Math Problem Statement

Triangle ABC is such that AB = 8.1 cm, BC = 4.9 cm and angle BAC = 31°. Work out the values of these two answers for angle ACB, including the obtuse angle x in the lower triangle.

Solution

To solve these problems, we'll apply the Sine Rule, which is useful when we know two angles and one side, or two sides and one non-included angle.

Part 1: Calculating two possible values for angle ACBACB

We are given:

  • AB=8.1cmAB = 8.1 \, \text{cm}
  • BC=4.9cmBC = 4.9 \, \text{cm}
  • BAC=31\angle BAC = 31^\circ

Using the Sine Rule:

ABsin(ACB)=BCsin(BAC)\frac{AB}{\sin(\angle ACB)} = \frac{BC}{\sin(\angle BAC)}

Let's solve for ACB\angle ACB.

Step 1: Rearrange the Sine Rule to solve for sin(ACB)\sin(\angle ACB):

sin(ACB)=ABsin(BAC)BC\sin(\angle ACB) = \frac{AB \cdot \sin(\angle BAC)}{BC}

Substitute the given values:

sin(ACB)=8.1sin(31)4.9\sin(\angle ACB) = \frac{8.1 \cdot \sin(31^\circ)}{4.9}

Now, I'll compute this to get the value of sin(ACB)\sin(\angle ACB) and then find the corresponding angles ACBACB.From the calculations:

  • sin(ACB)=0.851\sin(\angle ACB) = 0.851
  • The acute angle ACBACB is approximately 5858^\circ
  • The obtuse angle ACBACB is approximately 122122^\circ

Thus, the two possible values for ACB\angle ACB are 5858^\circ and 122122^\circ.

Part 2: Finding the obtuse angle xx in the lower triangle

For the lower triangle, we are given:

  • A=29\angle A = 29^\circ
  • BC=6.6cmBC = 6.6 \, \text{cm}
  • AB=4.3cmAB = 4.3 \, \text{cm}

We can again use the Sine Rule to calculate xx. Let's apply the same process here:

ABsin(x)=BCsin(29)\frac{AB}{\sin(x)} = \frac{BC}{\sin(29^\circ)}

Now, I will calculate xx.For the second triangle:

  • The value of sin(x)=0.316\sin(x) = 0.316
  • The corresponding angle xx is approximately 1818^\circ.

Summary of results:

  1. The two possible values for ACB\angle ACB are:

    • 5858^\circ (acute)
    • 122122^\circ (obtuse)
  2. The obtuse angle xx is approximately 1818^\circ.

Would you like more details on the steps or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How does the sine rule apply to non-right-angled triangles?
  2. Why are there two possible angles for ACB\angle ACB in the ambiguous case?
  3. How can we verify which of the two solutions is more likely in a real-world scenario?
  4. How do we determine whether the given angle is obtuse or acute?
  5. Can the cosine rule be used for these triangles as well?

Tip: Always ensure that your calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians) when solving trigonometric problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sine Rule
Ambiguous Case of Sine Rule

Formulas

Sine Rule: (AB / sin(ACB)) = (BC / sin(BAC))
Sine Rule Rearranged: sin(ACB) = (AB * sin(BAC)) / BC

Theorems

Sine Rule
Triangle Angle Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12