Q136 / 200 · Manipal (MET) 2014 · Mathematics
If $\cos ^2 A+\cos ^2 C=\sin ^2 B$, then $\triangle A B C$ is
- Aequilateral
- Correct answerBright angled
- Cisosceles
- DNone of the above
Solution
Given, $\cos ^2 A+\cos ^2 C=\sin ^2 B$
Obviously it is not an equilateral triangle because $A=B=C=60^{\circ}$ does not satisfy the given condition. But $B=90^{\circ}$, then $\sin ^2 B=1$ and
$\begin{aligned}
\cos ^2 A+\cos ^2 C= & \cos ^2 A+\cos ^2\left(\frac{\pi}{2}-A\right) \\
= & \cos ^2 A+\sin ^2 A=1
\end{aligned}$
Hence, this satisfies the condition, so it is a right angled triangle but not necessarily isosceles triangle.
Hence, this satisfies the condition, so it is a right angled triangle but not necessarily isosceles triangle.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.