The vertices A, B, C of triangle ABC have respectively position vectors with respect to a given origin O. Show that the point D where the bisector of ∠A meets BC has position vector
where
and
Given the position vectors of vertices A, B and C of ΔABC are and
respectively.
D is point on BC with position vector such that AD is the bisector of ∠A. I is the incenter of ΔABC.
Observe from the figure that D divides BC in the ratio BD:DC.
Using the angular bisector theorem, we know that the angle bisector of an angle in a triangle bisects the opposite side in the ratio equal to the ratio of the other two sides.
But, and
.
Recall the vector is given by
Similarly,
So, we have .
Recall the position vector of point P which divides AB, the line joining points A and B with position vectors and
respectively, internally in the ratio m : n is
Here, we have D dividing BC internally in the ratio m:n where m = BD = and n = DC =
Suppose and
.
From angular bisector theorem above, we have.
Adding 1 to both sides,
In addition, as CI is the angular bisector of ∠C in ΔACD, using the angular bisector theorem, we have
So, we get
We have and
Assume
So, I divides AD in the ratio (β + γ):α.
Let the position vector of I be .
Using the aforementioned section formula, we can write
But, we already found.
Thus, and the position vector of the incenter is
, where
,
and
.