If A, B and C are the angles of a triangle such that A: B: C=2: 3: 4,

If A, B and C are the angles of a triangle such that A: B: C=2: 3: 4, then what is the value of the following?
$$ \frac{\tan^2 B+1}{\tan^2 B-1} $$

4
2
1
0
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
Let the angles of the triangle be A, B, and C. The ratio is given as A: B: C = 2: 3: 4.
The sum of angles in a triangle is 180°.
Let the common ratio factor be $x$. Then $A = 2x$, $B = 3x$, and $C = 4x$.
$2x + 3x + 4x = 180°$
$9x = 180°$
$x = \frac{180°}{9} = 20°$.

The angles are:
A = $2x = 2 \times 20° = 40°$
B = $3x = 3 \times 20° = 60°$
C = $4x = 4 \times 20° = 80°$

We need to find the value of the expression $\frac{\tan^2 B+1}{\tan^2 B-1}$.
Substitute $B = 60°$:
$\tan B = \tan 60° = \sqrt{3}$.
$\tan^2 B = (\sqrt{3})^2 = 3$.

Now substitute this value into the expression:
$\frac{\tan^2 B+1}{\tan^2 B-1} = \frac{3+1}{3-1} = \frac{4}{2} = 2$.

The sum of angles in a triangle is 180°. Given the ratio of angles, the actual angle values can be determined. Evaluate trigonometric expressions by substituting the determined angle values and using standard trigonometric values for common angles like 60°.
The expression can also be simplified using trigonometric identities:
$\frac{\tan^2 B+1}{\tan^2 B-1} = \frac{\sec^2 B}{\frac{\sin^2 B}{\cos^2 B}-1} = \frac{\frac{1}{\cos^2 B}}{\frac{\sin^2 B – \cos^2 B}{\cos^2 B}} = \frac{1}{\sin^2 B – \cos^2 B}$.
Using the identity $\cos(2B) = \cos^2 B – \sin^2 B = -(\sin^2 B – \cos^2 B)$, the expression is $\frac{1}{-\cos(2B)}$.
For $B=60°$, $2B=120°$. $\cos(120°) = -\frac{1}{2}$.
The value is $\frac{1}{-(-\frac{1}{2})} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}} = 2$.