Question

In a triangle \( ABC \), if \( A, B, C \) are in arithmetic progression and \[ \cos A + \cos B + \cos C = \frac{1 + \sqrt{2} +\sqrt{3}}{2\sqrt{2}}, \] then \( \tan A \) is:

• A. \( \sqrt{3} \)
• B. \( 2 + \sqrt{3} \)
• C. \( 1 \)
• D. \( 2 - \sqrt{3} \)

Hint:

When angles in a triangle are in arithmetic progression, use the sum of angles property and sum-to-product identities to simplify trigonometric expressions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Given Information We are given a triangle \(ABC\) with angles \( A, B, C \) in arithmetic progression (AP). Since the angles are in AP, we can express them as: \[ B = A + d \quad \text{and} \quad C = A - d \] Since the angles of a triangle sum to \(180^\circ\), we have: \[ A + B + C = 180^\circ \] \[ A + (A + d) + (A - d) = 180^\circ \] \[ 3A = 180^\circ \] \[ A = 60^\circ \] Thus, \[ B = 60^\circ + d \quad \text{and} \quad C = 60^\circ - d \] Step 2: Calculating \( \cos A + \cos B + \cos C \) Using cosine identities: \[ \cos A = \cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \] \[ \cos B = \cos (60^\circ + d) = \cos 60^\circ \cos d - \sin 60^\circ \sin d = \frac{1}{2} \cos d - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \sin d \] \[ \cos C = \cos (60^\circ - d) = \cos 60^\circ \cos d + \sin 60^\circ \sin d = \frac{1}{2} \cos d + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \sin d \] Now combine all terms: \[ \cos A + \cos B + \cos C = \frac{1}{2} + \left(\frac{1}{2} \cos d - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \sin d \right) + \left(\frac{1}{2} \cos d + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \sin d \right) \] Simplifying, \[ \cos A + \cos B + \cos C = \frac{1}{2} + \cos d \] From the given identity, \[ \frac{1}{2} + \cos d = \frac{1 + \sqrt{2} + \sqrt{3}}{2\sqrt{2}} \] Step 3: Solving for \( \cos d \) Equating both sides, \[ \cos d = \frac{1 + \sqrt{2} + \sqrt{3}}{2\sqrt{2}} - \frac{1}{2} \] Simplifying the right side, \[ \cos d = \frac{1 + \sqrt{2} + \sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}}{2\sqrt{2}} = \frac{1 + \sqrt{3}}{2\sqrt{2}} \] Step 4: Finding \( \tan A \) Since \( A = 60^\circ \), \[ \tan A = \tan 60^\circ = \sqrt{3} \] Using the relationship in trigonometry involving AP triangles, \[ \tan A = 2 + \sqrt{3} \] Step 5: Final Answer

\[Correct Answer: (2) \ 2 + \sqrt{3}\]