Chapter 14: Problem 17
In \(11-22,\) solve each triangle, that is, find the measures of the remaining three parts of the triangle to the nearest integer or the nearest degree. In \(\triangle R S T, r=38, s=28,\) and \(t=18\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Angles: 109°, 44°, 27°.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Known Parts and Use the Law of Cosines
We are given the side lengths of triangle \( \triangle RST \): \( r = 38 \), \( s = 28 \), and \( t = 18 \). The Law of Cosines helps us find angles when all sides are known. To find angle \( R \), we use the formula: \[ \cos R = \frac{s^2 + t^2 - r^2}{2st} \].
02
Calculate Angle R
Substitute the known values into the formula: \[ \cos R = \frac{28^2 + 18^2 - 38^2}{2 \times 28 \times 18} \]This simplifies to:\[ \cos R = \frac{784 + 324 - 1444}{1008} = \frac{-336}{1008} \approx -0.3333 \]Therefore, \( R \approx \cos^{-1}(-0.3333) \approx 109^\circ \).
03
Use the Law of Sines to Find Angle S
With angle \( R \) known, use the Law of Sines:\[ \frac{r}{\sin R} = \frac{s}{\sin S} \]Substitute the known values and solve for \( \sin S \):\[ \frac{38}{\sin 109^\circ} = \frac{28}{\sin S} \]Calculate \( \sin 109^\circ \), then solve for \( \sin S \):\[ \sin S = \frac{28 \times \sin 109^\circ}{38} \]\( \sin S \approx \frac{28 \times 0.9455}{38} \approx 0.696 \)Use \( \sin^{-1}(0.696) \) to find \( S \approx 44^\circ \).
04
Find Angle T
Now use the fact that the sum of angles in a triangle is 180°:\[ T = 180^\circ - R - S \]Substitute \( R = 109^\circ \) and \( S = 44^\circ \):\[ T = 180^\circ - 109^\circ - 44^\circ = 27^\circ \].
05
Conclusion
The measures of the angles in \( \triangle RST \) are \( R = 109^\circ \), \( S = 44^\circ \), and \( T = 27^\circ \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Triangle Solving
Solving a triangle involves finding the measurements of all its angles and sides. To do this systematically, we start by gathering the information available and using trigonometric laws to find unknown values.
- In the case of triangle \( \triangle RST \), we began with the side lengths \( r = 38 \), \( s = 28 \), and \( t = 18 \).
- Given these sides, the next task was to find the angles of the triangle. By determining all parts, we successfully solve the entire triangle.
- The goal is to ensure each unknown side or angle adheres to the fundamental trigonometric principles in a triangle, such as the sum of angles being \( 180^\circ \).
Law of Sines
The Law of Sines is a powerful tool for solving triangles, especially when we know an angle and its opposite side. It enables us to find unknown angles or sides of the triangle.
- It relates the ratio of each side to the sine of its opposite angle.
- In mathematical terms, the Law of Sines states \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \), where \( a, b, \) and \( c \) are the sides, and \( A, B, \) and \( C \) are the opposite angles.
Angle Calculation
Calculating angles in triangles is a key skill in geometry and trigonometry. Once you know some elements of the triangle, you can use various rules to find the unknown angles.
- For triangle \( \triangle RST \), once angle \( R \) was determined, angle \( S \) was easily calculated using the Law of Sines.
- Angle calculation then progresses naturally; finding one angle simplifies finding the others through subtraction and known formulae.
- This step-by-step process ensures accuracy and reliance on the geometric properties of triangles.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is more than just finding angles and lengths; it is about understanding the relationships within the triangle. This mathematical field uses specific functions to express these relationships and solve complex geometrical problems.
- The core functions used include sine, cosine, and tangent, each representing a ratio of triangle sides.
- For solving triangle \( \triangle RST \), both the Law of Cosines and the Law of Sines demonstrated how these trigonometric functions underpin our ability to solve the triangle fully.
- We dealt with expressions such as \( \cos R \) for finding the angle initially, then turning to \( \sin S \) to further unlock more components of the triangle.