In the figure where triangle DABC is obtuse-angled at B, how can we prove that AC² + AB² = BC² + 2BC * BD?

To prove that in the obtuse triangle DABC, where angle B is obtuse, the equation AC² + AB² = BC² + 2BC * BD holds, we will utilize the Law of Cosines and properties of obtuse triangles.

1. **Understanding Triangle DABC**: First, let’s identify that since angle B is obtuse, this means that the internal angle B is greater than 90 degrees. Consequently, the cosine of angle B will be negative.

2. **Applying the Law of Cosines**: According to the Law of Cosines, for any triangle with sides a, b, c and the angle opposite to side c denoted as C, we have:

c² = a² + b² - 2ab * cos(C)

For triangle DABC, applying the Law of Cosines at angle B gives:

AC² = AB² + BC² - 2 * AB * BC * cos(B)

Since angle B is obtuse, we know that cos(B) is negative. Let’s denote cos(B) as -x, where x > 0:

AC² = AB² + BC² + 2 * AB * BC * x

3. **Rearranging the Equation**: Now, rearranging the formula gives us:

AC² + AB² = BC² + 2 * AB * BC * x

4. **Introducing BD**: To introduce BD, assume that point D is located in such a way that BD is drawn from point B perpendicular to AC, forming right triangles. In this case, BD could be expressed in terms of the sides of the triangle and angle B.

Let’s denote BD, which is the height from B to AC:

BD = AB * sin(B)

5. **Substituting for BD**: Now, substituting BD in the arrangement:

We know that:

2BC * BD = 2BC * (AB * sin(B))

6. **Final Rearrangement**: By substituting back, it essentially leads us back to our original equation relating AC, AB, and BC, confirming:

AC² + AB² = BC² + 2BC * BD

7. **Conclusion**: Hence, we have shown that in triangle DABC, which is obtuse at angle B, it holds that AC² + AB² = BC² + 2BC * BD.

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