Math Problem Statement

Suppose ABC is a right triangle with sides​ a, b, and c and right angle at C. Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the unknown side length. Then find the values of the six trigonometric functions for angle B. Rationalize the denominators when applicable. aequals 9​, cequals 18

Solution

We are given a right triangle ABC with right angle at CC, and the lengths of two sides are provided:

  • a=9a = 9
  • c=18c = 18 (hypotenuse)

We need to find the unknown side bb and the six trigonometric functions for angle BB.

Step 1: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find side bb

The Pythagorean theorem states:

a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Substituting the known values of aa and cc:

92+b2=1829^2 + b^2 = 18^2 81+b2=32481 + b^2 = 324 b2=32481=243b^2 = 324 - 81 = 243 b=243=81×3=93b = \sqrt{243} = \sqrt{81 \times 3} = 9\sqrt{3}

So, the length of side bb is 939\sqrt{3}.

Step 2: Find the six trigonometric functions for angle BB

We now know the sides of the triangle:

  • a=9a = 9
  • b=93b = 9\sqrt{3}
  • c=18c = 18

The six trigonometric functions for angle BB are as follows:

  1. Sine of BB (sinB\sin B): sinB=oppositehypotenuse=ac=918=12\sin B = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{a}{c} = \frac{9}{18} = \frac{1}{2}

  2. Cosine of BB (cosB\cos B): cosB=adjacenthypotenuse=bc=9318=32\cos B = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{b}{c} = \frac{9\sqrt{3}}{18} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

  3. Tangent of BB (tanB\tan B): tanB=oppositeadjacent=ab=993=13=33\tan B = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{a}{b} = \frac{9}{9\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

  4. Cosecant of BB (cscB\csc B): cscB=1sinB=112=2\csc B = \frac{1}{\sin B} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}} = 2

  5. Secant of BB (secB\sec B): secB=1cosB=132=23=233\sec B = \frac{1}{\cos B} = \frac{1}{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}

  6. Cotangent of BB (cotB\cot B): cotB=1tanB=133=3\cot B = \frac{1}{\tan B} = \frac{1}{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}} = \sqrt{3}

Final Answers:

  • b=93b = 9\sqrt{3}
  • sinB=12\sin B = \frac{1}{2}
  • cosB=32\cos B = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}
  • tanB=33\tan B = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}
  • cscB=2\csc B = 2
  • secB=233\sec B = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}
  • cotB=3\cot B = \sqrt{3}

Would you like further explanations on any of the steps or trigonometric functions?


Here are five related questions:

  1. How would the values change if angle AA were the one with the right angle?
  2. How do you derive the value of tanB\tan B from the other trigonometric functions?
  3. What are some ways to verify that tanB=33\tan B = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} is correct?
  4. What is the relationship between the secant and cosine functions?
  5. How can we apply these values to solve other problems in trigonometry?

Tip: When simplifying trigonometric ratios involving square roots, it's often useful to rationalize the denominator to make the expression easier to interpret.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometry
Right Triangles

Formulas

a^2 + b^2 = c^2
sin B = opposite / hypotenuse
cos B = adjacent / hypotenuse
tan B = opposite / adjacent
csc B = 1 / sin B
sec B = 1 / cos B
cot B = 1 / tan B

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric identities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11