Math Problem Statement

Consider a triangle ABC like the one below. Suppose that c = 67, a = 73, and C = 40°. Solve the triangle. Carry your intermediate computations to at least four decimal places, and round your answers to the nearest tenth. If no such triangle exists, enter 'No solution.' If there is more than one solution, use the button labeled 'or'.

Solution

To solve this triangle with sides a=73a = 73, c=67c = 67, and angle C=40C = 40^\circ, we can use the Law of Cosines and Law of Sines to find the missing angles AA and BB, and side bb.

Step 1: Solve for Side bb Using the Law of Cosines

The Law of Cosines formula is: b2=a2+c22accos(C)b^2 = a^2 + c^2 - 2ac \cdot \cos(C) Substitute the values: b2=732+67227367cos(40)b^2 = 73^2 + 67^2 - 2 \cdot 73 \cdot 67 \cdot \cos(40^\circ) Calculating bb:

  1. 732=532973^2 = 5329
  2. 672=448967^2 = 4489
  3. 27367=97822 \cdot 73 \cdot 67 = 9782
  4. cos(40)0.7660\cos(40^\circ) \approx 0.7660

b2=5329+448997820.7660b^2 = 5329 + 4489 - 9782 \cdot 0.7660 b2=98187487.412=2330.588b^2 = 9818 - 7487.412 = 2330.588 b2330.58848.3b \approx \sqrt{2330.588} \approx 48.3

So, b48.3b \approx 48.3.

Step 2: Solve for Angle AA Using the Law of Sines

The Law of Sines states: sin(A)a=sin(C)c\frac{\sin(A)}{a} = \frac{\sin(C)}{c} Rearrange to solve for sin(A)\sin(A): sin(A)=asin(C)c\sin(A) = \frac{a \cdot \sin(C)}{c} Substitute the values: sin(A)=73sin(40)67\sin(A) = \frac{73 \cdot \sin(40^\circ)}{67} Calculating AA:

  1. sin(40)0.6428\sin(40^\circ) \approx 0.6428
  2. 730.6428=46.924473 \cdot 0.6428 = 46.9244
  3. sin(A)=46.9244670.7004\sin(A) = \frac{46.9244}{67} \approx 0.7004

Aarcsin(0.7004)44.4A \approx \arcsin(0.7004) \approx 44.4^\circ

Step 3: Solve for Angle BB Using the Angle Sum of a Triangle

Since A+B+C=180A + B + C = 180^\circ, B=180ACB = 180^\circ - A - C B=18044.44095.6B = 180^\circ - 44.4^\circ - 40^\circ \approx 95.6^\circ

Summary of Results

  • A44.4A \approx 44.4^\circ
  • B95.6B \approx 95.6^\circ
  • b48.3b \approx 48.3

Would you like more detailed steps or explanations?

Here are 5 related questions you might consider:

  1. How does the Law of Cosines differ from the Law of Sines?
  2. When is it appropriate to use the Law of Sines versus the Law of Cosines?
  3. Can the Law of Sines produce ambiguous cases? If so, how do we resolve them?
  4. What happens if the computed value of sin(A)\sin(A) is greater than 1?
  5. How can the area of a triangle be calculated using trigonometric values?

Tip: Always check your computed angles to ensure they add up to 180°, as a quick verification step.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Triangles
Law of Cosines
Law of Sines

Formulas

Law of Cosines: b^2 = a^2 + c^2 - 2ac * cos(C)
Law of Sines: sin(A) / a = sin(C) / c
Sum of Angles in a Triangle: A + B + C = 180°

Theorems

Law of Cosines
Law of Sines
Angle Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12