Join WhatsApp Icon JEE WhatsApp Group
Question 182

$$ABC$$ is a triangle. Forces $$\vec{P}, \vec{Q}, \vec{R}$$ acting along $$IA, IB$$ and $$IC$$ respectively are in equilibrium, where $$I$$ is the incentre of $$\triangle ABC$$. Then $$P : Q : R$$ is

Solution

For three coplanar forces to be in equilibrium, their vectors must form a closed triangle.
Equivalently, if the magnitudes are $$P,Q,R$$ and the angles between the directions of $$\vec Q,\vec R;\; \vec R,\vec P;\; \vec P,\vec Q$$ are $$\theta_A,\theta_B,\theta_C$$ respectively, then by the sine rule for the triangle of forces

$$\frac{P}{\sin\theta_A}= \frac{Q}{\sin\theta_B}= \frac{R}{\sin\theta_C}\;.\qquad -(1)$$

In this problem the forces act along the internal angle-bisectors $$IA,IB,IC$$ of $$\triangle ABC$$. Hence:

• the angle between $$IB$$ and $$IC$$ at the incentre $$I$$ equals $$\theta_A=90^\circ+\frac{A}{2}$$,
• the angle between $$IC$$ and $$IA$$ equals $$\theta_B=90^\circ+\frac{B}{2}$$,
• the angle between $$IA$$ and $$IB$$ equals $$\theta_C=90^\circ+\frac{C}{2}$$.

Using $$\sin(90^\circ+\phi)=\cos\phi$$, equation $$(1)$$ becomes

$$\frac{P}{\cos\frac{A}{2}}=\frac{Q}{\cos\frac{B}{2}}=\frac{R}{\cos\frac{C}{2}}.$$

Therefore

$$P:Q:R=\cos\frac{A}{2}:\cos\frac{B}{2}:\cos\frac{C}{2}.$$

Option C which is: $$\cos\frac{A}{2} : \cos\frac{B}{2} : \cos\frac{C}{2}$$

Get AI Help

Video Solution

video

Create a FREE account and get:

  • Free JEE Mains Previous Papers PDF
  • Take JEE Mains paper tests
Ask AI