PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 391

LESSON 25
PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF
TRIANGLES

A triangle has six components : three sides and three angles. The three angles of a ∆ ABC are denoted by
letters A, B and C and the sides opposite to these angles by letters a, b and c respectively. Following
are some well known relations for a triangle (say ∆ ABC ).
1. A + B + C = 180° (or π )
2. a + b > c, b + c > a and c + a > b
This property may also be remembered as “In any triangle the greatest side is always less than sum
of two other sides.”
3. a − b < c, b − c < a and c − a < b.

This property may also be remembered as “In any triangle the smallest side is always greater than
the difference of two other sides.”
Some Standard Results :
1. Sine Rule A
sin A sin B sin C 1
= = =
a b c 2R c b
(where R is the circum–radius of triangle)
i.e., sines of the angles are proportional to the length of opposite sides. B a C
• If one side and opposite angle of a triangle is fixed then its circumcircle and circum radius is
also get fixed.
2. Cosine Rule
b2 + c2 − a 2
cos A = , etc.
2bc
3. Projection Formulae
=a b cos C + c cos=
B, b a cos C + c cos=
A, c a cos B + b cos A
4. Napier’s Analogy
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 392

B −C b−c A C − A c−a B A− B a −b C
=tan = cot , tan = cot , tan cot
2 b+c 2 2 c+a 2 2 a+b 2
5. Half Angle Formulae
Perimeter of ∆ ABC is denoted by 2s i.e., a + b + c =2 s.

sin
A ( s − b )( s − c ) , sin B
=
( s − c )( s − a ) , sin C
=
( s − a )( s − b )
2 bc 2 ca 2 ab
A s (s − a) B s ( s − b) C s ( s − c)
=cos = , cos = , cos
2 bc 2 ca 2 ab

tan
A ( s − b )( s − c ) , tan B
=
( s − c )( s − a ) , tan C
=
( s − a )( s − b )
2 s (s − a) 2 s ( s − b) 2 s (s − a)

6. Area of ∆ ABC is denoted by ∆ or S .

1 1 1
∆ = bc sin A = ca sin B = ab sin C
2 2 2
= s ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c ) (Hero’s formula)

b 2 sin C sin A
=
2sin B
7. Some terms associated with a triangle
(a) Centroid (G)
A
Common point of intersection of medians of a triangle.
Divides every median in the ratio 2 :1
βγ
i.e., AG : GD = 2 :1 etc.
cF Eb
Centroid always lies inside the triangle. It can be shown that G
1
(i) AD = 2b 2 + 2c 2 − a 2
2
B D C
1
BE= 2c 2 + 2 a 2 − b 2 a
2
1
CF= 2a 2 + 2b 2 − c 2
2
1
(ii) area of ∆ GBC = area of ∆ ABC
3
area of ∆ GAC = area of ∆ GBA
a sin B a sin C
(iii) sin β = and sin γ =
2b + 2c − a
2 2 2
2b + 2c 2 − a 2
2

(b) Circumcentre (O)

Common point of intersection of perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle. It is
equidistant from all the vertices of the triangle A circle can be drawn passing through all the
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 393

vertices with center as this point. This circle is called the circumcircle and its radius is called
circumradius generally denoted by R.
It can be shown that
a b c
= = = 2R
sin A sin B sin C
i.e., a = 2 R sin A, etc.
abc
Also, R =
4∆
A
Circumcentre lies outside the triangle for an obtuse angled triangle, on
the mid point of the hypotenuse for a right angled triangle, and inside an
acute angled triangle. It can be shown that
O
(i) ∠BOD =
A C
(ii) OD = R cos A B H D
(iii) BH : HC = sin 2C : sin 2 B
(c) Orthocentre (P) A
Let ABC be any triangle and let the perpendiculars AD, BE and
CF from vertices A, B and C on opposite sides BC , CA and 90° − C
AB respectively, meet at P. Then P is the orthocentre. The F E
P
orthocentre lies outside the triangle for an obtuse angled triangle,
on the right angle for a right angled triangle and inside the triangle
for an acute angled triangle.
B D C
It can be shown that 90° − C
(i) orthocentre (P), centroid (G) and circumcentre (O) are collinear and PG : GO = 2 :1.
(ii) AD = c sin B etc.
(iii) BD : DC = c sec C : b sec B etc.
(iv) ∠ APB =+
A B etc.
(v) PA = 2 R cos A etc.
(vi) PD = 2 R cos B cos C etc.
Properties of Pedal triangle ( Δ DEF )
(i) The circum radius of the pedal triangle is half of the given triangle.
(ii) ∠EDF
= 180° − 2 A etc.
(iii) EF = a cos A etc.
(iv) The incentre of the Pedal triangle is the orthocentre of the triangle ABC.
(d) Incentre (I)
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 394

Incentre is the common point of intersection of the interior angle bisectors of a triangle.
Taking this point as the centre, we can draw a circle touching all the three sides of the triangle.
It is called the incircle and its radius is called the inradius, generally denoted by r.
∆ A
r= = ( s − a ) tan , etc.
s 2
a sin B / 2sin C / 2
= , etc.
cos A / 2
A B C A
Also, r = 4 R sin sin sin
2 2 2
Incentre always lies inside the triangle. It can be shown that
I
2bc
(i) AH = cos A / 2 etc.
b+c B
H
C
(ii) BH : HC = c : b
(iii) AI : IH = b + c : a
(e) Excentres ( I1 , I 2 , I 3 )

The interior angle bisector of A and the exterior angle bisectors of B A

and C (when AB and AC are produced) also meet at a single point
which is called the ex-centre ( I1 ) opposite to angle A. With this point
I
as center we can draw a circle touching the side BC , sides AB and AC B C
produced. This circle is called the ex-circle opposite to angle A and its
r1
radius ( r1 ) is called the ex-radius. Obviously, three ex-circles are I1
possible to a triangle.
We have the following relations.
∆ A
=r1 = s tan
s−a 2
a cos B / 2 cos C / 2
=
cos A / 2
A B C
= 4 R sin cos cos
2 2 2
Similar relations exist for r2 and r3 .
Obviously ex-centres always lie outside the triangle. It can be shown that
(i) ICI1 = π / 2 etc.
(ii) ∆I1 I 2 I 3 has its sides through A, B and C.

(iii) ∆ ABC is the Pedal triangle of ∆ I1 I 2 I 3 .

