Math Problem Statement

Calculate the value of angle x in a triangle with sides 4.7 cm, 9.2 cm, and an angle of 78°.

Solution

The given problem shows a triangle LKJ\triangle LKJ where:

  • LJ=4.7cmLJ = 4.7 \, \text{cm},
  • LK=9.2cmLK = 9.2 \, \text{cm},
  • JKL=78\angle JKL = 78^\circ,
  • KLJ=x\angle KLJ = x^\circ (to be calculated).

We can use the sine rule to solve for angle xx. The sine rule is given as:

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

In this case, we will apply it to sides and angles of LKJ\triangle LKJ:

  • a=9.2cma = 9.2 \, \text{cm} (opposite to angle JKL=78\angle JKL = 78^\circ),
  • b=4.7cmb = 4.7 \, \text{cm} (opposite to angle xx^\circ).

Thus, applying the sine rule:

9.2sin78=4.7sinx\frac{9.2}{\sin 78^\circ} = \frac{4.7}{\sin x}

We can solve this equation for sinx\sin x:

sinx=4.7sin789.2\sin x = \frac{4.7 \cdot \sin 78^\circ}{9.2}

Now, calculate:

sin780.9781\sin 78^\circ \approx 0.9781

sinx=4.7×0.97819.2=4.597079.20.4997\sin x = \frac{4.7 \times 0.9781}{9.2} = \frac{4.59707}{9.2} \approx 0.4997

Now, take the inverse sine to find xx:

x=sin1(0.4997)29.98x = \sin^{-1}(0.4997) \approx 29.98^\circ

Rounded to one decimal place:

x30.0x \approx 30.0^\circ

Thus, the value of xx is approximately 30.030.0^\circ.

Would you like more details on any of the steps? Here are some additional questions related to the problem:

  1. How is the sine rule applied when all angles are known but only one side?
  2. What is the cosine rule, and how does it differ from the sine rule?
  3. How do you calculate the area of a triangle using angles and sides?
  4. What would happen if the angle was obtuse instead of acute?
  5. How does rounding affect the accuracy of trigonometric calculations?

Tip: Always double-check your angle unit (degrees or radians) when using a calculator to avoid errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sine Rule

Formulas

Sine rule: a/sin(A) = b/sin(B)
Solving for x: sin(x) = (b * sin(B)) / a

Theorems

Sine Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12