1
$\begingroup$

An isosceles triangle $ABC$ with duplicated sides $AC=BC$ of length $2$ each (so $AC=BC=2$) and the third side $AB$ has length $1+\sqrt{5}$. I am looking for the angle $\angle ACB$ without using trigonometry.

I know that the ratio $AC/AB$ is the reciprocal of the golden ratio, so this triangle is very much related to the golden triangle.

My plan to solve this problem is by bisecting angle $\angle CAB$ and to get two similar triangles (a similar approach used in golden triangle).

Let $D$ be the point on $CB$ where $AD$ is the angle bisector of $\angle CAB$. I just need to show that $\angle ADB=\angle ABD$, then I could finish up the rest by showing that triangle $\Delta ABC$ is similar to triangle $\Delta BDA$.

Showing $\angle ADB=\angle ABD$ is the point where I got stuck. Any clue on how to show that?

I am also curious whether there is any other way to solve this problem without using trigonometry and golden ratio?

Many many thanks.

$\endgroup$

3 Answers 3

2
$\begingroup$

One way to find $\angle{ACB}$ using similar triangles :

Let $E$ be a point on the extension of the line $AC$ such that $\angle{CEB}=\angle{CAB}$.

Since $\triangle{AEB}$ is similar to $\triangle{ABC}$, we have $$AE:AB=AB:AC\implies AE=3+\sqrt 5$$ from which $CE=AE-AC=1+\sqrt 5$ follows.

It follows that $\triangle{CBE}$ is an isosceles triangle with $EC=EB$.

Let $\alpha=\angle{CAB}$. Then, we have $\angle{CAB}=\angle{CBA}=\alpha$ and $\angle{ACB}=\angle{CEB}+\angle{EBC}=3\alpha$.

Therefore, $180^\circ=5\alpha\implies \alpha=36^\circ\implies \angle{ACB}=3\alpha=108^\circ$.

$\qquad\qquad\qquad $enter image description here


Showing $\angle ADB=\angle ABD$ is the point where I got stuck. Any clue on how to show that?

We have $\angle{ADB}\not=\angle{ABD}$.

Proof :
Suppose that $\angle{ADB}=\angle{ABD}=2\theta$. Let $\theta=\angle{DAB}=\angle{CAD}$. Then, considering $\triangle{DAB}$, we see that $\angle{CDA}=\angle{DAB}+\angle{DBA}=3\theta$. Also, considering $\triangle{CAD}$, we see that $\angle{ACD}=\angle{BDA}-\angle{CAD}=\theta$. Now, considering $\triangle{ABC}$, we have $180^\circ=5\theta\implies \theta=36^\circ$. Having $\angle{CAB}\gt\angle{ACB}$, we have $BC\gt AB$, i.e. $2\gt 1+\sqrt 5$ which is impossible. $\quad\blacksquare$


Another way to find $\angle{ACB}$.

The isosceles triangle can be found in a regular pentagon with side length $2$.

Let $x$ be the length of a diagonal of the pentagon $PQRST$.

Then, by Ptolemy's theorem, we have $$|\overline{QR}|\times |\overline{PS}|+|\overline{PQ}|\times |\overline{RS}|=|\overline{PR}|\times |\overline{QS}|$$ $$\implies 2x+4=x^2\implies x=1+\sqrt 5$$

It follows that $\angle{ACB}=108^\circ$.

$\endgroup$
0
1
$\begingroup$

Given

$$ \sin \angle ACM = \dfrac{(\sqrt5 +1)/2}{2} $$

This is recognized as half angle of regular pentagon associated with GoldenRatio $\varphi$

$$ \angle ACM= 54^{\circ}$$

Double this angle

$$ \angle ACB= 108^{\circ}.$$

$\endgroup$
1
$\begingroup$

Define $D$ in the line $AC$ such that $\angle ABD=\angle CBA$ and $D\neq C$. From $CA=AB$ follows that $\angle ACB=\angle CBA=\angle ABD$, now using Power of a Point Theorem we have ${DB}^2=DA\cdot DC$, which implies $\dfrac{DC}{DA}=\left (\dfrac{DB}{DA}\right )^2$. From the Angle Bisector Theorem follows that $\dfrac{DB}{DA}=\dfrac{BC}{CA}$, hence$$1+\frac{AC}{DA}=\frac{DC}{DA}=\left (\frac{BC}{CA}\right )^2=1+\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}=1+\frac{BC}{CA}$$i.e. $\dfrac{AC}{DA}=\dfrac{BC}{CA}=\dfrac{DB}{DA}$, which implies that $BD=AC=AB$. Therefore, $\angle BDC=\angle BDA=\angle DBA=2\angle ACB=2\angle DCB$. But $\angle CBD=2\angle DCB$, hence$$180^\circ =\angle DCB+\angle CBD+\angle BDC=5\angle DCB$$i.e. $\angle ACB=\angle DCB=36^\circ$.

$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.