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Type: Multiple-Choice
Category: Trigonometry
Level: Grade 11
Standards: HSG-SRT.D.10
Author: nsharp1
Created: 4 years ago

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Trigonometry Question

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The questions below relate to the following proof.

For ΔABC, where mBAC>90°, let the intersection of the altitude from vertex B and the extension of ¯AC be point D (not labeled). Let θ=mBAC and α=mBAD. Prove that BC2=AC2+AB2-2AC ABcos(θ).

Obtuse Triangle Height v2

Statement Reason
1.¯BD is an altitude1.Given
2.¯BD¯DC2.Definition of an altitude
3.BDC is a right angle3.Definition of perpendicular lines
4.ΔBDA, ΔBDC are right triangles4.Definition of right triangles
5.5.Cosine ratio in a right triangle
6.ABcos(α)=AD6.Multiplication Property of Equality
7.7.Sine ratio in a right triangle
8.ABsin(α)=BD8.Multiplication Property of Equality
9.BC2=BD2+CD29.
10.10.Segment Addition Postulate
11.BC2=BD2+(AD+AC)211.Substitution Property of Equality
12.BC2=(ABsin(α))2+(ABcos(α)+AC)212.
13.BC2=AB2sin2(α)+(ABcos(α)+AC)213.Distributive Property of Exponents
14.BC2=AB2sin2(α)+AB2cos2(α)+    2AB ACcos(α)+AC214.Distributive Property
15.BC2=AB2(sin2(α)+cos2(α))+    2AB ACcos(α)+AC215.Distributive Property
16.BC2=AB2+2AB ACcos(α)+AC216.
17.BC2=AB2+AC2+2AB ACcos(α)17.Commutative Property of Addition
18.α+θ=180°18.
19.α=180°-θ19.Subtraction Property of Equality
20.BC2=AB2+AC2+2AB ACcos(180°-θ)20.Substitution Property of Equality
21.BC2=AB2+AC2-2AB ACcos(θ)21.Trigonometric Identity

Grade 11 Trigonometry CCSS: HSG-SRT.D.10

Is this proof also valid for the law of cosines formulas that include the other two angles of the triangle, namely AB2=BC2+AC2-2BC ACcos(mBCA) and AC2=AB2+BC2-2AB BCcos(mABC)?
  1. Yes. If altitudes were constructed from vertices A or C, the proofs for these two formulas would be identical to the one given.
  2. Yes. Since the formula including the angle with the largest measure has been proven, it must necessarily hold for the formulas including the other angles in the triangle.
  3. No. The most straightforward proof for these two formulas would be similar to the proof given for an acute triangle (and they would include constructing an altitude from vertex A only).
  4. No. The proof for either of these formulas would require additional trigonometric identities because of the obtuse angle.