Math Problem Statement

Solve the right triangle with one angle measuring 46° and a hypotenuse of 28 units. Find the missing angle A and sides a and b.

Solution

We are given a right triangle with one angle measuring 4646^\circ and the hypotenuse measuring 28 units. We need to find the missing angle AA, the side aa, and the side bb. Let's break it down:

Step 1: Find angle AA

The sum of the angles in a triangle is 180180^\circ. Since this is a right triangle, one angle is 9090^\circ. So, the other angle AA can be found by subtracting the known angles from 180180^\circ: A=9046=44A = 90^\circ - 46^\circ = 44^\circ

Step 2: Use trigonometry to find sides aa and bb

We know the angle 4646^\circ and the hypotenuse, so we can use the sine and cosine functions:

  • For side aa (opposite to 4646^\circ): sin(46)=a28\sin(46^\circ) = \frac{a}{28} Solving for aa: a=28×sin(46)28×0.719320.1a = 28 \times \sin(46^\circ) \approx 28 \times 0.7193 \approx 20.1

  • For side bb (adjacent to 4646^\circ): cos(46)=b28\cos(46^\circ) = \frac{b}{28} Solving for bb: b=28×cos(46)28×0.694719.5b = 28 \times \cos(46^\circ) \approx 28 \times 0.6947 \approx 19.5

Final answers:

  • A=44A = 44^\circ
  • a20.1a \approx 20.1
  • b19.5b \approx 19.5

Would you like more details or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How can we use the tangent function to verify the sides?
  2. What would happen if the angle was different but the hypotenuse stayed the same?
  3. How do we solve for angles if two sides are given?
  4. What is the Pythagorean Theorem, and how does it apply here?
  5. Can we solve this triangle without trigonometric functions?

Tip: Always check if a triangle problem gives you a right angle; this helps identify which trigonometric ratios to use easily.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Angles
Sine and Cosine Functions

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse
cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse
Sum of angles in a triangle = 180°

Theorems

Basic Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11