Math Problem Statement

Use the Law of Cosines to determine the indicated angle 𝜃. (Assume a = 137.5, b = 58.3, and c = 161.5. Round your answer to the nearest degree.)

Solution

To determine the indicated angle θ\theta using the Law of Cosines, we use the formula:

cos(θ)=a2+b2c22ab\cos(\theta) = \frac{a^2 + b^2 - c^2}{2ab}

Given the values:

  • a=137.5a = 137.5
  • b=58.3b = 58.3
  • c=161.5c = 161.5

Substitute these into the formula:

cos(θ)=137.52+58.32161.522×137.5×58.3\cos(\theta) = \frac{137.5^2 + 58.3^2 - 161.5^2}{2 \times 137.5 \times 58.3}

Let's calculate this step by step.

  1. Calculate a2a^2, b2b^2, and c2c^2: 137.52=18906.25137.5^2 = 18906.25 58.32=3398.8958.3^2 = 3398.89 161.52=26082.25161.5^2 = 26082.25

  2. Substitute these into the equation: cos(θ)=18906.25+3398.8926082.252×137.5×58.3\cos(\theta) = \frac{18906.25 + 3398.89 - 26082.25}{2 \times 137.5 \times 58.3} cos(θ)=6777.1116015.25\cos(\theta) = \frac{-6777.11}{16015.25} cos(θ)0.423\cos(\theta) \approx -0.423

  3. Finally, take the arccosine (inverse cosine) to find θ\theta: θ=cos1(0.423)\theta = \cos^{-1}(-0.423) θ115\theta \approx 115^\circ

So, the indicated angle θ\theta is approximately 115115^\circ.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are some related questions for further practice:

  1. How do you use the Law of Sines to solve for an unknown angle?
  2. What are the conditions under which the Law of Cosines is applied?
  3. How would you solve for a side of a triangle using the Law of Cosines?
  4. How does the Law of Cosines relate to the Pythagorean Theorem?
  5. Can the Law of Cosines be used in non-Euclidean geometry?

Tip: When using the Law of Cosines, always check your angle calculation by considering whether the result makes sense in the context of the triangle.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Law of Cosines
Triangles

Formulas

cos(θ) = (a^2 + b^2 - c^2) / (2ab)

Theorems

Law of Cosines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12