8. Distance between the Circumcentre and the Orthocentre :
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 395

If ‘ O ’ is the circumcentre and ‘ P ’ is the orthocenter then

OP R (1 − 8cos A cos B cos C )

=

9. Distance between the Circumcentre and the Incentre :

If ‘ O ’ is the circumcentre and ‘ I ’ is the Incentre then

R (1 − 8sin A / 2sin B / 2sin C / 2 ) =

OI = R 2 − 2rR

10. Ptolemy’s Theorem :

In a cyclic quadrilateral ABCD
=
AC .BD AB.CD + BC. AD
11. Area of a quadrilateral ()

= ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c )( s − d ) − abcd cos 2 ( ( A + C ) / 2 )
D
Corollary I : c
C
If d = 0, then the quadrilateral becomes a triangle.
d
Corollary II : b
The quadrilateral whose sides are given, has therefore the greatest are
when it can be inscribed in a circle. A
a B
12. Regular Polygon :
Let A1 , A2 , ... An be a regular polygon of n sides each of length a.
A3
(a) Inscribed circle of a regular polygon of n sides : An O
Area = nr tan π / n
2
π /n
r
a π
Radius r = cot
2 n A1 A2
(b) Circumscribed circle of a regular polygon of n sides :
nR 2 2π
Area = sin
2 n An O A3
a π R π /n R
Radius= R= cosec
2 n
A1 A2
13. m–n theorem
If BD : DC = m : n, α β

then

( m + n ) cot θ = m cot α − n cot β

θ
= n cot B − m cot C B C
m D n
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 396

• Solution of Triangles
If three components of a triangle, at least one of which is a side, are given, then the process of calculating
its other three components is called the solution of triangle. If the three components given are the three
angles, infinitely many triangles with those angles are possible (similar triangles).
The following cases arise in solving a triangle :
1. Three sides given : Use cosine formulae or Half Angle formulae.
2. Two sides and the angle included between them given :
Use Napier’s formulae to get the difference of the other two angles e.g., b, c and A are given.
B −C b−c A
Then, tan = cot gives B − C.
2 b+c 2
Also B + C = π − A
Solving the two equations in B and C we will get the values of B and C. Then ‘ a ' can be
obtained by sine rule or projection formulae i.e.,
b sin A
a= =or a b cos C + c cos B
sin B
3. Two sides and the angle opposite to one of them are given e.g., b, c & B given. We can use the
following method to get a, A and C.
c sin B
From sine rule, sin C =
b
If sin C > 1, then no triangle is possible.
If sin C = 1, then C= 90° B

⇒ A 180° − ( 90° + B )
=
= 90° − B
a c
and =
a c sin=
A c cos=
B c2 − b2
If sin C < 1, then two values of C are possible, one acute and the other
obtuse. But still we will have to check whether both the values are
admissible or not. Consider the following cases : C b A

(i) B is acute : Draw a line segment of length c units (i.e. AB ) b<c

P
and make angle B at one of its extremities ( ∠ABP ) C
C′
b
Now, to draw the side AC (length b units) mark an arc of
circle centred at A with radius b units on BP. This arc will
A c B
cut the ray BP at two points if C sin B < b < c. Hence two
triangles with the specified parts are possible.
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 397

A 180° − ( B + C ) .
The two values of A can be obtained by putting the two values of C in =
Then ‘ a ’ can be obtained by sine rule or cosine rule or projection formulae.

If b > c. the arc will cut BP at only one point and

P C
obviously C will be acute. Thus only one triangle is
possible in this case. a
b

A c B
b<c

P
C
(ii) B is 90° : Only one triangle is possible. Here b has to be greater
b
than c, otherwise no triangle will be possible.

A c B

P
C
(iii) B is obtuse : One triangle will be possible if b > c. Here C
will be acute. b

A c B
4. One side and two angles given : e.g. a, B, C given.

a sin B a sin C
A 180° − ( B + C ) ; =
Then = b and c = .
sin A sin A
5. Three angles given : As told earlier, infinitely many triangles are possible in such case. Only the
ratio of sides can be determined with the help of sine rule.
i.e., a : b : c = sin A : sin B : sin C
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 398

Classroom Practice Paper

6+ 2
1. =
Given a =
3, b 2, and c = , find the angles.
2
B −C A
2. Prove that a cos = ( b + c ) sin .
2 2
3. In any triangle ABC , prove that

(i) b 2 sin 2C + c 2 sin 2 B =

2bc sin A
(ii) ( b + c ) cos A + ( c + a ) cos B + ( a + b ) cos C = a + b + c
a 2 sin ( B − C ) b 2 sin ( C − A ) c 2 sin ( A − B )
(iii) + + =
0
sin B + sin C sin C + sin A sin A + sin B
 B C A
(iv) ( b + c − a )  cot + cot  =2a cot .
 2 2 2
1 1 3
4. If C= 60°, then prove that + = .
a+c b+c a+b+c
3
5. If=
a 5,=
b 7, and sin A = , is there any ambiguity?
4
6. If =
a 2,=
c 3 + 1, and A= 45°, solve the triangle.
7. Prove that
rr1 A
(i) r1 ( s − a ) = r2 ( s − b ) = r3 ( s − c ) = rs = S (ii) = tan 2
r2 r3 2

A 2B C
(iii) rr1r2 r3 = S 2 (iv) r1r2 r3 = r 3 cot 2 cot cot 2
2 2 2
1 1 1 1
(v) + + = (vi) r1 + r2 + r3 − r =4 R.
bc ca ab 2 Rr
8. The length of each side of a regular dodecagon is 20 cm; find (1) the radius of its inscribed circle,
(2) the radius of its circumscribing circle, and (3) its area.
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 399

SOLVED SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

A+ B
Example 1 ( a + b ) tan
In a ∆ ABC , if a tan A + b tan B = then prove that the triangle is isosceles.
2
A+ B
Solution ( a + b ) tan
Given a tan A + b tan B =
2
 A+ B  A+ B 
a  tan A − tan  = b  tan − tan B 
 2   2 
 A+ B   A+ B 
 sin A sin 2   sin 2 sin B 
or a  − = b −
cos A A+ B  A + B cos B 
 cos   cos 
 2   2 
 A+ B   A+ B 
a sin  A −  b sin  − B
or  2 
=  2 
 A+ B  A+ B
cos A cos   cos cos B
 2  2
A− B A+ B
or sin cos ( a cos B − b cos A) =
0
2 2
A+ B
But cos ≠0
2
A− B
∴ sin [ a cos B − b cos A] = 0
2
A− B A− B
or sin [sin A cos B − sin B cos A] = 0 or sin sin ( A − B ) =
0
2 2
⇒ A− B = 0, i.e., A = B ∴ the triangle is an isosceles
Example 2 If p1 , p2 , p3 be the altitudes of a triangle ABC from the vertices A, B, C respectively
and ∆ be the area of the triangle ABC , prove that,
C
2ab cos 2
1 1 1 2
+ − =
p1 p2 p3 ∆ ( a + b + c )
1
Solution  ∆ = .a. p1
2 A
1 a
∴ =
p1 2∆ c b
1 b 1 c p1
Similarly, = and =
p2 2∆ p3 2∆
a b c a+b−c B C
D
Now L.H.S = + − = a
2∆ 2∆ 2∆ 2∆
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 400

