Math Problem Statement

Solve for x in the given triangles using the Law of Sines. Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary. Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Solution

The image shows two triangles, EDC\triangle EDC and GHF\triangle GHF, with known angles and sides. Our goal is to solve for xx in triangle GHF\triangle GHF.

Triangle GHF\triangle GHF information:

  • Angle G=79G = 79^\circ
  • Angle H=48H = 48^\circ
  • Angle F=53F = 53^\circ
  • Side HF=66HF = 66
  • Side GH=xGH = x

We can use the Law of Sines to find xx. The Law of Sines states:

sinAa=sinBb=sinCc\frac{\sin A}{a} = \frac{\sin B}{b} = \frac{\sin C}{c}

Where:

  • A,B,CA, B, C are the angles
  • a,b,ca, b, c are the sides opposite to the respective angles.

For GHF\triangle GHF:

  • Side GH=xGH = x is opposite to angle F=53F = 53^\circ,
  • Side HF=66HF = 66 is opposite to angle G=79G = 79^\circ.

We apply the Law of Sines:

xsin53=66sin79\frac{x}{\sin 53^\circ} = \frac{66}{\sin 79^\circ}

Solving for xx:

x=66sin53sin79x = \frac{66 \cdot \sin 53^\circ}{\sin 79^\circ}

Now, calculate the sine values and substitute them:

x=660.79860.981652.890.981653.9x = \frac{66 \cdot 0.7986}{0.9816} \approx \frac{52.89}{0.9816} \approx 53.9

Thus, x53.9x \approx 53.9 units.

Would you like further details or explanations? Here are some additional questions you could explore:

  1. How would the Law of Cosines be applied to solve this triangle?
  2. What if the triangle was not a non-right triangle? How would that affect the solution?
  3. Can you verify this result by calculating the sum of the angles of the triangle?
  4. How does the accuracy of sine values affect the result when solving for xx?
  5. What are other uses of the Law of Sines in different types of triangle problems?

Tip: Always ensure that the angles you are using for trigonometric calculations are in degrees (or radians as appropriate).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Law of Sines
Triangle Properties

Formulas

Law of Sines: sin(A)/a = sin(B)/b = sin(C)/c

Theorems

Law of Sines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12