Math Problem Statement
a ranger in tower A spots a fire at a direction of 354degrees. a ranger in tower B, located 60miles a direction of 42degrees from tower A, spots the fire at a direction of 320degrees. how far from tower A is the fire?
Solution
To solve this problem, let's break down the information given and apply trigonometry, specifically the Law of Sines or Cosines, to find the distance from Tower A to the fire. Here’s the information we have:
- Position of Towers A and B: Tower B is located 60 miles away from Tower A, in a direction of 42 degrees from Tower A.
- Angles from Towers to the Fire:
- Tower A spots the fire at a direction of 354 degrees.
- Tower B spots the fire at a direction of 320 degrees.
Step 1: Setting up a Triangle with the Given Information
To simplify, let’s define:
- as the position of Tower A,
- as the position of Tower B, and
- as the location of the fire.
We need to determine the angle at each point in the triangle .
Step 2: Determining Angles in Triangle
-
Angle :
- The direction of the fire from Tower A is 354 degrees, which is 6 degrees west of true north.
- Since Tower B is located at a 42-degree angle from Tower A, the interior angle in is the difference between these two directions:
-
Angle :
- The direction of the fire from Tower B is 320 degrees, which is 40 degrees west of north.
- The relative position of Tower A from Tower B is at a 42-degree angle, so the interior angle in is: [ \angle B = 320^\circ - 42^\circ = 278^\circ.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Trigonometry
Angle Measurement
Law of Sines
Law of Cosines
Formulas
Law of Cosines: c^2 = a^2 + b^2 - 2ab * cos(C)
Law of Sines: a/sin(A) = b/sin(B) = c/sin(C)
Theorems
Law of Sines
Law of Cosines
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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