Trigonometry (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321671775
ISBN 13: 978-0-32167-177-6

Chapter 7 - Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors - Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the Law of Sines - 7.1 Exercises - Page 296: 13

Answer

The remaining angles and sides are $$\angle A=56^\circ\hspace{.75cm}BC\approx307.382ft\hspace{.75cm}AB\approx361.146ft$$

Work Step by Step

$$\angle B=20^\circ50'\approx20.833^\circ\hspace{.75cm}\angle C=103^\circ10'\approx103.167^\circ\hspace{.75cm}AC=132ft$$ Here $AC$ is the side $b$, so $b=132ft$ 1) Analysis: - Angles $\angle B$ and $\angle C$ are known. We can always calculate $\angle A$ as the sum of 3 angles in a triangle equals $180^\circ$. - Side $b$ and its opposite $\angle B$ are known. $\angle A$ and $\angle C$ are also known, so they are helpful to finding out sides $a$ and $c$. (Law of sines is to be applied) 2) Calculate the unknown angle $\angle A$ We know that the sum of 3 angles in a triangle is $180^\circ$. $$\angle A+\angle B+\angle C=180^\circ$$ $$\angle A+20^\circ50'+103^\circ10'=180^\circ$$ $$\angle A+124^\circ=180^\circ$$ $$\angle A=180^\circ-124^\circ=56^\circ$$ 3) Calculate the unknown sides $a$ and $c$ a) For $a$ We know the opposite angle of $a$: $\angle A=56^\circ$, so $\sin A=\sin56^\circ\approx0.829$. We also know side $b=132ft$ and its opposite angle $\angle B=20.833^\circ$, $\sin B\approx0.356$. Therefore, using the law of sines: $$\frac{a}{\sin A}=\frac{b}{\sin B}$$ $$a=\frac{b\sin A}{\sin B}$$ $$a=\frac{132ft\times0.829}{0.356}$$ $$a\approx307.382ft$$ So, $BC\approx307.382ft$ b) For $c$ We know the opposite angle of $c$: $\angle C=103.167^\circ$, so $\sin C=\sin103.167^\circ\approx0.974$. We also know side $b=132ft$ and its opposite angle $\angle B=20.833^\circ$, $\sin B\approx0.356$. Therefore, using the law of sines: $$\frac{c}{\sin C}=\frac{b}{\sin B}$$ $$c=\frac{b\sin C}{\sin B}$$ $$c=\frac{132ft\times0.974}{0.356}$$ $$c\approx361.146ft$$ So, $AB\approx361.146ft$ 4) Conclusion: The remaining angles and sides are $$\angle A=56^\circ\hspace{.75cm}BC\approx307.382ft\hspace{.75cm}AB\approx361.146ft$$
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