1986 AIME Problems/Problem 2
Contents
Problem
Evaluate the product
Solution 1 (Algebra: Generalized)
More generally, let so that Note that the original expression has cyclic symmetry with respect to and
We rewrite the original expression in terms of and then apply the difference of squares repeatedly: ~MRENTHUSIASM
Solution 2 (Algebra: Specific)
We apply the difference of squares repeatedly: ~Azjps (Solution)
~MRENTHUSIASM (Revision)
Solution 3 (Geometry)
Notice that in a triangle with side lengths and , by Heron's formula, the area is the square root of what we are looking for. Let angle be opposite the side. By the Law of Cosines, So . The area of the triangle is then
So our answer is
See also
1986 AIME (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 1 |
Followed by Problem 3 | |
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