Math Problem Statement

Find the length of side AB in a right triangle, where angle ABC is 62°, side AC is 12 cm, and side AB is adjacent to the angle.

Solution

We are given a right triangle ABC\triangle ABC, where angle ABC=62\angle ABC = 62^\circ, side AC=12cmAC = 12 \, \text{cm}, and we need to find the length of side ABAB.

Steps to solve:

  1. Labeling the triangle:

    • A=90\angle A = 90^\circ (since it's a right-angled triangle).
    • ABAB is adjacent to angle B=62B = 62^\circ.
    • AC=12cmAC = 12 \, \text{cm} is the opposite side to angle B=62B = 62^\circ.
  2. Trigonometric function: To find ABAB, we can use the tangent function, which relates the opposite side and the adjacent side in a right triangle.

    tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} Here, θ=62\theta = 62^\circ, the opposite side is AC=12cmAC = 12 \, \text{cm}, and the adjacent side is ABAB.

  3. Applying the formula: tan(62)=12AB\tan(62^\circ) = \frac{12}{AB} Rearranging to solve for ABAB: AB=12tan(62)AB = \frac{12}{\tan(62^\circ)}

  4. Calculating: Using a calculator: tan(62)1.8807\tan(62^\circ) \approx 1.8807 Therefore: AB=121.88076.4cmAB = \frac{12}{1.8807} \approx 6.4 \, \text{cm}

So, the length of side ABAB is approximately 6.4 cm.


Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How would the problem change if you were asked to find side BCBC instead?
  2. Can you use the sine or cosine functions to find side ABAB in this triangle?
  3. How would the answer change if the given angle was 45° instead of 62°?
  4. What is the area of triangle ABCABC based on the given sides?
  5. How can you check your answer using the Pythagorean theorem?

Tip: When solving triangles, always choose the trigonometric function that relates the known and unknown sides most directly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-Angled Triangles

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent

Theorems

Trigonometric ratios
Pythagoras' theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12