Minimum Length of Longest Side in Inscribed Triangle

In summary: Your Name]In summary, to find the minimum length of the longest side of a triangle inscribed in triangle ABC with ∠C = 90 degrees, ∠A = 30 degrees and BC = 1, we can use the properties of a 30-60-90 triangle and minimize the lengths of the sides to determine that the minimum length is 1/2 when the third vertex lies on side AC, or √3/2 when it lies on side AB. This can be done by placing the third vertex as close as possible to the opposite vertex without overlapping.
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In triangle ABC, ∠C = 90 degrees, ∠A = 30 degrees and BC = 1. Find the minimum length of the longest side of a triangle inscribed in triangle ABC (that is, one such that each side of ABC contains a different vertex of the triangle).
 
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Hello,

To find the minimum length of the longest side of a triangle inscribed in triangle ABC, we can use the following steps:

1. Draw triangle ABC with ∠C = 90 degrees, ∠A = 30 degrees, and BC = 1.

2. Draw a line from point A to point C, creating a right triangle with sides AC and BC.

3. Using the properties of a 30-60-90 triangle, we can determine that the length of side AC is √3/2 and the length of side AB is 1/2.

4. Now, we need to find the minimum length of the longest side of a triangle inscribed in triangle ABC. This means that the third vertex of the inscribed triangle must lie on either side AC or AB.

5. Let's first consider the case where the third vertex, point D, lies on side AC. In this case, the longest side of the inscribed triangle would be AD.

6. To find the minimum length of AD, we need to minimize the length of AC. This can be done by placing point D as close as possible to point B, without overlapping with point B.

7. By doing this, we can see that the length of AD is equal to the length of AB, which is 1/2.

8. Now, let's consider the case where the third vertex, point E, lies on side AB. In this case, the longest side of the inscribed triangle would be AE.

9. To find the minimum length of AE, we need to minimize the length of AB. This can be done by placing point E as close as possible to point C, without overlapping with point C.

10. By doing this, we can see that the length of AE is equal to the length of AC, which is √3/2.

11. Therefore, the minimum length of the longest side of a triangle inscribed in triangle ABC is 1/2, when the third vertex lies on side AC, or √3/2, when the third vertex lies on side AB.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

FAQ: Minimum Length of Longest Side in Inscribed Triangle

1. What is the minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle?

The minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle is determined by the radius of the circle in which it is inscribed. This is known as the circumradius and can be calculated using the formula R = (abc)/(4√(s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c))), where a, b, and c are the side lengths of the triangle and s is the semi-perimeter (s = (a+b+c)/2).

2. How is the minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle related to its angles?

The minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle is inversely proportional to the size of its angles. This means that as the angles of the triangle increase, the minimum length of the longest side decreases. Conversely, as the angles decrease, the minimum length of the longest side increases.

3. Is there a relationship between the minimum length of the longest side and the area of an inscribed triangle?

Yes, there is a relationship between the minimum length of the longest side and the area of an inscribed triangle. As the minimum length of the longest side decreases, the area of the triangle also decreases. This is because the area of a triangle is calculated using the formula A = (1/2)bh, where b is the base (in this case, the minimum length of the longest side) and h is the height, which is determined by the radius of the inscribed circle.

4. Can the minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle be zero?

No, the minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle cannot be zero. This is because in order for a triangle to be inscribed in a circle, all three of its vertices must lie on the circumference of the circle. If the longest side had a length of zero, it would essentially be a point, and a triangle cannot exist with only one point.

5. How does the minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle compare to the minimum length of the shortest side?

The minimum length of the longest side in an inscribed triangle is always greater than or equal to the minimum length of the shortest side. This is because the longest side is opposite the largest angle in the triangle, while the shortest side is opposite the smallest angle. Therefore, the longest side must be longer than or equal to the shortest side in order for the triangle to be inscribed in a circle.

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