Math Problem Statement

Find the remaining sides and angles of the triangle​ ABC; with right angle at C. Bequals72degrees​, bequals6.8 Question content area bottom Part 1 Aequals    18degrees Part 2 aequals   

​(Type an integer or decimal rounded to one decimal place as​ needed.)

Solution

Given the right triangle ABCABC with:

  • Right angle at CC,
  • Angle B=72B = 72^\circ,
  • Side b=6.8b = 6.8 (the length of side BCBC),

We are asked to find the remaining sides and angles:

Step 1: Determine angle AA

Since the sum of all angles in a triangle is 180180^\circ, and there is a right angle at CC, we can find angle AA as follows:

A=1809072=18A = 180^\circ - 90^\circ - 72^\circ = 18^\circ

Step 2: Use the Law of Sines to find side aa (length of side ACAC)

The Law of Sines states:

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

Substituting the known values:

asin18=6.8sin72\frac{a}{\sin 18^\circ} = \frac{6.8}{\sin 72^\circ}

Now, we solve for aa:

a=6.8sin18sin72a = \frac{6.8 \cdot \sin 18^\circ}{\sin 72^\circ}

Using the approximate values sin180.309\sin 18^\circ \approx 0.309 and sin720.951\sin 72^\circ \approx 0.951:

a=6.80.3090.9512.1030.9512.21a = \frac{6.8 \cdot 0.309}{0.951} \approx \frac{2.103}{0.951} \approx 2.21

So, the length of side aa is approximately 2.22.2.

Step 3: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find side cc (length of side ABAB)

The Pythagorean Theorem states:

c2=a2+b2c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Substitute the known values for aa and bb:

c2=(2.2)2+(6.8)2=4.84+46.24=51.08c^2 = (2.2)^2 + (6.8)^2 = 4.84 + 46.24 = 51.08

Taking the square root of both sides:

c51.087.15c \approx \sqrt{51.08} \approx 7.15

Final Answer:

  • Angle A=18A = 18^\circ
  • Side a2.2a \approx 2.2
  • Side c7.15c \approx 7.15

Would you like a further explanation of any part, or is there anything else you'd like to explore?

Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. How do you apply the Law of Sines in a non-right triangle?
  2. What are other methods to find missing sides or angles in right triangles?
  3. How can you verify your results using different trigonometric identities?
  4. What role does the Pythagorean Theorem play in determining the sides of a triangle?
  5. How would you approach a triangle with no right angle (oblique triangle)?

Tip: Always double-check your angle sum in a triangle to avoid common mistakes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle Properties
Law of Sines
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Sum of Angles in a Triangle: A + B + C = 180°
Law of Sines: a / sin(A) = b / sin(B)
Pythagorean Theorem: c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Theorems

Law of Sines
Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12