How do you solve the right triangle ABC given A= 20 degrees C= 104 degrees and c=9?

1 Answer
Jul 5, 2015

#/_B = 180^o -( 20^o + 102^o) = 56^0#
Using the Law of Sines
#color(white)("XXXX")##a = 3.172416#
#color(white)("XXXX")##b= 7.689757#

Explanation:

Ignoring the fact that the question declared that the triangle was a right triangle (obviously impossible with one angle = #102^o#):

The third angle can be calculated using the knowledge that the sum of the interior angles of any triangle is always #180^o#.

Using the Law of Sines in the form:
#color(white)("XXXX")##c/sin(C) = a/sin(A) = b/sin(B)#
we can calculate (for example):
#color(white)("XXXX")##a = sin(A)*c/sin(C) = sin(20^o)*9/sin(102^o)#
and through the magic of hand calculators or spreadsheet functions come up with the indicated answers.