Trigonometry & Inverse Trigonometry
Solution of Triangles
Grade 11

Question:

<p>Circum radius of a △ABC is 3 units; let O be the circum centre and H be the orthocentre then the value of \(\frac{1}{64}(AH^2 + BC^2)(BH^2 + AC^2)(CH^2 + AB^2)\) equals:</p>
<p>(a) \(3^4\)</p>
<p>(b) \(9^3\)</p>
<p>(c) \(27^6\)</p>
<p>(d) \(81^4\)</p>

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Use the fundamental relation AH² = 4R²cos²A and similar expressions for BH² and CH², combined with the extended law of sines (a = 2R sin A, etc.) to simplify the product expression.
Step 1: Establish key relations Let $R$ be the circumradius of $\triangle ABC$. Given $R=3$. For the orthocenter $H$, the distances from the orthocenter to the vertices are given by: $$AH = 2R|\cos A| \implies AH^2 = 4R^2 \cos^2 A$$ $$BH = 2R|\cos B| \implies BH^2 = 4R^2 \cos^2 B$$ $$CH = 2R|\cos C| \implies CH^2 = 4R^2 \cos^2 C$$ The side lengths of the triangle are related to the circumradius by the sine rule: $$BC = a = 2R \sin A \implies BC^2 = 4R^2 \sin^2 A$$ $$AC = b = 2R \sin B \implies AC^2 = 4R^2 \sin^2 B$$ $$AB = c = 2R \sin C \implies AB^2 = 4R^2 \sin^2 C$$ Step 2: Simplify the terms Substitute the relations from Step 1 into the terms of the expression: $$AH^2 + BC^2 = 4R^2 \cos^2 A + 4R^2 \sin^2 A = 4R^2 (\cos^2 A + \sin^2 A) = 4R^2$$ Similarly, for the other two terms: $$BH^2 + AC^2 = 4R^2 \cos^2 B + 4R^2 \sin^2 B = 4R^2 (\cos^2 B + \sin^2 B) = 4R^2$$ $$CH^2 + AB^2 = 4R^2 \cos^2 C + 4R^2 \sin^2 C = 4R^2 (\cos^2 C + \sin^2 C) = 4R^2$$ Step 3: Calculate the product Multiply the simplified terms: $$(AH^2 + BC^2)(BH^2 + AC^2)(CH^2 + AB^2) = (4R^2)(4R^2)(4R^2) = (4R^2)^3 = 64R^6$$ Step 4: Evaluate the given expression Substitute the product into the full expression: $$\frac{1}{64}(AH^2 + BC^2)(BH^2 + AC^2)(CH^2 + AB^2) = \frac{1}{64} \cdot 64R^6 = R^6$$ Step 5: Substitute R = 3 Given that the circumradius $R = 3$ units: $$R^6 = 3^6 = 729$$
Correct Answer: a

Master Trigonometry & Inverse Trigonometry with Mathbee

Practice this topic under real exam conditions with strict timers, or ask our AI Mentor to explain the concepts step-by-step.

Start Practicing for Free