# Difference between revisions of "1981 AHSME Problems/Problem 21"

## Problem 21

In a triangle with sides of lengths $a$, $b$, and $c$, $(a+b+c)(a+b-c) = 3ab$. The measure of the angle opposite the side length $c$ is

$\textbf{(A)}\ 15^\circ\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 30^\circ\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 45^\circ\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 60^\circ\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 150^\circ$

## Solution

We will try to solve for a possible value of the variables. First notice that exchanging $a$ for $b$ in the original equation must also work. Therefore, $a=b$ works. Replacing $b$ for $a$ and expanding/simplifying in the original equation yields $4a^2-c^2=3a^2$, or $a^2=c^2$. Since $a$ and $c$ are positive, $a=c$. Therefore, we have an equilateral triangle and the angle opposite $c$ is just $\textbf{(D)}\ 60^\circ\qquad$.

## Solution 2

$$(a+b+c)(a+b-c)=3ab$$ $$a^2+2ab+b^2-c^2=3ab$$ $$a^2+b^2-c^2=ab$$ $$c^2=a^2+b^2-ab$$ This looks a lot like Law of Cosines, which is $c^2=a^2+b^2-2ab\cos{c}$. $$c^2=a^2+b^2-ab=a^2+b^2-2ab\cos{c}$$ $$ab=2ab\cos{c}$$ $$\frac{1}{2}=\cos{c}$$ $\cos{c}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$, so the angle opposite side $c$ is $\boxed{60^\circ}$.

-aopspandy