ})+\sin (45^{\circ} +30^{\circ})\\&=2\sin 45^{\circ} \cos 30^{\circ}\\&=\dfrac{\sqrt{6}}{2}\end{align*}$

Thus,

$\begin{align*}S&=48\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{6}}{2}+\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}+\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)+24\\&=48+24\sqrt{2}+24\sqrt{3}+24\sqrt{6}\end{align*}$

The same values, $S$, occurs if we add the lengths of all segments emanating from any other vertex of the 12-gon. Since each segment is counted at two vertices (its endpoints) the total length of all such segment is

$\dfrac{1}{2}(12S)=288+144\sqrt{2}+144\sqrt{3}+144\sqrt{6}$

Hence, $a+b+c+d=288+144+144+144=720$.
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Sum of Sides and Diagonals of a Regular 12-Gon?

What is a regular 12-gon?

A regular 12-gon is a polygon with 12 sides and 12 equal angles. It is also known as a dodecagon.

What does it mean to be inscribed in a circle?

A regular 12-gon inscribed in a circle means that all 12 vertices of the polygon lie on the circumference of a circle.

How do you calculate the perimeter of a regular 12-gon inscribed in a circle?

The perimeter of a regular 12-gon inscribed in a circle can be calculated by multiplying the length of one side by 12, as all sides are equal in length.

What is the relationship between the radius of the circle and the side length of the regular 12-gon inscribed in it?

The radius of the circle is equal to the distance from the center of the circle to any vertex of the regular 12-gon. It is also equal to the length of the perpendicular line drawn from the center to any side of the polygon.

How is a regular 12-gon inscribed in a circle useful in real life?

A regular 12-gon inscribed in a circle is useful in various fields, such as architecture and engineering, where precise measurements and geometric shapes are required. It is also used in art and design for creating visually appealing patterns and designs.

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