Math Problem Statement

Given: xy = 10. Find all the missing side lengths.

Solution

To solve for the missing side lengths in this triangle, we need to break down the information:

Given:

  • xy=10xy = 10
  • y=60\angle y = 60^\circ
  • z=45\angle z = 45^\circ

It appears the triangle is divided into two smaller right triangles at point ww.

Let's solve for the side lengths step-by-step using trigonometric relationships.

Step 1: Label the known angles and distances:

  1. xyw\triangle xyw is a right triangle with:

    • ywx=90\angle ywx = 90^\circ
    • xyw=60\angle xyw = 60^\circ
    • xy=10xy = 10
  2. yzw\triangle yzw is another right triangle with:

    • zwy=45\angle zwy = 45^\circ
    • wyz=90\angle wyz = 90^\circ

We will now use trigonometric relationships (sine, cosine, tangent) to find the other side lengths.

Step 2: Use trigonometry in xyw\triangle xyw

For triangle xywxyw:

  • xy=10xy = 10
  • The angle xyw=60\angle xyw = 60^\circ

We can use the sine and cosine functions to find the lengths of sides ywyw and xwxw.

  • sin(60)=ywxy\sin(60^\circ) = \frac{yw}{xy} yw=xysin(60)=1032=538.66yw = xy \cdot \sin(60^\circ) = 10 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = 5\sqrt{3} \approx 8.66

  • cos(60)=xwxy\cos(60^\circ) = \frac{xw}{xy} xw=xycos(60)=1012=5xw = xy \cdot \cos(60^\circ) = 10 \cdot \frac{1}{2} = 5

Step 3: Use trigonometry in yzw\triangle yzw

For triangle yzwyzw:

  • The angle wyz=45\angle wyz = 45^\circ

We know that in a 45-45-90 right triangle, the legs are equal. Therefore:

  • yw=wzyw = wz

Thus, wz=yw=8.66wz = yw = 8.66.

Using the Pythagorean theorem to find yzyz: yz=yw2+wz2=(8.66)2+(8.66)2149.8612.25yz = \sqrt{yw^2 + wz^2} = \sqrt{(8.66)^2 + (8.66)^2} \approx \sqrt{149.86} \approx 12.25

Final Side Lengths:

  1. xy=10xy = 10 (given)
  2. yw=8.66yw = 8.66
  3. xw=5xw = 5
  4. wz=8.66wz = 8.66
  5. yz=12.25yz = 12.25

Would you like any further clarifications on these steps?


Here are five questions to further explore:

  1. How can we calculate the area of the full triangle using the side lengths?
  2. How does the use of the sine rule differ from the cosine rule in this context?
  3. Can we verify the lengths using the Law of Cosines for non-right triangles?
  4. How would the problem change if y\angle y were different?
  5. What is the importance of knowing the Pythagorean theorem in right triangles?

Tip: Remember to always check the triangle type before applying trigonometric rules (right triangle, acute, obtuse, etc.).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Angle Relationships
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse
Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12