The Encyclopedia of Geometry (0038)


Problem

When two sides of a triangle are unequal, the angle opposite the longer side is greater than the angle opposite the shorter side.


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Solution

Suppose $AB>AC$ in $△ABC$.

If we take $AD$ equal to $AC$ on $AB$, then since $AB>AC$, $D$ is on the side $AB$.

Connecting $C$ and $D$, we get

$$∠ADC=∠ACD.$$

However, because $∠ADC$ is one exterior angle of $△DBC$, it is larger than $∠B$.

$$∴ \ ∠ACD>∠B.$$

On the other hand,

$$∠ACB \ (=∠C)>∠ACD,$$

$$∴ \ ∠C>∠B.$$

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Reference

Teiichiro Sasabe (1976) The Encyclopedia of Geometry (2nd edition), Seikyo-Shinsha, pp.11-12