Aman’s Maths Blog AMBQID5

Consider the circle with centre O

Q
S

P θ R
O

If the area of ∆PQR is twice the area of ∆PSR, find the angle θ.

Solution: Note that ∠PSR is also a right angle, as it is subtended by a diameter of the cir-
cle. Let the diameter of the circle be d and ∠SPR be x. The angles ∠QPR and ∠QRP are 45◦
since ∆PQR is isosceles.
Using the Law of Sines, we can obtain the formula

c2 sin(A) sin(B)
|∆ABC| = ,
2 sin(C)

where c is the length of the side opposite ∠C. So

d2 sin(x) sin(θ) d2 sin(45◦ ) sin(45◦ )

2· = .
2 sin(90◦ ) 2 sin(90◦ )

Now, x = 90◦ − θ, so
1
sin(90◦ − θ) sin(θ) = ,
4
1
cos(θ) sin(θ) = ,
4
1
2 cos(θ) sin(θ) = ,
2
1
sin(2θ) = .
2
So 2θ = 30◦ and θ = 15◦ .

James White
29 June 2019