In a triangle with sides 2,3 and 4, the cosine of the angle opposite the smaller side is less than two thirds?
January 13, 2021 | education
| Let the angle opposite the smaller side be equal to a.
Formula for calculating the area of a triangle on two sides and the angle between them:
S = (1/2) ab * sin (a).
Area of a triangle according to Heron’s formula:
p = (2 + 3 + 4) / 2 = 9/2;
S = √ (9/2) (9/2 – 2) (9/2 – 3) (9/2 – 4) = √ ((9/2) (5/2) (3/2) (1 / 2)) = (3/4) * √15;
(3/4) * √15 = (1/2) * 3 * 4 * sin (a);
sin (a) = (3 * √15) / (4 * 6) = √15 / 8;
cos (a) = √ (1 – sin ^ 2 (a)) = √ (1 – 15/64) = √ (49/64) = 7/8;
We compare the value of cos a = 7/8 and 3/2, finding a common denominator for the fractions:
2/3 = 16/24;
7/8 = 21/24.
Answer: cos (a)> 2/3.
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