Math Problem Statement

Use the right triangle and the given information to solve the triangle. a = 3, c = 10; find b, α, and β.

Solution

This problem involves solving a right triangle, where you are given the following information:

  • a=3a = 3
  • c=10c = 10

You need to find:

  • bb (the length of the other leg),
  • α\alpha (the angle opposite leg aa),
  • β\beta (the angle opposite leg bb).

Step 1: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find bb

The Pythagorean theorem states:

a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Substitute the known values:

32+b2=1023^2 + b^2 = 10^2

9+b2=1009 + b^2 = 100

b2=1009=91b^2 = 100 - 9 = 91

b=919.53b = \sqrt{91} \approx 9.53

So, b9.53b \approx 9.53.

Step 2: Find α\alpha and β\beta

The angles can be found using trigonometric ratios.

  • To find α\alpha, use the sine or cosine function. We’ll use cosine:

cos(α)=ac=310=0.3\cos(\alpha) = \frac{a}{c} = \frac{3}{10} = 0.3

Now, take the inverse cosine:

α=cos1(0.3)72.34\alpha = \cos^{-1}(0.3) \approx 72.34^\circ

  • To find β\beta, we know that α+β=90\alpha + \beta = 90^\circ (since it’s a right triangle):

β=90α9072.3417.66\beta = 90^\circ - \alpha \approx 90^\circ - 72.34^\circ \approx 17.66^\circ

Final answers:

  • b9.53b \approx 9.53
  • α72.34\alpha \approx 72.34^\circ
  • β17.66\beta \approx 17.66^\circ

Would you like more details on any step or clarification? Here's a list of related questions you can explore:

  1. How do you use the Pythagorean theorem to solve right triangles?
  2. What other trigonometric ratios can be used to find angles in a right triangle?
  3. What are the differences between sine, cosine, and tangent in trigonometry?
  4. How can you verify your results in trigonometry problems?
  5. What are some real-world applications of the Pythagorean theorem?

Tip: Always check if the values you’re solving for make sense, especially in terms of triangle angles, which should add up to 180° (with 90° already being a right angle).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Pythagorean Theorem
Right Triangle Trigonometry

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Cosine Function: cos(α) = a/c

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Ratios (Sine, Cosine)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12