In a ∆ P Q R , P is the largest angle and cos P = 1 3 . Further the incircle of the triangle touches…

In a PQR, P is the largest angle and cosP=13. Further the incircle of the triangle touches the sides PQ, QR and RP at N, L and M respectively, such that the lengths of PN, QL and RM are consecutive even integers. Then possible length(s) of the side(s) of the triangle is (are)
  1. 16
  2. 18
  3. 24
  4. 22

Solution

Consider the following figure:

We assumed the value of sides in terms of n, which satisfies our given condition.

Now applying cosine rule,

cosP=2n+22+2n+42-2n+6222n+22n+4

=4n2-168n+1n+2=13

=n2-42n+1n+2=13

n-22n+1=13

3n-6=2n+2n=8

Length of the sides will be 18, 20 and 22.

Asked in: JEE Advanced 2013 (Paper 2)

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