a + b − c a + b + c (a + b) − c
2 2

= = .
2∆ a + b + c 2∆ ( a + b + c )
2ab + a 2 + b 2 − c 2 2ab + 2ab cos C  a 2 + b2 − c2 
= =  cos C = 
2∆ ( a + b + c ) 2∆ ( a + b + c )  ab 
2ab (1 + cos C ) ab 2 cos 2 C / 2
= =
2∆ ( a + b + c ) ∆ (a + b + c)
C
2ab cos 2
= = 2 R.H.S
∆ (a + b + c)
Example 3 If in a triangle ABC
2 cos A cos B 2 cos C a b
+ + =+
a b c bc ca
then find the angle A.
Solution We have
2 cos A cos B 2 cos C a b
+ + =+
a b c bc ca
 cos A cos C  c + a − b
2 2 2
a b
2 +  + =+
 a c  b.2ca bc ca
 c cos A + a cos C  c + a − b a 2 + b2
2 2 2
2  + =
 ac 2abc abc
2b 2 c 2 + a 2 − b 2 a 2 + b 2
+ =
acb 2abc abc
4b + c + a − b = 2a + 2b 2
2 2 2 2 2

b2 + c2 − a 2 = 0 ⇒ b2 + c2 = a 2
∴ ∠A = 90°
Example 4 The sides of a triangle are three consecutive natural numbers and its largest angle is twice
the smallest one. Determine the sides of the triangle.
Solution Let the sides be x, x + 1 and x + 2 where x > 0 and is a natural number. Let the smallest
angle be θ .
i.e. ∠C = θ ∴ ∠A =2θ A

applying sine rule in triangle ABC , we get, 2θ

x x+1
x x+2 x +1
= =
sin θ sin 2θ sin (180° − 3θ )
180°− 3θ θ
(i ) ( ii ) ( iii ) B
x+2
C

x x+2
From (i) and (ii), =
sin θ sin 2θ
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 401

x x+2 x+2
or, = cos θ
⇒ 2= … (i)
sin θ 2sin θ cos θ x
From (i) and (iii), we get
x x +1
=
sin θ sin 3θ
x x +1
or, =
sin θ 3sin θ − 4sin 3 θ
x +1
or, 3 − 4sin 2 θ =
x
x +1
( )
or, 3 − 4 1 − cos 2 θ =
x
x +1 2x +1
θ
or, 4 cos 2= +=
1
x x

 x+2 2x +1
2

or,   = (from (i))

 x  x

1  x2 + 4 x + 4 
or,  − ( 2 x + 1)  =
0
x x 

x2 + 4 x + 4 − 2 x2 − x  1 
or,
x
=0  x ≠ 0 

or, − x 2 + 3 x + 4 =0 or, x 2 − 3 x − 4 =0 or, ( x − 4 )( x + 1) =

0 ⇒ x = 4 or x = −1

but x ≠ −1 as x > 0
∴ x = 4. Hence the sides are 4, 5 and 6.
Example 5 In a triangle ABC , prove that
a b c
+ + =
2a tan B tan C sec A
cos B cos C cos C cos A cos A cos B
Solution Here terms on L.H.S. are symmetric
a 2 R sin A
Now First term =
of L.H.S. =
cos B cos C cos B cos C
2 R sin ( B + C )  sin B cos C + cos B sin C 
= = 2R  
cos B cos C  cos B cos C
= 2 R [ tan B + tan C ]

= 2 R [ tan C + tan A]
Similarly, 2nd term
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 402

and 3rd term = 2 R [ tan A + tan B ]

Now L.H.S. = 2 R [ 2 tan A + 2 tan B + 2 tan C

= ] 4 R [ tan A + tan B + tan C ]
= 4 R tan A.tan B tan C [ A + B + C =
π]

sin A
= 2.2 R= .tan B tan C 2.=
a tan B tan C sec A R.H.S.
cos A
Example 6 The median AD of a triangle ABC is perpendicular to AB, prove that tan A + 2 tan B =
0
Solution Since AD is the median
A
90° A−90°

90°+ B
B C
D
∴ BD : DC = 1:1. From Figure, ∠ADC= 90° + B.
Now, applying m : n rule in triangle ABC , we get

(1 + 1) cot ( 90=
° + B) 1.cot 90° − 1.cot ( A − 90° )

or, −2 tan B = 0 − cot  − ( 90° − A ) 

or, −2 tan B = −  − cot ( 90° − A ) 

or, −2 tan B =
tan A
∴ tan A + 2 tan B =
0.
Example 7 If in a triangle ABC
cos A cos B + sin A sin B sin C =
1,

show that a : b : c = 1:1: 2

Solution We have, cos A cos B + sin A sin B sin C =
1
from the given relation
1 − cos A cos B
=sin C ≤1 … (i)
sin A sin B
⇒ 1 ≤ cos A cos B + sin A sin B
⇒ 1 ≤ cos ( A − B ) ( as cos ( A − B ) >/ 1)
⇒ 1 = cos ( A − B ) ⇒ A− B = 0 ⇒ A = B … (ii)

∴ from (i)

1 − cos 2 A
=
sin C = 1
sin 2 A
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 403

∴ C= 90° and A + B = 90°

or A= B= 45° (by (ii))
By sine Law,
a b c
= =
sin A sin B sin C
a b c
= =
1 1 1
2 2

a : b : c = 1:1: 2
Example 8 In usual notation, if r1 = r2 + r3 + r , prove that the triangle is right angled.

