Given that x is a positive real, find the maximum possible value of sin(tan−1(9x)−tan−1(16x)).
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
Consider a right triangle AOC with right angle at O,AO=16 and CO=x. Moreover, let B be on AO such that BO=9. Then tan−19x=∠CBO and tan−116x=∠CAO, so their difference is equal to ∠ACB. Note that the locus of all possible points C given the value of ∠ACB is part of a circle that passes through A and B, and if we want to maximize this angle then we need to make this circle as small as possible. This happens when OC is tangent to the circumcircle of ABC, so OC2=OA⋅OB=144=122, thus x=12, and it suffices to compute sin(α−β) where sinα=cosβ=54 and cosα=sinβ=53. By angle subtraction formula we get sin(α−β)=(54)2−(53)2=257.
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