Chapter 5: Problem 19
Determine the number of triangles with the given parts and solve each triangle. $$ \gamma=60^{\circ}, b=20, c=10 \sqrt{3} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
One triangle exists with \( a = \sqrt{700 - 200 \sqrt{3}} \).
Step by step solution
01
- Identify Given Information
Given: \( \gamma = 60^{\circ} \), \( b = 20 \), and \( c = 10 \sqrt{3} \). \( \gamma \) is the angle between sides \( a \) and \( b \).
02
- Use Law of Cosines
Use the Law of Cosines to find side \( a \): \[ a^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc\cos(\gamma) \] Substitute the given values: \[ a^2 = 20^2 + (10 \sqrt{3})^2 - 2 \cdot 20 \cdot 10 \sqrt{3} \cdot \cos(60^{\circ}) \].
03
- Simplify the Equation
Calculate each term: \[ a^2 = 400 + 300 - 2 \cdot 20 \cdot 10 \sqrt{3} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \] which simplifies to \[ a^2 = 400 + 300 - 200 \sqrt{3} \]
04
- Further Simplify
Combine like terms: \[ a^2 = 700 - 200 \sqrt{3} \]. Thus, \[ a = \sqrt{700 - 200 \sqrt{3}} \].
05
- Determine Number of Triangles
Since all given values and computations are valid, there is exactly one triangle that fits the given conditions.
06
- Solve Each Triangle Component
Since there is only one triangle, the sides and angles of the triangle have already been computed.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Law of Cosines
The Law of Cosines is a fundamental concept in trigonometry used to solve triangles. In any triangle, the Law of Cosines states: For any triangle with sides \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) and an included angle \(γ\), the relationship can be written as: \[ a^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc \cos(γ) \] This formula helps to find an unknown side when two sides and the included angle are known. It is especially useful when dealing with non-right-angled triangles. In our example, with \(γ = 60^\text{circ}\), \(b = 20\), and \(c = 10 \sqrt{3}\), we can find \(a\) by substituting these values into the formula.
Triangle Properties
Triangles have several important properties. One of the key properties in a triangle is the sum of the angles, which always equals \(180^{\text{circ}}\). In any triangle:
- The lengths of the sides are related to the angles between them.
- The exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the two interior opposite angles.
- The largest angle is always opposite the longest side.
- We know angle \(γ = 60^{\text{circ}}\).
- Side \(b\) is 20 units long.
- Side \(c\) is \(10 \sqrt{3}\) units long.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles. Here are some key concepts:
- Sine, cosine, and tangent are primary trigonometric functions.
- The Law of Sines states: \( \frac{a}{\text{sin}A} = \frac{b}{\text{sin}B} = \frac{c}{\text{sin}C} \).
- The Law of Cosines, as discussed earlier, helps in finding unknown sides and angles in any triangle.