Solution Given, r1 = r2 + r3 + r

or, r1 − r = r2 + r3

∆ ∆ ∆ ∆
or, − = +
s −a s s −b s −c
s−s+a a
or, = [ 2s = a + b + c ]
s ( s − a ) ( s − b )( s − c )

a a
or, = [ 2s = a + b + c ]
s ( s − a ) ( s − b )( s − c )

or, s ( s − a ) = ( s − b )( s − c )

or, s 2 − as = s 2 − bs − cs + bc
or, s ( b + c − a ) bc

(b + c + a )
or, ( b + c − a ) =bc
2

(b + c )
2
or, − a2 =
2bc or, b2 + c2 =
a 2 ⇒ triangle is right angled

Example 9 Prove that the radius of the circle passing through the center of the inscribed circle of the
a A
triangle ABC and through the end point of the base BC is sec .
2 2 A
Solution Let O be the center of the inscribed circle of triangle ABC. We have
drawn another circle passing through O, B and C. Suppose that the
radius of this circle is R. We have to find R. Applying sine rule in
triangle OBC , we get, O

B C
O′
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 404

a
= 2R
sin ∠BOC
a
⇒ R= … (i)
2sin ∠BOC
Now, since O is the center of the inscribed circle, hence BO and OC are bisectors of
angles B and C respectively.
B C
i.e. ∠OBC = and ∠OCB =
2 2
B C  A A
⇒ ∠BOC= 180° −  + = 180 −  90° − = 90° +
2 2  2 2
Substituting this value in (i), we get
a a A
=R = sec
 A 2 2
2.sin  90° + 
 2
Example 10 Three circles touch one another externally. The tangents at their points of contact meet at a
point whose distance from the point of contact is 4. Find the ratio of the product of the
radii to the sum of the radii of the circles.
Solution Let the centers of the circles be C1 , C2 and C3 and their radii be
C1 a c C3
a, b and c respectively. Let the circles touch one another at P, Q
R
and R. Let the tangents at their points of contact meet at O. a c
P O Q
Since OP and OQ are two tangents from O to the circle C2 , they b b
are equal i.e., OP = OQ. C2

Similarly, OQ =OR ⇒ OP =OQ = OR.

Also OP ⊥ C1 C2 , OQ ⊥ C2 C3 OR ⊥ C1 C3 .

∴ OP, OQ and OR are perpendicular distances of O from the sides of ∆C1 C2 C3 .

Hence, OP or OQ or OR are the in-radii of ∆C1 C2 C3 .
= OQ
Let OP = OR
= r
abc
From question r = 4 and we have to find the value of .
a+b+c
Now, r = ∆ / s where s = Semi-perimeter of ∆C1 C2 C3 .

and ∆ = area of ∆C1 C2 C3

Now, s=
( a + b ) + (b + c ) + ( c + a ) = a + b + c
2

and =
∆ s {s − ( a + b )}{s − ( b + c )}{s − ( c + a )}
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 405

= ( a + b + c ) .c.a.b [ s = a + b + c ]
= abc ( a + b + c )

∆ abc ( a + b + c ) abc
∴=
r = =
s a+b+c a+b+c

abc abc
or, 4= ⇒ =
16.
a+b+c a+b+c
Example 11 Perpendiculars and drawn from the vertices A, B, C of an acute angled triangle on the
opposite sides, and produced to meet the circumcircle of the triangle. If these produced
a b c
parts be α , β , γ respectively, show that + =+ 2 ( tan A + tan B + tan C ) .
α β γ
Solution Let AD be the perpendicular from A on BC. When AD is produced, it meets the
circumscribing circle at E. From question, DE = α .
Since angles in the same segments are equal, A
∴ ∠AEB =
∠ACB =
∠C ,
and ∠AEC =
∠ABC =
∠B
From right angled triangle BDE , B D C
CB
BD
tan C = … (i) E
DE
From right angled triangle CDE ,
CD
tan B = … (ii)
DE
adding (i) and (ii) we get,
BD + CD BC a
tan B + tan C = = = … (iii)
DE DE α
b
similarly, tan C + tan A = … (iv)
β
c
and tan A + tan B = … (v)
γ
adding (iii), (iv) and (v)
a b c
+ =
+ 2 ( tan A + tan B + tan C )
α β γ
s2
Example 12 If ∆ denotes the area of any triangle and s its semi perimeter, prove that ∆ ≤ .
4
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 406

Solution Let a, b, c be the sides of the triangle

a+b+c
clearly, s = and so
2
s, s − a, s − b, s − c will be positive
 For positive quantities,
A.M. ≥ G.M.
s + ( s − a) + ( s − b) + ( s − c)
≥  s ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c ) 
1/ 4
∴
4
4s − ( a + b + c )
( )
1/ 4
or, > ∆2
4
2s
or, > ∆1/ 2 [ a + b + c =2s ]
4
s2
or, ≥∆ [ both s and ∆ are positive, squaring will not affect the inequality]
4
i.e. ∆ ≤ s 2 / 4
[Note : The indication for the use of the property A.M. ≥ G.M. is obtained from the fact
that=
∆ s ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c ) i.e. the product of s, s − a, s − b, s − c is involved which
can be obtained through G.M.].

Example 13 If the two angles of a triangle are 30° and 45° and the included side is ( )
3 + 1 cm, then

show that the area of the triangle is

1
2
( )
3 + 1 sq. cm.

Solution Let ∠A = 30°, ∠B = 45°

so that AB= c= 3 +1 … (i)

C
= 180° − ( 30° + 45° )
Also ∠C
= 105°
30° 45°
∴ =
sin C sin ( 90° + 15
= ° ) cos15° A B

or sin C cos ( 45° − 30° )

=

=
2
1
2
( =
3 +1 ) 2 2
1
.c by (i) … (ii)

By sine formula,
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 407

b c
= = 2 2, (by (ii))
sin B sin C
∴ b sin
= = B.2 2 2

∴=∆
1
2
=
bc sin A
1
2
2 . 3 + 1=
. (
1 1
2 2
) ( 3 +1 )
Example 14 In any triangle ABC , the sides are 6cm, 10cm and 14cm. Show that the triangle is obtuse-
angled with the obtuse angle equal to 120°.
Solution Let a = 14, b = 10, c = 6 ⇒ s = 15. The largest angle is opposite the largest side. Hence

tan
A
=
( s − b )( s − c ) = 5× 9
= 3 ⇒ A / 2 = 60° ⇒ A = 120°
2 s (s − a) 15

b 2 + c 2 − a 2 100 + 36 − 196 1
Alternative : cos A = = =
− ⇒ A=
120°
2bc 120 2
Example 15 Two sides of a triangle are 3 − 1 and 3 + 1 units, and their included angle is 60°. Solve
the triangle.
Solution Let A = 60 ⇒ B + C = 120°

B −C b−c A 3 +1− 3 +1
=
tan = cot = cot 30° 1
2 b+c 2 3 +1+ 3 −1
⇒ B − C = 90° ⇒ B = 105°, C = 15°

==
Also a b
sin A (=
3 + 1) sin 60° ( 3 + 1) sin 60°
=
( )
3 + 1 sin 60°
sin B sin105° sin ( 60° + 45° ) sin 60° cos 45° + cos 60° sin 45°

= =
(
2 3 +1 3 ) 6
3 +1

( ) ( ) ( )( )
2 2
Alternative : a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc cos A = 3 +1 + 3 −1 − 2 3 +1 3 − 1 cos 60°

