Math Problem Statement

For the triangle, m∠C = 13°, m∠A = 22°, c = 9, find side b to the nearest whole number.

Solution

To find side bb of the triangle, given:

  • mC=13m\angle C = 13^\circ,
  • mA=22m\angle A = 22^\circ,
  • c=9c = 9 (side opposite C\angle C),

we can use the Law of Sines. This law states that in any triangle:

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

Step 1: Find B\angle B

Since the sum of angles in a triangle is 180180^\circ, we can calculate mBm\angle B as follows:

mB=180mAmCm\angle B = 180^\circ - m\angle A - m\angle C mB=1802213=145m\angle B = 180^\circ - 22^\circ - 13^\circ = 145^\circ

Step 2: Apply the Law of Sines to Find bb

Now, using the Law of Sines:

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

Rearranging to solve for bb:

b=csinBsinCb = c \cdot \frac{\sin B}{\sin C}

Substitute the known values:

b=9sin145sin13b = 9 \cdot \frac{\sin 145^\circ}{\sin 13^\circ}

Step 3: Calculate bb (using approximate values)

  1. sin1450.5736\sin 145^\circ \approx 0.5736
  2. sin130.2249\sin 13^\circ \approx 0.2249

b90.57360.224992.5522.95b \approx 9 \cdot \frac{0.5736}{0.2249} \approx 9 \cdot 2.55 \approx 22.95

Answer

Rounding bb to the nearest whole number:

b23b \approx 23


Would you like further explanation on any part of this solution?

Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How would you find side aa in this triangle?
  2. What if the triangle were not solvable using the Law of Sines?
  3. How does the Law of Sines differ from the Law of Cosines?
  4. What other methods can be used to solve for sides in a triangle?
  5. Why is it important to check for ambiguous cases in triangle problems?

Tip: When using trigonometric laws, remember that calculator settings (degrees vs. radians) affect your results.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Triangle Properties
Law of Sines

Formulas

Law of Sines: a/sin(A) = b/sin(B) = c/sin(C)

Theorems

Law of Sines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12