Math Problem Statement

Find the length of side BC.

Solution

To solve for the length of side BC in the given triangle, let's analyze the problem and proceed step-by-step.

Given:

  1. Triangle ABD is divided into two right triangles, ABC\triangle ABC and ADC\triangle ADC, where CC is the midpoint on BDBD.
  2. AD = 17.0 , m.
  3. Angle ABC=50\angle ABC = 50^\circ.
  4. BCA\angle BCA is 9090^\circ (right triangle property).

We aim to calculate the length of BC.


Steps to Solve:

Since ABC\triangle ABC is a right triangle:

  1. Use the sine function since we are given the angle ABC\angle ABC and the hypotenuse AD=17.0mAD = 17.0 \, m.

sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

Here:

  • θ=50\theta = 50^\circ,
  • Opposite side to θ\theta is BC,
  • Hypotenuse is AD=17.0mAD = 17.0 \, m.

sin(50)=BC17.0\sin(50^\circ) = \frac{BC}{17.0}


Calculation:

  1. Find sin(50)\sin(50^\circ) using a calculator:

sin(50)0.766\sin(50^\circ) \approx 0.766

  1. Substitute into the equation:

0.766=BC17.00.766 = \frac{BC}{17.0}

  1. Solve for BCBC:

BC=17.0×0.766BC = 17.0 \times 0.766

BC13.02mBC \approx 13.02 \, \text{m}


Final Answer:

The length of side BCBC is approximately 13.0 meters.


Would you like further clarification or help with a similar problem?

Here are 5 related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do we solve for BDBD in this triangle?
  2. How can we find CDCD using trigonometry?
  3. What if we are given another angle? How would the solution change?
  4. How do we use the cosine rule to solve triangles without a right angle?
  5. How do you solve for the area of triangle ABDABD?

Tip: For right triangles, always identify the hypotenuse, adjacent, and opposite sides relative to the given angle before selecting the appropriate trigonometric function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle Properties
Sine Function

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse

Theorems

Right Triangle Trigonometry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11