Chapter

Trigonometric Geometry

An advanced module on using sines and cosines in geometry: sine and cosine rules, trig Ceva, trig Menelaus, isogonals, special angles, and ratios through sines.
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Theory

Key Idea

Trigonometric geometry is useful when ordinary similarity and angle chasing do not provide enough length information. Sines convert angles into segment ratios, while cosines turn a complicated configuration into a single equation.

The main principle is: if a problem contains cevians, points on sides, segment ratios, or concurrence, first try to express the needed ratio through sines of adjacent angles.

Basic Facts

Sine rule: \(\frac{a}{\sin A}=\frac{b}{\sin B}=\frac{c}{\sin C}=2R\). Cosine rule: \(a^2=b^2+c^2-2bc\cos A\).

For a cevian \(AD\) in triangle \(ABC\): \(\frac{BD}{DC}=\frac{AB\sin\angle BAD}{AC\sin\angle CAD}\).

Trigonometric Ceva: lines \(AA_1\), \(BB_1\), \(CC_1\) are concurrent if and only if \[ \frac{\sin\angle BAA_1}{\sin\angle CAA_1}\cdot \frac{\sin\angle CBB_1}{\sin\angle ABB_1}\cdot \frac{\sin\angle ACC_1}{\sin\angle BCC_1}=1. \]

Trigonometric Menelaus is the analogous condition for collinearity of three points on sides or extensions; signs are handled by directed segments, while in training problems it is often enough to verify the product of sine ratios.

When to Use This Method

Use trigonometry when there is concurrence of three lines, collinearity of three side points, angles such as \(10^\circ,20^\circ,30^\circ,40^\circ\), cevians with prescribed angles, isogonal lines, symmedians, circle radii, or expressions involving \(R,r,p\).

How to Recognise the Method

If you need to prove three lines are concurrent, try trig Ceva. If you need to prove three points are collinear, try trig Menelaus. If a ratio on a side is given, try expressing it through areas or through the sines of two angles at a vertex.

Typical Mistakes

Do not mix ordinary and directed angles without checking signs. Do not cancel \(\sin x\) with \(x\): they are different quantities. In trig Ceva, the order of angles matters; permuting numerators often changes the problem.

Mini-Checklist

1. Which three ratios must be multiplied? 2. Are all angles written at the correct vertices? 3. Are directed segments needed? 4. Can a side be replaced by \(2R\sin A\)? 5. Is there a simple sine identity that finishes the problem?

Examples

Example 1. A Cevian and a Sine Ratio

This is the main local tool of the module.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), cevian \(AD\) meets \(BC\) at \(D\). Prove that \(\frac{BD}{DC}=\frac{AB\sin\angle BAD}{AC\sin\angle CAD}\).

Solution.

Triangles \(ABD\) and \(ACD\) have altitudes to the same line \(BC\), so \(\frac{BD}{DC}=\frac{S_{ABD}}{S_{ACD}}\).

Also \(S_{ABD}=\frac12 AB\cdot AD\sin\angle BAD\), and \(S_{ACD}=\frac12 AC\cdot AD\sin\angle CAD\). Dividing gives the required ratio.

Comment. Almost all of trig Ceva is built from this formula.

Example 2. Trigonometric Ceva

This example shows how local ratios turn into concurrence.

Problem. Prove trig Ceva for points \(A_1\in BC\), \(B_1\in CA\), \(C_1\in AB\).

Solution.

By the previous example, \(\frac{BA_1}{CA_1}=\frac{AB\sin\angle BAA_1}{AC\sin\angle CAA_1}\). Write the analogous ratios for the other two sides.

Ordinary Ceva requires the product \(\frac{BA_1}{CA_1}\cdot\frac{CB_1}{AB_1}\cdot\frac{AC_1}{BC_1}\) to be \(1\). When multiplying, the side factors \(AB,BC,CA\) cancel, leaving exactly the trigonometric condition.

Comment. The converse is proved the same way through ordinary Ceva.

Example 3. Isogonal Lines and Product of Ratios

Here trigonometry explains symmedians with little extra construction.

