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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  • AA as the position of Tower A,
  • BB as the position of Tower B, and
  • FF as the location of the fire.

We need to determine the angle at each point in the triangle ABF\triangle ABF.

Step 2: Determining Angles in Triangle ABF\triangle ABF

  1. Angle A\angle A:

    • 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 A\angle A in ABF\triangle ABF is the difference between these two directions: A=426=36.\angle A = 42^\circ - 6^\circ = 36^\circ.
  2. Angle B\angle B:

    • 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 B\angle B in ABF\triangle ABF 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