Chapter 11: Problem 37
Determine the number of triangles ABC possible with the given parts. \(a=31, b=26, B=48^{\circ}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
One triangle is possible with angles \(A = 38.49^{\circ}\), \(B = 48^{\circ}\), and \(C = 93.51^{\circ}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Known Parts
We know the lengths of sides \(a = 31\) and \(b = 26\), and the measure of angle \(B = 48^{\circ}\). We are tasked with finding the possible number of triangles given these conditions.
02
Apply the Law of Sines
To determine whether a triangle is possible, apply the Law of Sines: \(\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B}\). Since \(B = 48^{\circ}\), calculate \(\sin B\): \(\sin 48^{\circ} \approx 0.7431\). Now compute \(\sin A\): \(\sin A = \frac{b \cdot \sin B}{a} = \frac{26 \cdot 0.7431}{31} \approx 0.6233\).
03
Determine Feasibility of Angle A
A triangle is possible when \(\sin A \leq 1\). Here \(\sin A \approx 0.6233\) which satisfies this condition. Thus, \(A\) is a valid angle. Since \(\sin A\) is less than 1, there are potentially two solutions: acute angle \(A\) and obtuse angle \(A' = 180^{\circ} - A\).
04
Calculate Possible Angles for A
Calculate the acute angle \(A\) using \(\sin^{-1}\): \(A = \sin^{-1}(0.6233) \approx 38.49^{\circ}\). For a possible obtuse angle, \(A' = 180^{\circ} - 38.49^{\circ} = 141.51^{\circ}\).
05
Determine Validity of 3rd Angle
If \(A \) or \(A'\) leads to a valid triangle, \(C = 180^{\circ} - A - B\). Calculate \(C\) for the acute solution: \(C = 180^{\circ} - 38.49^{\circ} - 48^{\circ} = 93.51^{\circ}\), which is possible. For the obtuse solution: \(C = 180^{\circ} - 141.51^{\circ} - 48^{\circ} = -9.51^{\circ}\), which is not possible.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Law of Sines
The Law of Sines is a fundamental principle used in trigonometry to find unknown measurements in triangles. It relates the lengths of a triangle's sides to the sines of its angles. This is given by the formula:
This step involves using the known values, which are the lengths of sides \( a = 31 \) and \( b = 26 \), and the measure of angle \( B = 48^{\circ} \). By substituting into the Law of Sines, we calculate \( \sin A \), which helps us further understand and solve the triangle.
- \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \)
This step involves using the known values, which are the lengths of sides \( a = 31 \) and \( b = 26 \), and the measure of angle \( B = 48^{\circ} \). By substituting into the Law of Sines, we calculate \( \sin A \), which helps us further understand and solve the triangle.
Angle Calculation
To determine angle \( A \), we use its sine value computed from the Law of Sines. Sine is a trigonometric function that measures the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle. In this problem, \( \sin A \approx 0.6233 \).
To find angle \( A \) itself, we apply the inverse sine function, or \( \sin^{-1} \), which gives us the angle whose sine is \( 0.6233 \). This results in \( A \approx 38.49^{\circ} \). There's an interesting twist here; every sine value corresponds to two potential angles within a full circle, an acute and an obtuse:
To find angle \( A \) itself, we apply the inverse sine function, or \( \sin^{-1} \), which gives us the angle whose sine is \( 0.6233 \). This results in \( A \approx 38.49^{\circ} \). There's an interesting twist here; every sine value corresponds to two potential angles within a full circle, an acute and an obtuse:
- Acute angle: \( A \approx 38.49^{\circ} \)
- Obtuse angle: \( A' = 180^{\circ} - 38.49^{\circ} = 141.51^{\circ} \)
Triangle Feasibility
Determining whether a potential triangle is feasible involves checking if the calculated angles can form a valid triangle. According to triangle properties, the sum of the angles in any triangle must be exactly \( 180^{\circ} \).
For our calculations, we first check the acute angle setup:
Next, we examine the obtuse scenario:
For our calculations, we first check the acute angle setup:
- \( A \approx 38.49^{\circ} \)
- \( B = 48^{\circ} \)
- \( C = 180^{\circ} - 38.49^{\circ} - 48^{\circ} = 93.51^{\circ} \)
Next, we examine the obtuse scenario:
- \( A' = 141.51^{\circ} \)
- \( B = 48^{\circ} \)
- \( C = 180^{\circ} - 141.51^{\circ} - 48^{\circ} = -9.51^{\circ} \)