Math Problem Statement

Use the Law of Sines to solve the triangle. Show all parts for the solution to the triangle.
SHOW THE WORK FOR EACH PART!

  1. Solve the missing parts – write all values together including known/shown values as solution. ABC-abc
Use the Law of Sines to solve the triangle ABC. Given: side a = 10, side b = 7, angle A = 42°. Solve for the missing angles B, C, and side c.

Solution

Let's solve the triangle using the Law of Sines! The given triangle has:

  • a=10a = 10 (side opposite angle AA)
  • b=7b = 7 (side opposite angle BB)
  • A=42\angle A = 42^\circ

We need to find the following:

  1. Angle BB
  2. Angle CC
  3. Side cc

The Law of Sines states:

asinA=bsinB=csinC\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C}


Step 1: Find B\angle B using the Law of Sines

asinA=bsinB\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B}

Substitute the known values:

10sin42=7sinB\frac{10}{\sin 42^\circ} = \frac{7}{\sin B}

First, calculate sin42\sin 42^\circ:

sin420.6691\sin 42^\circ \approx 0.6691

Now, solve for sinB\sin B:

710/0.6691=sinB\frac{7}{10 / 0.6691} = \sin B

sinB=7×0.6691100.467\sin B = \frac{7 \times 0.6691}{10} \approx 0.467

Now, find B\angle B by taking the inverse sine:

B=sin1(0.467)27.9B = \sin^{-1}(0.467) \approx 27.9^\circ

So, B27.9\angle B \approx 27.9^\circ.


Step 2: Find C\angle C

Since the sum of the angles in a triangle is 180180^\circ:

C=180AB\angle C = 180^\circ - \angle A - \angle B

C=1804227.9110.1\angle C = 180^\circ - 42^\circ - 27.9^\circ \approx 110.1^\circ

So, C110.1\angle C \approx 110.1^\circ.


Step 3: Find Side cc using the Law of Sines

We now use the Law of Sines again to find side cc:

asinA=csinC\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{c}{\sin C}

Substitute the known values:

10sin42=csin110.1\frac{10}{\sin 42^\circ} = \frac{c}{\sin 110.1^\circ}

First, calculate sin110.1\sin 110.1^\circ:

sin110.10.936\sin 110.1^\circ \approx 0.936

Now, solve for cc:

c=10×0.9360.669114.0c = \frac{10 \times 0.936}{0.6691} \approx 14.0

So, c14.0c \approx 14.0.


Final Solution

The solution for the triangle is:

  • A=42\angle A = 42^\circ
  • B27.9\angle B \approx 27.9^\circ
  • C110.1\angle C \approx 110.1^\circ
  • a=10a = 10
  • b=7b = 7
  • c14.0c \approx 14.0

Do you need any more steps or further explanation?


Related Questions:

  1. How can the Law of Sines be applied in non-obtuse triangles?
  2. What happens if the calculated sine value gives no valid angle (ambiguous case)?
  3. How would the Law of Cosines help in this triangle?
  4. Can we solve the triangle if only one side and two angles are known?
  5. Why is it important to use degrees consistently when using trigonometric functions?

Tip: Always double-check angles to ensure the sum of the triangle's angles is exactly 180180^\circ.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Law of Sines
Triangle Properties

Formulas

Law of Sines: \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C}
Sum of Angles in a Triangle: A + B + C = 180°

Theorems

Law of Sines
Triangle Angle Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12