1
=8 − 4 =6 ⇒ a = 6.
2
Example 16 If a, b and A are given in a triangle and c1 , c2 are the possible values of the third side,
prove that c12 + c22 − 2c1c2 cos 2 A =
4a 2 cos 2 A.

b2 + c2 − a 2
Solution =
cos A ⇒ c 2 − 2bc cos A=
+ b2 − a 2 0
2bc
c1 + c2 =
2b cos A and c1c=
2 b2 − a 2

⇒ c12 + c22 − 2c1c2 cos 2 A = ( c1 + c2 ) − 2c1c2 (1 + cos 2 A )

2
PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 408

( )
= 4b 2 cos 2 A − 2 b 2 − a 2 .2 cos=
2
A 4a 2 cos 2 A
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 409

SOLVED OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

Example 1 If the area of a ∆ ABC be λ , then a 2 sin 2 B + b 2 sin 2 A is equal to

(a) 2λ (b) 4λ (c) λ (d) None of these
Solution b
a 2 sin 2 B + b 2 sin 2=
A 2a 2 sin B.cos B + 2b 2 sin A cos A

a 2b b2 a ab abc
= cos B + cos A = ( a cos B + b cos A ) = = 2bc sin A
R R R R
1 
 bc sin A  4λ
= 4=
2 
∴ (b)
Example 2 If c 2 = a 2 + b 2 , 2 s = a + b + c, then 4s ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c ) is equal to

(a) s 4 (b) b 2 c 2 (c) c 2 a 2 (d) a 2b 2

Solution d
π
c=
2
a 2 + b2 ⇒ ∠C =
2
1 1 1
∴=∆ =
ab sin C ab ⇒ s ( s − a )( s − b )( s =
− c) ab
2 2 2
⇒ 4 s ( s − a )( s − b )( s − c ) =
a 2b 2 .

∴ (d)
A b+c
Example 3 If cot = , then the ∆ABC is
2 a
(a) isosceles (b) equilateral (c) right angled (d) None of these
Solution c
A b+c cos A / 2 sin B + sin C
cot = ⇒ =
2 a sin A / 2 sin A
 B+C   B −C 
2sin   cos  
⇒
cos A / 2
=  2   2 
sin A / 2 A A
2sin cos
2 2
A  B −C  A B −C
⇒ cos = cos   ⇒ =
2  2  2 2
⇒ A= B − C ⇒ A+C =
B
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 410

π . Therefore, B = π / 2
But A + B + C =
∴ (c)
Example 4 Three equal circles each of radius r touch one another. The radius of the circle touching
all the three given circles DEF is

(2 + 3) r (2 − 3) r
(
(a) 2 + 3 r ) (b)
3
(c)
3
(d) (2 − 3) r
Solution b
 ∆DEF is equilateral with side 2r if radius of circum circle DEF is R1

3
( 2r=
)
2
then Area of ∆DEF
= 3r 2
4
r r
2r.2r.2r D E
3r =
2
r r
4 R1
r r
2r F
⇒ R1 =
3
∴ Radius of the circle touching all the three given circles = r + R1

=+
r
2r (
=
2+ 3 r )
3 3
∴ (b)
Example 5 If in a ∆ ABC

sin C + cos C + sin ( 2 B + C ) − cos ( 2 B + C ) =

2 2, then triangle is

(a) right angled (b) equilateral

(c) isosceles (d) isosceles right angled
Solution d
We have sin C + cos C + sin ( 2 B + C ) − cos ( 2 B + C ) =
2 2

⇒ sin ( 2 B + C ) + sin C  + cos C − cos ( 2 B + C )  =

2 2

⇒ 2sin ( B + C ) cos B + 2sin ( B + C ) sin B =

2 2

⇒ sin (180° − A ) cos B + sin (180° − A ) sin B = 2

⇒ sin A ( cos B + sin B ) =

2
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 411

 1 1 
⇒ sin A  cos B + sin B  =
1
 2 2 
π 
⇒ sin A sin  + B  =
1
4 
which is possible only when
π 
sin A = 1 & sin  + B  =
1
4 
∠A = 90° & ∠B = 45°
then ∠C = 45°
Hence ∆ ABC is an isosceles right angled triangle.
∴ (d)
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 412

EXERCISE – I
AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. In a ∆ ABC , if a =3, b =+
6 (
2 / 2, c = )
2, then the angle A is

(a) 30° (b) 60° (c) 75° (d) None of these

 B −C 
2. In a ∆ ABC , b= 3 + 1, c= 3 − 1, ∠A= 60 °, then the value of tan   is
 2 
(a) 2 (b) 1/ 2 (c) 1 (d) 3
3. In a ∆ ABC , if b + c =3a, then the value of cot B / 2 cot C / 2 is
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 3
4. If the angles A, B, C of a ∆ ABC are in A.P., then
(a) c 2 = a 2 + b 2 − a b (b) b 2 = a 2 + c 2 − ac (c) c=
2
a 2 + b2 (d) None of these
If in a ∆ ABC , ∆= a 2 − ( b − c ) , then tan A is equal to
2
5.

(a) 15 /16 (b) 8 /15 (c) 8 /17 (d) 1/ 2

6. If two sides of a ∆ are 12 and 8, the angle opposite to the shorter side is 45°, then the third side
is
(a) 2 2 − 6 (b) 2+ 6 (c) 2 6 − 2 (d) None of these
7. In a triangle with one angle of 120°, the length of the sides from an A.P. If the length of the greatest
side is 7cm, the area of the triangle is
3 15
(a) cm 2 (b) 15 3 / 4cm 2 (c) 15 / 4cm 2 (d) 3 3 / 4cm 2
4
1 1
8. In a ∆ ABC tan ( A + B ) cot ( A − B ) is equal to
2 2
(a) ( a − b ) / ( a + b ) (b) ( a + b ) / c (c) (a + b) / (a − b) (d) (a − b) / 2 (a + b)
9. The area of the circle and the area of a regular polygon of n sides and of equal perimeter are in the
ratio of
(a) tan (π / n ) : π / n (b) cos (π / n ) : π / n (c) sin (π / n ) : π / n (d) cot (π / n ) : π / n

 sin 2 A + sin A + 1 
10. In any ∆ ABC Π   is always greater than
 sin A 
(a) 9 (b) 3 (c) 27 (d) None of these
11. ( ) ( ) (
In a ∆ ABC , the value of a 2 sin 2 B − sin 2 C + b 2 sin 2 C − sin 2 A + c 2 sin 2 A − sin 2 B is )
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 413

