Math Problem Statement

Find the length of the opposite side, b.

Write each line of working as an equation.

Find the length of the opposite side, b.

Solution

This is a right-angled triangle. To find the length of the opposite side (denoted as bb), we'll use trigonometry. Based on the diagram, we can use the sine function, as it relates the opposite side, hypotenuse, and angle θ\theta.

Here are the steps:

  1. Identify the sides and angle:

    • Opposite side to θ\theta is the side BCBC, which we are calling bb.
    • The hypotenuse is side ABAB, which is 5 units.
  2. Apply the sine function:

    • The sine of an angle is the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse: sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse=b5\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{b}{5}
  3. Solve for bb: b=5×sin(θ)b = 5 \times \sin(\theta)

  4. Determine θ\theta: Since ABC\triangle ABC is a right triangle and ACB=90\angle ACB = 90^\circ, we can use the tangent function to find θ\theta. The tangent function is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side: tan(θ)=34\tan(\theta) = \frac{3}{4}

    Using inverse tangent: θ=tan1(34)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)

  5. Calculate θ\theta and then bb: Let's now calculate θ\theta and the final length of the opposite side.

I will compute that next.The angle θ\theta is approximately 36.8736.87^\circ.

Using this angle, the length of the opposite side bb is calculated as 3 units.

This matches the given value for side BCBC, confirming that the calculation is correct.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions for further understanding:

  1. What is the relationship between sine, cosine, and tangent in a right triangle?
  2. How can the cosine function be used to solve for an adjacent side?
  3. What is the Pythagorean theorem, and how can it verify the side lengths of a triangle?
  4. How can you calculate the other angles in the triangle using trigonometric ratios?
  5. How does the inverse sine function work in solving for angles?

Tip: Always make sure your calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians) when performing trigonometric calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sine Function
Tangent Function

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
b = hypotenuse × sin(θ)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11