Math Problem Statement

Find the exact lengths x, y, and z in the given triangle, with angles 30°, 60°, and a height of 100 feet.

Solution

To solve for the exact lengths xx, yy, and zz in the given triangle, we'll use trigonometric relationships and the Pythagorean theorem. Here's the plan:

  1. Identify the triangle components:

    • The triangle is split into two right triangles by the perpendicular from the vertex to the base.
    • The base zz is divided into two segments, one of which is 60 feet, and the other we can call aa (which is part of zz).
  2. Use trigonometric functions:

    • For the left right triangle:

      • The angle is 3030^\circ.
      • The height 100100 feet is the opposite side to the angle.
      • The base aa (part of zz) is the adjacent side.
    • For the right right triangle:

      • The angle is 6060^\circ.
      • The height 100100 feet is again the opposite side to the angle.
      • The base y60y - 60 (other part of zz) is the adjacent side.
  3. Solve for the unknowns:

    • Using the tangent function, which is tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}: tan(30)=100a\tan(30^\circ) = \frac{100}{a} tan(60)=100y60\tan(60^\circ) = \frac{100}{y - 60}

    • Then, solve for xx using the Pythagorean theorem in one of the right triangles.

Let’s solve it step by step.

Step 1: Calculate aa

tan(30)=100a\tan(30^\circ) = \frac{100}{a} a=100tan(30)=100×3173.21 feeta = \frac{100}{\tan(30^\circ)} = 100 \times \sqrt{3} \approx 173.21 \text{ feet}

Step 2: Calculate y60y - 60

tan(60)=100y60\tan(60^\circ) = \frac{100}{y - 60} y60=100tan(60)=100357.74 feety - 60 = \frac{100}{\tan(60^\circ)} = \frac{100}{\sqrt{3}} \approx 57.74 \text{ feet} y=60+57.74117.74 feety = 60 + 57.74 \approx 117.74 \text{ feet}

Step 3: Calculate zz

z=a+60=173.21+60=233.21 feetz = a + 60 = 173.21 + 60 = 233.21 \text{ feet}

Step 4: Calculate xx using the Pythagorean theorem:

x2=1002+a2x^2 = 100^2 + a^2 x2=1002+(173.21)2x^2 = 100^2 + (173.21)^2 x=10000+30000200 feetx = \sqrt{10000 + 30000} \approx 200 \text{ feet}

Final Answers:

  • x=200x = 200 feet
  • y=117.74y = 117.74 feet
  • z=233.21z = 233.21 feet

Would you like any additional details or have any questions about these calculations?


Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. How does the tangent function relate to the angles in different triangles?
  2. Can the values of xx, yy, and zz be found using different trigonometric identities?
  3. What is the significance of the Pythagorean theorem in right triangles?
  4. How would the problem change if the height was different?
  5. Can you derive the sine or cosine of angles using this setup?

Tip: When solving trigonometric problems, always ensure your calculator is in the correct mode (degrees or radians) corresponding to the angle measurements provided.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
Pythagorean theorem: x^2 + y^2 = z^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12