Math Problem Statement

In the figure below, the distance from A to D is y, the distance from D to C is x, and the distance from C to B is h. Use the figure to solve the following problem.

If A = 41°, ∠BDC = 54°, and y = 13, find x. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.) x =

Solution

To solve this problem, we can apply the Law of Sines from trigonometry.

Given that we have the following details from the problem:

  • A=41\angle A = 41^\circ
  • BDC=54\angle BDC = 54^\circ
  • Distance AD=y=13AD = y = 13
  • We are asked to find x=DCx = DC

Steps to solve:

  1. Determine DBC\angle DBC: Since BDC\triangle BDC forms a triangle, the sum of angles in a triangle is always 180180^\circ. We already know two angles: BDC=54\angle BDC = 54^\circ and A=41\angle A = 41^\circ. Therefore, to find the third angle, use the following: B=180(54+41)=85\angle B = 180^\circ - (54^\circ + 41^\circ) = 85^\circ

  2. Use the Law of Sines: The Law of Sines states: ysin(BDC)=xsin(A)\frac{y}{\sin(\angle BDC)} = \frac{x}{\sin(\angle A)} Plugging in the known values: 13sin(54)=xsin(41)\frac{13}{\sin(54^\circ)} = \frac{x}{\sin(41^\circ)}

  3. Solve for xx: Now, solve for xx: x=13sin(41)sin(54)x = \frac{13 \cdot \sin(41^\circ)}{\sin(54^\circ)}

I'll calculate this next.The value of xx is approximately 11 when rounded to the nearest whole number.

Would you like further clarification on the process or more details?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How can the Law of Cosines be used to solve similar problems?
  2. What would change if one of the angles in the triangle were obtuse?
  3. How would the solution differ if we knew the length of BCBC instead of ADAD?
  4. Can you solve for the height hh using the given information?
  5. How would the result change if BDC\angle BDC were smaller?

Tip: The Law of Sines is especially useful when you're dealing with non-right triangles and have information about angles and side lengths.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Law of Sines
Triangle Geometry

Formulas

Law of Sines: \( \frac{a}{\sin(\alpha)} = \frac{b}{\sin(\beta)} \)
Sum of angles in a triangle: \( \angle A + \angle B + \angle C = 180^\circ \)

Theorems

Law of Sines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12