Math Problem Statement

Calculate the size of angle θ in a triangle with sides 52 cm, 41 cm, and 75 cm. Give your answer to the nearest degree.

Solution

We can solve for angle θ\theta in the triangle using the Cosine Rule. The cosine rule states:

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

where:

  • aa, bb, and cc are the sides of the triangle,
  • θ\theta is the angle opposite side cc.

Step 1: Label the triangle

From the image:

  • Side AC=75cmAC = 75 \, \text{cm} is opposite angle θ\theta,
  • Side AB=52cmAB = 52 \, \text{cm},
  • Side BC=41cmBC = 41 \, \text{cm}.

Step 2: Apply the cosine rule

Here, a=52a = 52, b=41b = 41, and c=75c = 75.

Using the cosine rule: cos(θ)=522+4127522×52×41\cos(\theta) = \frac{52^2 + 41^2 - 75^2}{2 \times 52 \times 41}

Step 3: Calculate the values

522=2704,412=1681,752=562552^2 = 2704, \quad 41^2 = 1681, \quad 75^2 = 5625

cos(θ)=2704+168156252×52×41\cos(\theta) = \frac{2704 + 1681 - 5625}{2 \times 52 \times 41} cos(θ)=430556254264\cos(\theta) = \frac{4305 - 5625}{4264} cos(θ)=13204264\cos(\theta) = \frac{-1320}{4264} cos(θ)=0.3096\cos(\theta) = -0.3096

Step 4: Find θ\theta

Now, use the inverse cosine function to find θ\theta:

θ=cos1(0.3096)\theta = \cos^{-1}(-0.3096)

θ108\theta \approx 108^\circ

Final Answer:

θ108\theta \approx 108^\circ

Let me know if you need more details or further questions! Here are five relative questions that might help:

  1. What other ways can we calculate the angle in a triangle if all sides are known?
  2. How does the cosine rule differ from the sine rule?
  3. Could this triangle's angles also be solved using trigonometry ratios?
  4. What would the angle sum of this triangle be once we find all angles?
  5. How do we find the remaining two angles in this triangle?

Tip: The cosine rule is especially useful in non-right triangles!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosine Rule
Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

Cosine Rule: cos(θ) = (a^2 + b^2 - c^2) / (2ab)
Inverse Cosine Function: θ = cos⁻¹(value)

Theorems

Cosine Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12