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Difference between revisions of "Stewart's Theorem"

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Setting the two left-hand sides equal and clearing [[denominator]]s, we arrive at the equation: <math> c^{2}n + b^{2}m=m^{2}n +n^{2}m + d^{2}m + d^{2}n </math>.
 
Setting the two left-hand sides equal and clearing [[denominator]]s, we arrive at the equation: <math> c^{2}n + b^{2}m=m^{2}n +n^{2}m + d^{2}m + d^{2}n </math>.
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However, <math>m+n = a</math> so <math>m^2n + n^2m = (m + n)mn</math> and we can rewrite this as <math>man + dad= bmb + cnc</math> (A man and his dad put a bomb in the sink). When you're practicing to memorize this formula, never practice it in the library or any other public place where other people can hear you. LOL!
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However, <math>m+n = a</math> so <math>m^2n + n^2m = (m + n)mn</math>.
  
 
== See also ==  
 
== See also ==  

Revision as of 13:45, 26 April 2019

Statement

Given a triangle $\triangle ABC$ with sides of length $a, b, c$ opposite vertices are $A$, $B$, $C$, respectively. If cevian $AD$ is drawn so that $BD = m$, $DC = n$ and $AD = d$, we have that $b^2m + c^2n = amn + d^2a$. (This is also often written $man + dad = bmb + cnc$, a form which invites mnemonic memorization, i.e. "A man and his dad put a bomb in the sink." When you're practicing to memorize this formula, never practice it in the library/airport or any other public place where other people can hear you.)

Stewart's theorem.png

Proof

Applying the Law of Cosines in triangle $\triangle ABD$ at angle $\angle ADB$ and in triangle $\triangle ACD$ at angle $\angle CDA$, we get the equations

  • $n^{2} + d^{2} - 2nd\cos{\angle CDA} = b^{2}$
  • $m^{2} + d^{2} - 2md\cos{\angle ADB} = c^{2}$

Because angles $\angle ADB$ and $\angle CDA$ are supplementary, $m\angle ADB = 180^\circ - m\angle CDA$. We can therefore solve both equations for the cosine term. Using the trigonometric identity $\cos{\theta} = -\cos{(180^\circ - \theta)}$ gives us

  • $\frac{n^2 + d^2 - b^2}{2nd} = \cos{\angle CDA}$
  • $\frac{c^2 - m^2 -d^2}{2md} = \cos{\angle CDA}$

Setting the two left-hand sides equal and clearing denominators, we arrive at the equation: $c^{2}n + b^{2}m=m^{2}n +n^{2}m + d^{2}m + d^{2}n$. However, $m+n = a$ so $m^2n + n^2m = (m + n)mn$.

See also

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