(a) 2∑ a 2b 2 (
(b) 2 a 2 + b 2 + c 2 ) (c) (a + b + c)
2
(d) 0

12. In a ∆ ABC , a co s2 C / 2 + c co s2 A / 2 =
3b / 2, the sides of the triangle
(a) are in A.P. (b) are in G.P. (c) are in H.P. (d) satisfy a = c
13. In a triangle, the lengths of the two larger sides are 10 and 9 respectively. If the angles are in A.P.,
then the length of third side can be
(a) 6 − 6 (b) 3 3 (c) 5 (d) 5 + 6
14. perimeter and R = circum radius. Then s / R is equal to
In a ∆ ABC , 2s =
(a) sin A + sin B + sin C (b) cos A cos B cos C
(c) sin A / 2 + sin B / 2 + sin C / 2 (d) None of these
15. In a ∆ ABC , the perimeter = 2s and the ex-radii are r1 , r2 and r3 . Then r1r2 + r2 r3 + r3 r1 is equal to

(a) s 2 (b) 2s 2 (c) 3s 2 (d) 4s 2

16. The radius of the in-circle of a triangle whose sides are 18, 24 and 30 cms is
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 9
17. In an equilateral triangle, the in-radius circumradius and one of the ex-radii are in the ratio
(a) 2 : 3 : 5 (b) 1: 2 : 3 (c) 1: 3 : 7 (d) 3 : 7 : 9
18. If the radius of the circum-circle of an isosceles triangle PQR is equal to PQ = ( PR ) , then the
angle P is
(a) π / 6 (b) π / 3 (c) π / 2 (d) 2π / 3
19. In a right-angled triangle the hypotenuse is 2 2 times the length of perpendicular drawn from the
opposite vertex on the hypotenuse. Then the other two angles are
(a) π / 3, π / 6 (b) π / 4, π / 4 (c) π / 8, 3π / 8 (d) π /12, 5π /12
20. In a triangle if r1 > r2 > r3 , then
(a) a > b > c (b) a < b < c (c) a > b & b < c (d) a < b & b > c
21. In a ∆ABC , a = π / 3, the measure of ∠C is
2b and A − B =

(a) π / 4 (b) π / 3 (c) π / 6 (d) None of these

22. If the bisector of angle A of triangle ABC makes an angle θ with BC , then sin θ is equal to

 B −C   B −C   A  A
(a) cos   (b) sin   (c) sin  B −  (d) sin  C − 
 2   2   2  2
23. If the angles A, B and C of a triangle ABC are in A.P. and the sides a, b, c are in G.P., then
a 2 , b 2 , c 2 are in
(a) G.P. (b) A.P. (c) H.P. (d) None of these
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 414

24. The perimeter of a triangle ABC is 6 times the arithmetic means of the sine’s of its angles. If the
side a is 1, then the angle A is
π π π
(a) (b) (c) (d) π
6 3 2
25. Which of the following pieces of data does NOT uniquely determine an acute–angled triangle ABC
( R being the radius of the circumcircle)?
(a) a, sin A, sin B (b) a, b, c (c) a, sin B, R (d) a, sin A, R
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 415

EXERCISE – II

IIT-JEE SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. In a triangle ABC , ∠A = 60°, a = 4 and b = 3, then c is a root of the equation

(a) c 2 + 3c + 7 =0 (b) c 2 − 3c + 7 =0 (c) c 2 + 3c − 7 =0 (d) c 2 − 3c − 7 =0

5
2. =
The number of triangles that can be formed with sin A = , a 3 and b = 8 is
13
(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 1 (d) 0
3. In any triangle rr1r2 r3 must be equal to

(a) 16∆ (b) 8∆ (c) 4∆ (d) ∆

4. In triangle ABC the value of the expression a 2 cos 2 B + b 2 cos 2 A + 2ab cos ( A − B ) is always equal
to
(a) a 2 (b) b 2 (c) c 2 (d) none
1 1 1
5. In triangle ABC 2b= a + c. If r1 , r2 , r3 be the exradii of the triangle then , and are in
r1 r2 r3
(a) AP (b) GP (c) HP (d) none
r1 − r r2 − r
6. In any triangle + is equal to
a b
c ab a+b
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
r3 r3 r3
7. Let ABCD be a quadrilateral with area 18, with side AB parallel to the side CD and AB = 2CD.
Let AD be perpendicular to AB and CD. If a circle is drawn inside the quadrilateral ABCD
touching all the sides, then its radius is
(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 3 / 2 (d) 1
8. A polygon of nine sides, each of length 2, is inscribed in a circle. The radius of the circle is
π π π π
(a) cosec (b) cosec (c) tan (d) sec
9 7 9 9
9. Let A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 be a regular hexagon inscribed in a circle of unit radius. Then the product of the
lengths of the line segments A0 A1 , A0 A2 and A0 A4 is

3 3 3
(a) (b) 3 3 (c) 3 (d)
4 2
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 416

π P Q
10. In triangle PQR, ∠R = . If tan and tan are roots of the equations ax 2 + bx + c= 0 ( a ≠ 0 ) ,
2 2 2
then
(a) a + b =c (b) b + c =a (d) a + c =b (d) b = c
cos A cos B cos C
11. In a ∆ ABC , if = = and the side a = 2, then area of the triangle is
a b c
3
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) (d) 3
2
12. A circle is inscribed in an equilateral triangle of a side a. The area of any square inscribed in this
circle is
(a) a 2 / 2 (b) a 2 / 6 (c) a 2 / 3 (d) a 2 / 4
13. In a triangle ABC , angle A is greater than angle B. If the measures of angles A and B satisfy the
equation 3sin x − 4sin 3 x − k= 0, 0 < k < 1, then the measure of angle C is
π π 2π 5π
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 2 3 6
π 2π 4π
14. If in ∆ ABC , A = , B = , C = then a 2 + b 2 + c 2 must be
7 7 7
(a) R 2 (b) 3R 2 (c) 5R 2 (d) None of these
A B C
15. If in a triangle, tan , tan , tan are in H.P. then a, b, c are in
2 2 2
(a) H.P. (b) G.P. (c) A.P. (d) None of these
16. If in a triangle, orthocenter is mid-point of altitude AD, then tan B tan C must be equal to
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
17. ( )
In a triangle, b 2 + c 2 − a 2 tan A is same as

(a) area of the triangle (b) twice the area of the triangle
(c) four times the area of the triangle (d) None of these
18. Given an isosceles triangle, whose one angle is 120° and radius of its incircle = 3. Then the area
of the triangle in sq. units is
(a) 7 + 12 3 (b) 12 − 7 3 (c) 12 + 7 3 (d) 4π
1
19. In a triangle ABC , 2ac sin ( A− B +C) =
2
(a) a 2 + b 2 − c 2 (b) c 2 + a 2 − b 2
(c) b 2 − c 2 − a 2 (d) c 2 − a 2 − b 2
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 417

