Chapter 9: Problem 4
Solve the triangles with the given parts. $$b=87.3, c=34.0, A=130.0^{\circ}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Use the Law of Sines: find side 'a' and angle 'B', then calculate angle 'C' to solve the triangle.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Triangle
We're given a triangle with sides \( b = 87.3 \), \( c = 34.0 \), and angle \( A = 130.0^{\circ} \). Since one side-length and its opposite angle are known, we can use the Law of Sines.
02
Law of Sines Setup
The Law of Sines states that for a triangle with angles \( A, B, C \) and opposite sides \( a, b, c \), \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \). We can use this to find \( a \) first: \[ \frac{a}{\sin 130^{\circ}} = \frac{87.3}{\sin B}. \]
03
Calculating Angle B
To find \( B \), we first need to utilize the fact that the sum of angles in a triangle is \( 180^{\circ} \). Thus, \( B = 180^{\circ} - A - C \). But, we need \( C \) first, which is found using \( \sin C = \frac{c}{\frac{a}{\sin A}} \). Hence, indirectly solve using sine ratios found later.
04
Solving for Side a using Law of Sines
Now, solve for \( a \) using the Law of Sines where \( C = 180^{\circ} - A - B \), corrected substitution or solve iteratively periodized approach.
05
Calculate Remaining Angles
Assume \( B \) via iterative side solutions or sticky calculations incorporating direct equations via available sine relations. Then, by subtracting angle \( A \), determine remaining or missing angles.
06
Solve for a
Back substitute the observed \( a \) within the sine equation \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{87.3}{\sin B} \) or reverse related calculations. Rotation or recalculation verifies integrity of inputs before finalizing.
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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 powerful tool in trigonometry used to solve for unknowns in a triangle. It states that for any triangle with angles \( A, B, C \) and their opposing sides \( a, b, c \), the ratio of the length of a side to the sine of its opposite angle is the same across all three sides. In formula terms, it's presented as the equation:
- \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \)
Triangle Sum Theorem
The Triangle Sum Theorem is a fundamental result in geometry which states that the sum of the interior angles of any triangle is exactly \( 180^{\circ} \). This theorem is crucial when calculating unknown angles in a triangle when one or two angles are already known. For example, if you've identified angles \( A \) and \( C \) in a triangle, you can easily find angle \( B \) by using:
- \( B = 180^{\circ} - A - C \).
Angle Calculation
Calculating the angles in a triangle can initially seem tricky, but leveraging the Triangle Sum Theorem is often the easiest approach. In the case where \( A = 130^{\circ} \) is already given, the remaining task is to find angles \( B \) and \( C \). The principle is this:Start by solving for one angle using known values:
- If \( c \) and \( c \)'s opposite angle \( C \) can be determined using the Law of Sines, then you can plug into \( \sin C = \frac{c}{\frac{a}{\sin A}} \).
- \( B = 180^{\circ} - 130^{\circ} - C \)
Triangle Solutions
Solving a triangle involves finding all its sides and angles, often requiring a mix of geometric theorems and trigonometric identities. The challenge is usually in applying these tools correctly, evaluating the information you have, and solving systematically.For example, given sides \( b \) and \( c \), and angle \( A \), start with:
- Use the Law of Sines to find an unknown side, first solving for \( a \), then use it to find unknown angles if needed.
- Calculate other angles using the Triangle Sum Theorem.