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Strange Rectangle 2

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions


As $x$ and $y$ change the points $S$, $P$, $Q$ and $R$ always lie on the circle with $SQ$ as diameter and the angles of the quadrilateral $SPQR$ remain the same. (See the problem Strange Rectangle from November 2001.)

Taking

$x = \sqrt{3}$ and $y = 1$

find all the angles in this figure and the exact values of the sine, cosine and tangent of these angles in surd form.

Now take

$x = \sqrt{2} + 1$ and $y = 1$

and find the exact values of the trigonometric ratios for $22.5^o$ and $67.5^o$

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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