π
20. In a triangle ABC , let ∠C = . If r is the inradius and R is the circumradius of the triangle, then
2
2 ( r + R ) is equal to
(a) a + b (b) b + c (c) c + a (d) a + b − c
21. A pole stands vertically inside a triangular park ABC. It the angle of elevation of the top of the pole
from each corner of the park is same, then in ∆ ABC the foot of the pole is at the
(a) centroid (b) circumcentre
(c) incentre (d) orthocentre
22. If the angles of a triangle are in the ratio 4 :1:1, then the ratio of the longest side to the perimeter is

(a) (
3: 2+ 3 ) (b) 1: 6

(c) 1: 2 + 3 (d) 2 : 3
23. The sides of a triangle are in the ratio 1: 3 : 2, then the angles of the triangle are in the ratio
(a) 1: 3 : 5 (b) 2 : 3 : 4 (c) 3 : 2 :1 (d) 1: 2 : 3
24. In an equilateral triangle, 3 coins of radii 1 unit each are kept so that they touch each other and also
the sides of the triangle then area of the triangle is
(a) 4 + 2 3 (b) 6 + 4 3
7 3 7 3
(c) 12 + (d) 3 +
4 4
25. In ∆ ABC , a, b, c are the lengths of its sides and A, B, C are the angles of triangle ABC. The
correct relation is given by
 B −C  A A  B −C 
(a) ( b − c ) sin  =a cos (b) ( b − c ) cos =
a sin  
 2  2 2  2 
 B+C   B+C 
( b − c ) cos 
A A
(c) ( b + c ) sin  =a cos (d) =2a sin  
 2  2 2  2 
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 418

EXERCISE – III
MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

1. If in a triangle ABC , ∠B = 60°, then

(a) ( a − b ) =c 2 − ab (b) ( b − c ) =a 2 − bc
2 2

(c) ( c − a ) =b 2 − ac
2
(d) a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 2b 2 + a c

2. In a triangle, the length of the two larger sides are 10 and 9, respectively. If the angles are in A.P.,
the length of the third side can be
(a) 5 − 6 (b) 3 3 (c) 5 (d) 5 + 6
3. There exists a triangle ABC satisfying
(a) tan A + tan B + tan C =
0
sin A sin B sin C
(b) = =
2 3 7
(c) ( a + b ) =c 2 + ab and 2 ( sin A + cos A ) =
2
3

3 +1 3
(d) sin A + sin B = , cos A cos B = =sin A sin B
2 4
4. In a triangle ABC , the length of the bisector of angle A is
2bc sin ( A / 2 ) 2bc cos ( A / 2 )
(a) (b)
b+c b+c
abc A 4∆ A
(c) cosec (d) cosec
2R (b + c ) 2 b+c 2
sin B
5. If cos A = , then in ∆ ABC
2sin C
(a) c = a (b) b = c (c) cos B = cos 2C (d) sin B = sin 2C
r1 + r2 + r3
6. For the ∆ ABC , value of is
R
r 9
(a) 4 + (b) maximum value is
R 2
r
(c) 1 + (d) None of these
4R
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 419

7. (
In a ∆ ABC , tan A and tan B are the roots of the equation ab x 2 + 1 = )
c 2 x, where a, b and c are
the sides of the ∆ ABC. Then we must have
a 2 − b2
(a) tan ( A − B ) = (b) sin 2 A + sin 2 B =
1
2ab
(c) cot C = 0 (d) None of these
8. If in a ∆ ABC , tan A and tan B satisfy the inequation is 3 x 2 − 4 x + 3 < 0, then
(a) a 2 + b 2 − a < bc 2 (b) a 2 + b 2 > c 2 (c) a 2 + b 2 + ab > c 2 (d) All of these
9. In a ∆ ABC , c =
2, median BD =∠
1, BDA =
30 °, then area of ∆ ABC must be
3 2 3 3 + 15 5− 3
(a) sq. units (b) sq. units (c) sq. units (d) sq. units
5 +1 5 −1 2 2
10. If in a triangle ABC , sin A, sin B, sin C are in A.P. and p1 , p2 , p3 are the altitudes from the
vertices A, B, C respectively, then
(a) p1 , p2 , p3 are in A.P. (b) p1 , p2 , p3 are in H.P.
(c) a, b, c are in H.P. (d) a, b, c are in A.P.
11. If a, b, c are the sides of the ∆ ABC and a 2 , b 2 , c 2 are the roots of x3 − px 2 + qx − r =0, then
cos A cos B cos C p 4q − p 2
(a) + + = (b) a cos A + b cos B + c cos C =
a b c 2 r 2 r
2 p∆ 8∆ 3
(c) a sin A + b sin B + c sin C = (d) sin A sin B sin C =
r r
12. If H is the orthocenter of triangle ABC , then AH is equal to
2abc
(a) 2 R cos A (b) 2 R sin A (c) a cot A (d) cos A
∆
13. In a triangle ABC , cos A cos B + sin A sin B sin C =
1, then the triangle is
(a) equilateral (b) isosceles (c) right angled (d) obtuse angled
A−C a+c
14. In a ∆ ABC , 2 cos = . Then
2 a + c 2 − ac
2

π
(a) B = (b) B = C
3
(c) A, B, C are in A.P. (d) B + C =A
15. In a ∆ ABC , tan C < 0. Then
(a) tan A.tan B < 1 (b) tan A.tan B > 1
(c) tan A + tan B + tan C < 0 (d) tan A + tan B + tan C > 0
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 420

EXERCISE – IV
MATCH THE FOLLOWING

Note : Each statement in column – I has one or more than one match in column – II
1.

Column – I Column – II
I. If the sines of the angles A and B of a triangle ABC satisfy
the equation c 2 x 2 − c ( a + b ) x + ab =
0 the triangle can be
A. right angled

II. If one angle of a triangle is 30° and the lengths of the sides
B. isosceles
adjacent to it are 40 and 40 3 the triangle can be

III. If the angles of a triangle ABC satisfy the equation

C. equilateral
81 sin 2 x
+ 81
cos 2 x
=
30, then the triangle can be

IV. In a triangle ABC , cos A cos B + sin A sin B sin C =

1, then the
D. obtuse angled
triangle can be

Note : Each statement in column – I has only one match in column – II

2.

