Math Problem Statement

Find the unknown angles in triangle ABC, if the triangle exists. C= 61º 40', c= 33.4, b=22.9 .. • How many possible solutions does this triangle have? 1 What is the measure of angle B? (Round to the nearest whole number as needed.)

Solution

To solve for the unknown angles in triangle ABCABC, let's use the Law of Sines and analyze the possibility of multiple solutions.

Given Data:

  • Angle C=6140C = 61^\circ 40' = 61.6761.67^\circ (in decimal degrees)
  • Side c=33.4c = 33.4
  • Side b=22.9b = 22.9

Step 1: Using the Law of Sines

The Law of Sines states: sinAa=sinBb=sinCc\frac{\sin A}{a} = \frac{\sin B}{b} = \frac{\sin C}{c}

From this, we can solve for sinB\sin B: sinBb=sinCc\frac{\sin B}{b} = \frac{\sin C}{c} sinB=bsinCc\sin B = b \cdot \frac{\sin C}{c}

Substitute the given values: sinB=22.9sin(61.67)33.4\sin B = 22.9 \cdot \frac{\sin(61.67^\circ)}{33.4}

First, calculate sin(61.67)\sin(61.67^\circ): sin(61.67)0.8763\sin(61.67^\circ) \approx 0.8763

Now substitute: sinB=22.90.876333.40.6006\sin B = 22.9 \cdot \frac{0.8763}{33.4} \approx 0.6006


Step 2: Find Angle BB

Using the inverse sine function: B=arcsin(0.6006)36.88B = \arcsin(0.6006) \approx 36.88^\circ

Rounding to the nearest whole number: B37B \approx 37^\circ


Step 3: Determine Angle AA

Since the sum of angles in a triangle is 180180^\circ: A=180CBA = 180^\circ - C - B A=18061.6736.8881.45A = 180^\circ - 61.67^\circ - 36.88^\circ \approx 81.45^\circ

Rounding to the nearest whole number: A81A \approx 81^\circ


Step 4: Check for Possible Solutions

For a given sinB\sin B, there could be two potential solutions for angle BB:

  1. B1=arcsin(0.6006)=36.88B_1 = \arcsin(0.6006) = 36.88^\circ
  2. B2=18036.88=143.12B_2 = 180^\circ - 36.88^\circ = 143.12^\circ

However, if B2B_2 is used: A=180CB2=18061.67143.1224.79A = 180^\circ - C - B_2 = 180^\circ - 61.67^\circ - 143.12^\circ \approx -24.79^\circ Since a triangle cannot have a negative angle, there is only one possible solution.


Final Results:

  • One solution exists.
  • B37B \approx 37^\circ
  • A81A \approx 81^\circ

Would you like a step-by-step explanation of how the Law of Sines works?


Additional Questions:

  1. How do we calculate the area of triangle ABCABC given its sides and angles?
  2. How would the solution change if side bb were longer than side cc?
  3. What happens if the given angle CC is obtuse instead of acute?
  4. Could we solve this problem using the Law of Cosines? Why or why not?
  5. How can we verify the solution geometrically?

Tip: Always verify whether the second possible angle B2=180BB_2 = 180^\circ - B is valid to check for ambiguous cases in triangle problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Law of Sines
Triangle Ambiguity

Formulas

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

Theorems

Law of Sines
Triangle Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12