Math Problem Statement

Consider the building below: Find a, Find β, Find b

Solution

The image shows a right triangle formed by a building, the ground, and a diagonal line. The given information includes:

  • One angle of the triangle is 45°.
  • The hypotenuse (the diagonal line) measures 50 meters.
  • The building's height is labeled as aa, the base is labeled bb, and the angle between the building and the hypotenuse is labeled β\beta.

To solve for aa, β\beta, and bb:

Step 1: Use the angle 4545^\circ

Since one of the angles is 45° and it's a right triangle, we can use trigonometric ratios. Let's recall the definitions:

  • sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}
  • cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}
  • tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}

Part a: Find aa

We can use the sine function since aa is the opposite side to the 45° angle and the hypotenuse is 50 m:

sin(45)=a50\sin(45^\circ) = \frac{a}{50}

Since sin(45)=22\sin(45^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}:

22=a50\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{a}{50}

Solving for aa:

a=50×22=50×0.70735.35metersa = 50 \times \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = 50 \times 0.707 \approx 35.35 \, \text{meters}

Part b: Find β\beta

Since the angles in a triangle sum up to 180°, and we already know that one angle is 45° and another is 90°:

β=1809045=45\beta = 180^\circ - 90^\circ - 45^\circ = 45^\circ

Part c: Find bb

We can use the cosine function to find bb, which is adjacent to the 45° angle:

cos(45)=b50\cos(45^\circ) = \frac{b}{50}

Since cos(45)=22\cos(45^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}:

22=b50\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{b}{50}

Solving for bb:

b=50×22=50×0.70735.35metersb = 50 \times \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = 50 \times 0.707 \approx 35.35 \, \text{meters}

Summary of answers:

  • a35.35ma \approx 35.35 \, \text{m}
  • β=45\beta = 45^\circ
  • b35.35mb \approx 35.35 \, \text{m}

Let me know if you want more details or further clarifications.


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How would the values change if the hypotenuse was different?
  2. How do trigonometric functions apply in solving real-world problems?
  3. What is the relationship between the sine and cosine of complementary angles?
  4. Can you solve for the area of the triangle given the current values?
  5. How would the problem change if the angle β\beta were different?

Tip: Remember that in right triangles, complementary angles always add up to 90°, and their sine and cosine functions are related.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Angles

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse
tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
Angle Sum in Triangle = 180°

Theorems

Pythagoras' Theorem
Angle Sum Theorem
Basic Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12