Column – I Column – II
I. If the angles of a ∆ are in A.P. and sides a, b, c be in G.P.,
A. H.P.
then a 2 , b 2 , c 2 are in

 A B C 
II. If a, b, c are in H.P., then sin 2   , sin 2   , sin 2   are
2 2 2 B. A.P.
in
3
III. The sides of a triangle are in A.P. and its area th of an
5 C. 19 : 16 : 5
equilateral triangle of same perimeter, then sides are in the
ratio

 A B C 
cot   cot   cot  
IV. In a ∆ ABC , if = 2 = 2  2  , then a : b : c is D. 3:5:7
1 4 15
E. G.P.
Note : Each statement in column – I has only one match in column – II
3.
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 421

Column – I Column – II
I. r r1 r2 r3 A. r s2

II. r1 r2 r3 B. 4 R cos C

1
III. r1 + r2 − r3 + r C.
2Rr
1 1 1
IV. + + D. ∆2
bc ca ab
r
E.
s2

ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE

Direction : Read the following questions and choose :

(A) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 422

(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not correct explanation of the Assertion.
(C) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true.

1. Assertion : If in a triangle, tan A : tan B : tan C = 1: 2 : 3, then A= 45°.

Reason : If p : q : r = 1: 2 : 3, then p = 1.
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
2. Assertion : If in triangle sin 2 A + sin 2 B + sin 2 C =
2, then one of the angles must be 90°.
Reason : In any triangle sin 2 A + sin 2 B + sin 2 C =
2 + 2 cos A cos B cos C.
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
3
3. Assertion : In any triangle, cos A + cos B + cos C ≤ .
2
A B C 1
Reason : In any triangle, sin sin sin ≤ .
2 2 2 8
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
 a2 
4. Assertion : In any triangle square of the length of the bisector AD is bc 1 − .
 ( b + c )2 
 
bc  A
Reason : In any triangle length of bisector AD = cos   .
b+c 2
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
5. Assertion : If in a triangle, cos A + 2 cos B + 2 cos C =
2, then a, b, c must be in A.P.

 A  B C 
Reason : cos A + cos B + cos C =
1 + 4sin   sin   sin   .
2 2 2
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D

PASSAGE BASED PROBLEMS

At times the methods of co-ordinates becomes effective in solving problems of properties of

triangles. We may choose one vertex of the triangle as origin and one side passing through this
vertex as x-axis. Thus, without loss of generality, we can assume that every triangle ABC has a
vertex B situated at B ( 0, 0 ) m vertex C at ( a, 0 ) and A as ( h, k ) .
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 423

1. If in ∆ ABC , AC =
3, BC =
4, medians AD and BE are perpendicular, then area of triangle ABC
must be equal to
(a) 7 (b) 11 (c) 2 2 (d) None of these
2. Suppose the bisector AD of the interior angle A of ∆ ABC divides side BC into segments
=
BD 4,= DC 2. Then we must have
(a) b > 6 and c < 4 (b) 2 < b < 6 and c < 1
(c) 2 < b < 6 and 4 < c < 12 (d) None of these
BE 3
3. If altitudes=
CD 7,=
AE 6 and E divides BC such that = , then c must be
EC 4
(a) 2 3 (b) 5 3 (c) 3 (d) 4 3
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 424

EXERCISE –V
SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

1. Prove that
(b 2
) ( ) (
− c 2 cot A + c 2 − a 2 cot B + a 2 − b 2 cot C =
0. )
2. If a 2 , b 2 , c 2 are in A.P., prove that cot A, cot B and cot C are also in A.P.
3. If A, A1 , A2 and A3 are respectively the areas of the inscribed and escribed circles, prove that
1 1 1 1
= + + .
A A1 A2 A3
4. With usual notations, if in a triangle ABC
b+c c+a a+b cos A cos B cos C
= = , then prove that = =
11 12 13 7 19 25
5. In a ∆ ABC , ∠A = 45° and c1 , c2 are two values of side c in the ambiguous case. Show that
2c1c2
cos B1CB2 = .
c12 + c22
6. The two adjacent sides of a cyclic quadrilateral are 2 and 5 and the angle between them is 60°. If the
area of quadrilateral is 4 3, find the remaining two sides.
7. If α , β , γ are lengths of the altitudes of a ∆ ABC , prove that
α −2 + β −2 + γ −2= ( cot A + cot B + cot C ) / ∆, where ∆ is the area of the ∆ ABC.
8. In a triangle ABC , let D be any point of the base BC , such that BD : DC = m : n, ∠BAD = α ,
∠DAC =β , ∠CDA = θ , and AD = x. Prove that
(i) ( m + n ) cot θ = m cot α − n cot β = n cot B − m cot C and

(ii) ( m + n ) x 2 =( m + n ) ( mb 2 + nc 2 ) − mna 2
2

9. In a triangle ABC , prove that

a 2 sin ( B − C ) b 2 sin ( C − A ) C 2 sin ( A − B )
+ + =
0.
sin B + sin C sin C + sin A sin A + sin B
10. In a a ∆ ABC , prove that
A B C
(a + b + c) + cot + cot
2 cot
= 2 2 2
a +b +c
2 2 2
cot A + cot B + cot C
11. In a triangle ABC prove that
(i) a cos A + b cos B + c cos C =
4 R sin A sin B sin C
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 425

(ii) a cot A + b cot B + c cot C =2(R + r)

(iii) r1 + r2 + r3 = 4 R + r

12. If in a triangle ABC , a 4 + b 4 += ( )

c 4 2c 2 a 2 + b 2 , prove that C= 45° or 135°.
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 426

ANSWER TO CLASSROOM PRACTICE PAPER

1. 60°, 45°, and 75°
5. There is no triangle
6. B1 =30°, C1 =105°, and b1 = 2; B2 =60°, C2 =75° and b2 = 6
8. 37.32…cm, 38.637…cm, 4478.46…sq. cm.
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 427

ANSWERS

EXERCISE – I
AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b)

6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (c)

11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (a)

16. (c) 17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)

21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (d)

EXERCISE – II
IIT-JEE SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (c)

6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (a)

11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (c)

16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (c) 19. (b) 20. (a)

21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (d) 24. (b) 25. (b)

EXERCISE – III
MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (c, d) 2. (a, d) 3. (c, d) 4. (b, c) 5. (a, d)

6. (a, b) 7. (a, b, c) 8. (a, c) 9. (b, c) 10. (b, d)

11. (a, b, c, d) 12. (a, c) 13. (b, c) 14. (a, c) 15. (a, c)

EXERCISE – IV
 PROPERTIES AND SOLUTION OF TRIANGLES 428

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

1. I − ( A ) ; II − ( B ) , ( D ) ; III − ( B ) , ( C ) , ( D ) , IV ( A ) , ( B )
2. I − ( B ) ; II − ( A ) ; III − ( D ) ; IV − ( C )
3. I − ( D ) ; II − ( A ) ; III − ( B ) , IV ( C )

ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE

1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d)

PASSAGE BASED PROBLEMS

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d)

EXERCISE – V
SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

6. 2 and 3