Math Problem Statement

In ΔXYZ, x = 3.9 cm, mm∠Y=68° and mm∠Z=86°. Find the length of z, to the nearest 10th of a centimeter.

Solution

We are given a triangle ΔXYZ\Delta XYZ where:

  • x=3.9cmx = 3.9 \, \text{cm} (the side opposite X\angle X)
  • Y=68\angle Y = 68^\circ
  • Z=86\angle Z = 86^\circ

To find the length of side zz (the side opposite Z\angle Z), we can use the Law of Sines. The Law of Sines states:

asinA=bsinB=csinC\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C}

In our case:

  • a=za = z (the side we are looking for, opposite Z\angle Z),
  • b=x=3.9cmb = x = 3.9 \, \text{cm},
  • A=Z=86A = \angle Z = 86^\circ,
  • B=Y=68B = \angle Y = 68^\circ,
  • C=1806886=26C = 180^\circ - 68^\circ - 86^\circ = 26^\circ.

Now, applying the Law of Sines:

zsin86=3.9sin26\frac{z}{\sin 86^\circ} = \frac{3.9}{\sin 26^\circ}

First, calculate the sines of the angles:

  • sin860.9986\sin 86^\circ \approx 0.9986
  • sin260.4384\sin 26^\circ \approx 0.4384

Now substitute these values:

z0.9986=3.90.4384\frac{z}{0.9986} = \frac{3.9}{0.4384}

Solve for zz:

z=3.9×0.99860.43848.88cmz = \frac{3.9 \times 0.9986}{0.4384} \approx 8.88 \, \text{cm}

Therefore, the length of side zz is approximately 8.9 cm (to the nearest tenth of a centimeter).

Would you like a breakdown of any steps? Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the third angle in a triangle?
  2. What is the Law of Cosines and when is it used?
  3. How would you apply the Law of Sines if two sides and an angle were known?
  4. Why is sin86\sin 86^\circ almost equal to 1?
  5. How does the Law of Sines help in non-right triangles?

Tip: Always check that the sum of the angles in any triangle adds up to 180°.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Law of Sines
Triangle Angle Sum

Formulas

Law of Sines: (a/sin A) = (b/sin B) = (c/sin C)
Triangle Angle Sum: A + B + C = 180°

Theorems

Law of Sines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11