Ptolemy's equation and kin
Abstract
Three-term relations of the form AB+CD=EF arise in multiple mathematical contexts, including the Ptolemy equation for a cyclic quadrilateral, Casey's theorem on bitangents, Penner's relation for lambda lengths, and Pl\"ucker's identity for the maximal minors of a 2x4-matrix. In this note, we explain how these different occurrences of the 3-term relation can be directly obtained from each other.
0
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.