Proving Solution of Triangles with Tan Function

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In summary, the conversation discusses proving an identity involving a triangle $ABC$ and the sides $a,b,c$ opposite to vertices $A,B,C$ respectively. The formula for the area of the triangle, the law of sines, and the half-angle identity for tangent are used to rewrite the expression as a sum of terms with a common denominator of $(a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$. This is then simplified using the law of cosines to prove the identity.
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DrunkenOldFool
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In a triangle $ABC$, the sides opposite to vertices $A,B,C$ are $a,b,c$ respectively. I have to prove

$$ \frac{\tan\left( \frac{A}{2}\right)}{(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{\tan\left( \frac{B}{2}\right)}{(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{\tan\left( \frac{C}{2}\right)}{(c-a)(c-b)} = \frac{1}{\Delta}$$

$\Delta$ denotes the area of the triangle.
 
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I would consider the half-angle identity for tangent:

$\displaystyle \tan\left(\frac{\theta}{2} \right)=\frac{1-\cos(\theta)}{\sin(\theta)}$

and the formula:

$\displaystyle \Delta=\frac{1}{2}bc\sin(A)$

and the law of sines:

$\displaystyle \frac{\sin(A)}{a}=\frac{\sin(B)}{b}=\frac{\sin(C)}{c}$

to write the expression as:

$\displaystyle \frac{1-\cos(A)}{\sin(A)(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{a(1-\cos(B))}{b\sin(A)(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{a(1-\cos(C))}{c\sin(A)(c-a)(c-b)}=\frac{2}{bc\sin(A)}$

Multiply through by $\displaystyle bc\sin(A)$

$\displaystyle \frac{bc(1-\cos(A))}{(a-b)(a-c)}+\frac{ac(1-\cos(B))}{(b-c)(b-a)}+\frac{ab(1-\cos(C))}{(c-a)(c-b)}=2$

Multiply through by $\displaystyle (a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$:

$\displaystyle bc(b-c)(1-\cos(A))+ac(c-a)(1-\cos(B))+ab(a-b)(1-\cos(C))=2(a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$

Using the law of cosines, we may write:

$\displaystyle 1-\cos(A)=1-\frac{b^2+c^2-a^2}{2bc}=\frac{a^2-(b-c)^2}{2bc}$

$\displaystyle 1-\cos(B)=1-\frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac}=\frac{b^2-(a-c)^2}{2ac}$

$\displaystyle 1-\cos(C)=1-\frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab}=\frac{c^2-(a-b)^2}{2ab}$

and we have:

$\displaystyle (b-c)(a^2-(b-c)^2)+(c-a)(b^2-(a-c)^2)+(a-b)(c^2-(a-b)^2)=4(a-b)(a-c)(b-c)$

I shall leave you now to verify (as I have), that this is an identity.(Mmm)
 

FAQ: Proving Solution of Triangles with Tan Function

What is the tan function and how is it used to solve triangles?

The tan function, short for tangent function, is a trigonometric function that relates the ratio of two sides of a right triangle. It is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side. In solving triangles, the tan function is used in conjunction with other trigonometric functions, such as sine and cosine, to find the missing sides or angles of a triangle.

How do you prove a solution of triangles using the tan function?

To prove a solution of triangles using the tan function, you must first identify which sides and angles are known and which are unknown. Then, you can use the tan function with the known sides and angles to find the missing values. The solution is considered proven when all sides and angles are calculated correctly and the equations satisfy the Pythagorean theorem.

What are the key principles to keep in mind when using the tan function to solve triangles?

The key principles to keep in mind when using the tan function to solve triangles are the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. Additionally, you should also remember the trigonometric identity tan = opposite/adjacent and the unit circle, which relates the values of the trigonometric functions to the coordinates of a point on a circle.

Can the tan function be used to solve any type of triangle?

No, the tan function can only be used to solve right triangles. For other types of triangles, such as acute or obtuse triangles, additional trigonometric functions and formulas, such as the law of sines and law of cosines, are needed to find the missing sides and angles.

Are there any limitations to using the tan function to solve triangles?

One limitation of using the tan function to solve triangles is that it can only be used to find missing sides and angles in right triangles. Additionally, the tan function is not defined for certain angles, such as 90 degrees or 270 degrees, which correspond to vertical sides in a right triangle. Therefore, it is important to carefully assess the given triangle and determine if the tan function is appropriate to use for solving it.

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