Problem. Lines \(AX\) and \(AY\) are isogonal in angle \(A\) and meet \(BC\) at \(X,Y\). Prove that \(\frac{BX}{CX}\cdot\frac{BY}{CY}=\frac{AB^2}{AC^2}\).

Solution.

By the cevian formula, \(\frac{BX}{CX}=\frac{AB\sin\angle BAX}{AC\sin\angle XAC}\). For \(Y\), \(\frac{BY}{CY}=\frac{AB\sin\angle BAY}{AC\sin\angle YAC}\).

Since \(AX\) and \(AY\) are isogonal, \(\angle BAX=\angle YAC\), \(\angle XAC=\angle BAY\). Multiplying cancels the sine factors and leaves \(\frac{AB^2}{AC^2}\).

Comment. If \(X\) is the midpoint of \(BC\), then \(Y\) lies on the symmedian.

Example 4. Trigonometric Menelaus

This is the collinear analogue of trig Ceva.

Problem. Points \(A_1\in BC\), \(B_1\in CA\), \(C_1\in AB\) are collinear. State the trigonometric Menelaus condition.

Solution.

Ordinary Menelaus with directed segments gives \(\frac{BA_1}{CA_1}\cdot\frac{CB_1}{AB_1}\cdot\frac{AC_1}{BC_1}=-1\).

Each ratio is expressed through the sines of the angles made by the transversal with the two sides of the triangle. After side factors cancel, we get a product of three sine ratios; with directed angles it equals \(-1\), while in non-directed form one checks equality of absolute values.

Comment. In problems with extensions, the sign is often the main trap.

Example 5. A Symmedian via Trig Ceva

A symmedian is a typical object best recognised through sines.

Problem. Prove that if \(AS\) is the \(A\)-symmedian, then \(\frac{BS}{CS}=\frac{AB^2}{AC^2}\).

Solution.

Let \(AM\) be the median isogonal to \(AS\). For the median, \(\frac{BM}{CM}=1\), so \(\frac{AB\sin\angle BAM}{AC\sin\angle MAC}=1\).

Since \(AS\) is isogonal to \(AM\), \(\angle BAS=\angle MAC\), \(\angle SAC=\angle BAM\). Substituting into the cevian formula gives \(\frac{BS}{CS}=\frac{AB^2}{AC^2}\).

Comment. This connects the present module to the Lemoine point from the previous one.

Example 6. Kiepert Cevians

This example shows why similar triangles on the sides give one point.

Problem. On sides \(BC,CA,AB\), external similar triangles with apex angle \(\varphi\) are constructed. Prove that the lines from \(A,B,C\) to the corresponding outer vertices are concurrent.

Solution.

Let the corresponding vertex on side \(BC\) be \(A_1\). Then angles \(\angle BAA_1\) and \(\angle CAA_1\) are expressed through \(B,C,\varphi\). The two other cevians are analogous.

Substitution into trig Ceva gives a product of the form \(\frac{\sin(B+\varphi)}{\sin(C+\varphi)}\cdot\frac{\sin(C+\varphi)}{\sin(A+\varphi)}\cdot\frac{\sin(A+\varphi)}{\sin(B+\varphi)}=1\). Hence the three lines are concurrent.

Comment. This is one entrance to Kiepert geometry.

Example 7. Special Angles and a Sine Identity

Sometimes the whole problem reduces to one clean product of sines.

Problem. Prove that if three cevians in a triangle make angle pairs \(10^\circ,70^\circ\), \(30^\circ,20^\circ\), \(40^\circ,10^\circ\) at the vertices, then the cevians are concurrent.

Solution.

By trig Ceva it is enough to check \(\frac{\sin10^\circ}{\sin70^\circ}\cdot\frac{\sin30^\circ}{\sin20^\circ}\cdot\frac{\sin40^\circ}{\sin10^\circ}=1\).

After cancelling \(\sin10^\circ\), it remains to prove \(\sin30^\circ\sin40^\circ=\sin20^\circ\sin70^\circ\). This is true because \(\sin30^\circ=\frac12\), and \(\sin70^\circ=\cos20^\circ\), so the right side is \(\sin20^\circ\cos20^\circ=\frac12\sin40^\circ\).

Comment. Such problems are excellent practice for recognising trig Ceva.

