Chapter 7: Problem 24
Find all solutions to each of the following triangles: \(C=83.4^{\circ}, c=51.1 \mathrm{~km}, b=94.2 \mathrm{~km}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The triangle has likely only one solution with approximate angles \( A \approx 68.01^{\circ} \), \( B \approx 28.59^{\circ} \), and \( C = 83.4^{\circ} \), and side \( a \).
Step by step solution
01
Review Given Information
We have a triangle with side \( c = 51.1 \, \text{km} \), side \( b = 94.2 \, \text{km} \), and an angle \( C = 83.4^{\circ} \). We need to find the remaining angles \( A \) and \( B \), and side \( a \).
02
Use the Law of Sines
Using the Law of Sines: \( \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \). Substituting the given values: \[ \frac{94.2}{\sin B} = \frac{51.1}{\sin 83.4^{\circ}} \]. Solve for \( \sin B \).
03
Calculate \( \sin B \)
First, calculate \( \sin 83.4^{\circ} \). Then find \( \sin B \) using: \[ \sin B = \frac{94.2 \times \sin 83.4^{\circ}}{51.1} \].
04
Find Angle \( B \)
Use the inverse sine function to find angle \( B \): \( B = \sin^{-1}(\sin B) \). Compute the value of \( B \).
05
Determine Possible Triangle Cases
Since \( B \) and \( C \) sum to more than \( 90^{\circ} \), consider the possibility of two triangles (Ambiguous case) but verify it with given values. Confirm if only one triangle is possible.
06
Calculate Angle \( A \)
Use the fact that the angles in a triangle add up to \( 180^{\circ} \): \[ A = 180^{\circ} - B - C \]. Solve to find \( A \).
07
Use the Law of Sines to Find Side \( a \)
Now that we know \( A \), use the Law of Sines: \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \). Solve for \( a \).
08
Confirm Solution with Cross-Verification
Verify the calculated values satisfy the initial triangle setup using Law of Sines for consistency across sides and angles.
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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 fundamental principle in trigonometry, used to solve for unknown parts of a triangle when certain other parts are known. It is particularly useful when working with non-right triangles. The formula is straightforward:
To use this law effectively, you need to know:
- \( \frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C} \)
To use this law effectively, you need to know:
- At least one side length and one angle, or
- Two angles and one side, or
- Two sides and a non-included angle.
Angle Calculation
Calculating angles in triangles often requires an understanding of the triangle's total angle sum. The angles in every triangle always sum up to \( 180^{\circ} \). Knowing this, you can find a missing angle when the other two are known through simple arithmetic.
In this exercise, after finding angle \( B \) using the Law of Sines, we determine angle \( A \) by subtracting the known angles \( B \) and \( C \) from \( 180^{\circ} \).
Furthermore, when solving for angles involving the sine function, you might encounter the ambiguous case scenario, particularly in triangles with obtuse or acute angles. This is when an angle from a sine value could correspond to two possible angles, because \( \sin(\theta) = \sin(180^{\circ} - \theta) \). It’s critical to verify the feasibility of both angles by considering the sum with the known angle, \( C \), to determine if the assumed total angles would form a valid triangle.
In this exercise, after finding angle \( B \) using the Law of Sines, we determine angle \( A \) by subtracting the known angles \( B \) and \( C \) from \( 180^{\circ} \).
Furthermore, when solving for angles involving the sine function, you might encounter the ambiguous case scenario, particularly in triangles with obtuse or acute angles. This is when an angle from a sine value could correspond to two possible angles, because \( \sin(\theta) = \sin(180^{\circ} - \theta) \). It’s critical to verify the feasibility of both angles by considering the sum with the known angle, \( C \), to determine if the assumed total angles would form a valid triangle.
Triangle Solutions
Finding solutions to triangles involves determining all unknown angles and side lengths. To solve a triangle, you must apply both the knowledge of trigonometric laws and verify the constraints of triangle geometry.
The process for solving any triangle usually involves:
The process for solving any triangle usually involves:
- Identifying what is known and what needs to be found.
- Using the Law of Sines or Law of Cosines to find unknown sides or angles.
- Ensuring the sum of angles equals \( 180^{\circ} \).
- Verifying that the side lengths adhere to triangle inequality principles, which state that the sum of any two sides must be greater than the third side.