Ptolemy's Theorem: Deriving 2sin(θ/2)

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The discussion centers on deriving Ptolemy's theorem using the identity |e^{iθ} − 1| = 2sin(θ/2). Participants explore the relationship between the lengths of the diagonals and sides of a cyclic quadrilateral, represented by points A, B, C, and D on a circle. The distance formula for points in polar coordinates is provided to facilitate calculations. While some participants express uncertainty about applying the initial identity to the theorem, they suggest that further exploration of the distances and identities will clarify the derivation. The conversation emphasizes the connection between complex numbers and geometric properties of cyclic quadrilaterals.
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Homework Statement


7. Show that if θ is real then ## |e^{iθ} − 1| = 2\sin(\frac{θ} {2}) ##. Use this to derive
Ptolemy’s theorem: if the four vertices of a quadrilateral Q lie on a circle.
then ## d1*d2 = l1*l3 + l2*l4 ## where d1 and d2 are the lengths of the diagonals
of Q, and l1, l2, l3 and l4 are the lengths of its sides taken in this order around Q.

Homework Equations


using the identies, e^iθ = cosθ + i*sin(θ)
and cos^2(θ) + sin^2(θ) = 1
and cos(2θ) = 1 - 2sin^2(θ)

The Attempt at a Solution


using the identies I could show that ## |e^{iθ} − 1| = 2\sin(\frac{θ} {2}) ##
but I am not sure about the derivation. I have drawn out the statements below

upload_2014-10-29_4-21-49.png
 
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For this problem, I would start by writing the 4 points, A, B, C, D, as ##re^{i\theta_A}, re^{i\theta_B}, re^{i\theta_C}, re^{i\theta_D}##. The distance between any 2 points is ##d(re^{i\theta_1},re^{i\theta_2})=\sqrt{(r\cos\theta_1-r\cos\theta_2)^2+(r\sin\theta_1-r\sin\theta_2)^2}##
Using these distances, and the identities you already have, you should be able to verify the theorem.
I cannot see immediately where the equivalence you showed in part a is applicable, but I also have not worked all the way through this problem yet.
 
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