Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 90° + 1/2 ∠A
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The incenter is the intersection of the internal angle bisectors of a triangle. A well-known result gives the angle subtended at the incenter between the lines to vertices B and C.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Classical incenter identity: ∠BOC = 90° + (1/2)∠A. This is derived by partitioning angles at B and C via the bisectors and using the sum of angles in triangle BOC.
Step-by-Step Solution (identity outline):
Let ∠B = 2β and ∠C = 2γ (since BO and CO bisect angles).Then ∠BOC = 180° − (β + γ).But β + γ = (B + C)/2 = (180° − A)/2 = 90° − A/2.Thus ∠BOC = 180° − (90° − A/2) = 90° + A/2.
Verification / Alternative check:
For an equilateral triangle A = 60°, ∠BOC = 90° + 30° = 120°, which matches symmetry.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
90° − A/2 corresponds to the excenter case; 120° ± A/2 are unrelated to the incenter angle.
Common Pitfalls:
Mixing internal and external bisector formulas or mis-halving B and C.
Final Answer:
90° + 1/2 ∠A
Discussion & Comments