Math Problem Statement

Two triangles share a common side, BD, as shown in the diagram. AC = 70 metres. Angle DBA = Angle DBC = 90°. Angle DAB = 64°; Angle DCB = 36°. Calculate the length, h, from B to D.

Solution

To solve for the length hh from point BB to point DD in this diagram, we can use trigonometry since we are working with right-angled triangles.

Key Information:

  • AC=70metresAC = 70 \, \text{metres}
  • DBA=DBC=90\angle DBA = \angle DBC = 90^\circ (so triangles ABD\triangle ABD and BCD\triangle BCD are right-angled triangles)
  • DAB=64\angle DAB = 64^\circ
  • DCB=36\angle DCB = 36^\circ

Steps:

1. Use ABD\triangle ABD:

We know that DAB=64\angle DAB = 64^\circ, and ABD\triangle ABD is a right triangle. We can use the tangent function to find BDBD:

tan(64)=hBD\tan(64^\circ) = \frac{h}{BD} BD=htan(64)BD = \frac{h}{\tan(64^\circ)}

2. Use BCD\triangle BCD:

In BCD\triangle BCD, DCB=36\angle DCB = 36^\circ. We can also use the tangent function here:

tan(36)=hBD\tan(36^\circ) = \frac{h}{BD} From this, we get: BD=70tan(36)BD = \frac{70}{\tan(36^\circ)}

3. Solve for hh:

Since both expressions for BDBD are equal, we set them equal to each other and solve for hh:

htan(64)=70tan(36)\frac{h}{\tan(64^\circ)} = \frac{70}{\tan(36^\circ)}

Now, I will calculate the value of hh.The length hh from point BB to point DD is approximately 37.55metres37.55 \, \text{metres}.

Would you like more details on the steps or explanations?

Here are five related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. How do you apply the sine and cosine rules in non-right-angled triangles?
  2. What is the relationship between angles and side lengths in similar triangles?
  3. How can you calculate the area of triangles using trigonometry?
  4. How would the solution change if angle DAB\angle DAB or DCB\angle DCB were different?
  5. How can you use the Pythagorean theorem to solve problems involving right-angled triangles?

Tip: When working with right-angled triangles, remember that trigonometric functions like sine, cosine, and tangent can be used to relate angles to side lengths, making them useful for height and distance problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-Angled Triangles
Angle of Elevation

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
BD = h / tan(64°)
BD = 70 / tan(36°)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Tangent Function in Right Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11