Question:

In any triangle \(ABC\), \[ a(b\cos C-c\cos B)= \]

Show Hint

For expressions involving sides and cosines in a triangle, use the cosine rule to convert trigonometric terms into side lengths.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
  • \(b-c\)
  • \(b+c\)
  • \(b^2-c^2\)
  • \(b^2+c^2\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use cosine rule for \(\cos C\).
In triangle \(ABC\), by cosine rule, \[ c^2=a^2+b^2-2ab\cos C \] Therefore, \[ 2ab\cos C=a^2+b^2-c^2 \] So, \[ \cos C=\frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab} \]

Step 2: Use cosine rule for \(\cos B\).
Again, by cosine rule, \[ b^2=a^2+c^2-2ac\cos B \] Therefore, \[ 2ac\cos B=a^2+c^2-b^2 \] So, \[ \cos B=\frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac} \]

Step 3: Substitute in the given expression.
We need to simplify \[ a(b\cos C-c\cos B) \] First find \[ b\cos C-c\cos B \] Substitute the values: \[ b\cos C-c\cos B = b\left(\frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab}\right) - c\left(\frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac}\right) \] \[ = \frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2a} - \frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2a} \]

Step 4: Simplify the expression.
\[ b\cos C-c\cos B = \frac{a^2+b^2-c^2-a^2-c^2+b^2}{2a} \] \[ = \frac{2b^2-2c^2}{2a} \] \[ = \frac{b^2-c^2}{a} \] Now multiply by \(a\): \[ a(b\cos C-c\cos B) = a\cdot \frac{b^2-c^2}{a} \] \[ =b^2-c^2 \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Therefore, \[ \boxed{b^2-c^2} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0