Example 8. Cosines in a Parallelism Condition

Cosines help when geometry must become one numerical condition.

Problem. Let \(H\) be the orthocenter and \(O\) the circumcenter. Explain why \(OH\parallel BC\) can be reduced to \(\tan B\tan C=3\).

Solution.

We know \(AH=2R\cos A\), and the altitude \(AA_h=2R\sin B\sin C\). If the Euler line is parallel to \(BC\), the centroid divides the median in ratio \(2:1\), and projecting the condition onto the altitude from \(A\) gives \(AH:AA_h=2:3\).

Thus \(\frac{2R\cos A}{2R\sin B\sin C}=\frac23\), so \(3\cos A=2\sin B\sin C\). Substituting \(\cos A=\sin B\sin C-\cos B\cos C\), we obtain \(\sin B\sin C=3\cos B\cos C\), or \(\tan B\tan C=3\).

Comment. This example shows how trigonometry works with the Euler line.

Problems

Problems

#6.1
#6.1

Side Through the Radius

Circumcircle Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★☆☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\) with circumradius \(R\), prove that \(BC=2R\sin A\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P001
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Circumcircle
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.2
#6.2

Ratio on a Side

Area method Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★☆☆☆☆

Cevian \(AD\) of triangle \(ABC\) meets \(BC\) at \(D\). Prove that \(\frac{BD}{DC}=\frac{AB\sin\angle BAD}{AC\sin\angle CAD}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P002
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Area method
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.3
#6.3

Median via Cosines

Median Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★☆☆☆☆

Let \(AM\) be a median of triangle \(ABC\). Prove that \(AB^2+AC^2=2AM^2+\frac12 BC^2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P003
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Median
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.4
#6.4

Length of an Angle Bisector

Angle bisector Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★☆☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), angle bisector \(AD\) meets \(BC\). Prove that \(AD=\frac{2AB\cdot AC\cos\frac A2}{AB+AC}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P004
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.5
#6.5

Checking the Trig Ceva Condition

Concurrency Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), cevians \(AA_1,BB_1,CC_1\) satisfy \(\angle BAA_1=20^\circ\), \(\angle CAA_1=40^\circ\), \(\angle CBB_1=30^\circ\), \(\angle ABB_1=50^\circ\), \(\angle ACC_1=40^\circ\), \(\angle BCC_1=30^\circ\). Check whether concurrence of the cevians follows from these data.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P005
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Concurrency
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.6
#6.6

Corrected Trig Ceva Check

Concurrency Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★☆☆☆

In a triangle, three cevians form angle pairs \(10^\circ,70^\circ\), \(30^\circ,20^\circ\), \(40^\circ,10^\circ\) at the vertices. Prove that the cevians are concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P006
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Concurrency
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.7
#6.7

Trigonometric Menelaus

Collinearity Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★☆☆☆

A line \(l\) meets sides \(BC,CA,AB\) or their extensions at \(A_1,B_1,C_1\). Prove that the product of the corresponding sine ratios is \(1\) in absolute value.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P007
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Collinearity
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.8
#6.8

Isogonal Pair on a Side

Symmedian Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★☆☆☆

Lines \(AX\) and \(AY\) are isogonal in angle \(A\) of triangle \(ABC\) and meet \(BC\) at \(X,Y\). Prove that \(\frac{BX}{CX}\cdot\frac{BY}{CY}=\frac{AB^2}{AC^2}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P008
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Symmedian
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.9
#6.9

Cosine Form of a Projection

Parallel lines Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), prove \(BC=AB\cos B+AC\cos C\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P009
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.10
#6.10

Angle Bisectors via Trig Ceva

Angle bisector Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★☆☆☆

Use trig Ceva to prove that the internal angle bisectors of triangle \(ABC\) are concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P010
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.11
#6.11

Isogonal Conjugation and Ceva

Concurrency Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★☆☆

Let cevians \(AA_1,BB_1,CC_1\) be concurrent. Prove that their isogonal cevians are also concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P011
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Concurrency
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.12
#6.12

Symmedians via Trig Ceva

Symmedian Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★☆☆

Using trig Ceva, prove that the three symmedians of a triangle are concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P012
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Symmedian
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.13
#6.13

