Trigonometry & Inverse Trigonometry
Properties of triangles
Grade 11

Question:

<p>The inradius of \(\triangle ABC\) is \(100\sqrt{3}\) and the circumradius is \(200\sqrt{3}\). Consider the line perpendicular to plane \(ABC\) through the circumcenter of \(\triangle ABC\). Note that \(P, Q, O\) must lie on that line to be equidistant from each of the triangle's vertices. Also, note that since \(P, Q, O\) are collinear, and \(OP = OQ\), we must have \(O\) is the midpoint of \(PQ\). Now, Let \(K\) be the circumcenter of \(\triangle ABC\), and \(L\) be the foot of the altitude from \(A\) to \(BC\). We must have \(\tan(\angle KLP + \angle QLK) = \tan(120°)\). Setting \(KP = x\) and \(KQ = y\), assuming WLOG \(x > y\), we must have \[\tan(120°) = -\sqrt{3} = \frac{\dfrac{x+y}{100\sqrt{3}}}{\dfrac{30000 - xy}{30000}}.\] Thus \(100(x+y) = xy - 30000\). Also, \(\left(\dfrac{x+y}{2}\right)^2 = \left(\dfrac{x-y}{2}\right)^2 + 120000\) by the Pythagorean theorem, so \(xy = 120000\), and substituting, \(90000 = 100(x+y)\), or \(x + y = 900\). The desired answer is \(\dfrac{x+y}{2}\).</p>

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Points P and Q equidistant from triangle vertices must lie on the perpendicular to the plane through circumcenter K; use the constraint that O is the midpoint of PQ combined with the tangent addition formula to establish a system relating KP and KQ.
<p><strong>Step 1:</strong> Recognize that P, Q, O are collinear on the perpendicular to plane ABC through circumcenter K, with O as midpoint of PQ. This means OP = OQ and KP + KQ = 2·OK.</p><p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Apply the tangent addition formula: tan(∠KLP + ∠QLK) = tan(120°) = -√3. Using the given formula with inradius r = 100√3 and circumradius R = 200√3, we get: -√3 = [(x+y)/(100√3)] / [(30000 - xy)/30000]</p><p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Simplify the tangent equation: 100(x+y) = xy - 30000, which gives xy = 100(x+y) + 30000.</p><p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Apply Pythagorean theorem from the midpoint condition: ((x+y)/2)² = ((x-y)/2)² + 120000. Expanding: (x+y)²/4 - (x-y)²/4 = 120000, which simplifies to xy = 120000.</p><p><strong>Step 5:</strong> Substitute xy = 120000 into the equation from Step 3: 120000 = 100(x+y) + 30000, so x+y = 900.</p><p><strong>Step 6:</strong> The desired answer is (x+y)/2 = 900/2 = 450</p><p>∴ Answer: <strong>450</strong></p>
Correct Answer: 450

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