Fermat via Trig Ceva

Fermat Point Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), all angles are less than \(120^\circ\). Prove that there exists a point \(T\) such that \(\angle ATB=\angle BTC=\angle CTA=120^\circ\), reducing the problem to trig Ceva for suitable cevians.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P013
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Fermat Point
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.14
#6.14

Kiepert Lines

Rotation Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★☆☆

On sides \(BC,CA,AB\), external similar isosceles triangles with common outer apex angle \(\varphi\) are constructed. Prove that the lines from \(A,B,C\) to the corresponding outer vertices are concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P014
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Rotation
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.15
#6.15

Tangents of Half-Angles

Inradius Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★☆☆

Prove that for the angles of triangle \(ABC\), \(\tan\frac A2\tan\frac B2+\tan\frac B2\tan\frac C2+\tan\frac C2\tan\frac A2=1\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P015
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Inradius
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.16
#6.16

Collinearity from Sines

Collinearity Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★☆☆

Points \(A_1,B_1,C_1\) lie on lines \(BC,CA,AB\), respectively. Suppose the directed trigonometric Menelaus product equals \(-1\). Prove that \(A_1,B_1,C_1\) are collinear.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P016
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Collinearity
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.17
#6.17

Diagonals of an 18-Gon

Trig Ceva Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★☆

In a regular \(18\)-gon, prove that the three diagonals which, in a suitable triangle, give angle pairs \(10^\circ,70^\circ\), \(30^\circ,20^\circ\), \(40^\circ,10^\circ\), are concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P017
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Trig Ceva
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.18
#6.18

Euler Line Parallel to a Side

Euler Line Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(ABC\), prove that the Euler line is parallel to \(BC\) if and only if \(\tan B\tan C=3\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P018
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Euler Line
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.19
#6.19

Brocard Angle Formula

Area method Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★☆

Let \(\varphi\) be the Brocard angle of triangle \(ABC\). Prove \(\operatorname{ctg}\varphi=\operatorname{ctg}A+\operatorname{ctg}B+\operatorname{ctg}C\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P019
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Area method
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.20
#6.20

A Transversal in a Cyclic Configuration

Cyclic quadrilateral Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★☆

In cyclic quadrilateral \(ABCD\), let \(E=AB\cap CD\), \(F=AD\cap BC\). Prove that for any line through \(E\) meeting \(AD\) and \(BC\) at \(X,Y\), the collinearity of \(X,Y,E\) can be written by trigonometric Menelaus in triangle \(AFB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P020
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Cyclic quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.21
#6.21

Formula for \(\cos A+\cos B+\cos C\)

Sine Rule Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★☆

Prove that in triangle \(ABC\), \(\cos A+\cos B+\cos C=1+\frac rR\), where \(r\) and \(R\) are the inradius and circumradius.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P021
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Sine Rule
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.22
#6.22

Isogonal of a Kiepert Point

Isogonal Conjugate Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★★

In triangle \(ABC\), similar triangles with parameter \(\varphi\) are built on the sides, and the corresponding cevians meet at \(X_\varphi\). Prove that the isogonal conjugate has trilinear coordinates proportional to \((\sin(A+\varphi):\sin(B+\varphi):\sin(C+\varphi))\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P022
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Isogonal Conjugate
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.23
#6.23

Three Cevians with \(10^\circ\) Angles

Trig Ceva Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★★

In triangle \(ABC\) with angles \(50^\circ,60^\circ,70^\circ\), cevians are drawn from the vertices cutting off angles \(10^\circ,20^\circ,30^\circ\) in cyclic order. Prove that they are concurrent if the order is chosen so that trig Ceva reduces to \(\sin10^\circ\sin20^\circ\sin80^\circ=\sin20^\circ\sin20^\circ\sin30^\circ\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P023
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Trig Ceva
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method
#6.24
#6.24

Two Forms of One Transversal

Complete Quadrilateral Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 ★★★★★

In a complete quadrilateral, choose a triangle from three of the lines and view the fourth line as a transversal. Prove that trigonometric Menelaus for this transversal does not change if another triangle of the same complete quadrilateral is chosen.

Details
Problem: GEO-B3-M06-P024
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Complete Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11
Source: Inspired by Prasolov trigonometric geometry method

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