How do you solve the right triangle given a=32m, A=46°?

1 Answer
Sep 28, 2016

The angles are 90°, 46° and 44°
The sides are 32m, 30.9m and 44.5m

Explanation:

Let's call the triangle ABC, where hatB is the 90° angle.

The sum of the angles in a triangle is 180°

If hatB = 90°, then hatA +hatC=90°

From hatA = 46°, you can calculate hatC

hatC = 90°-46° = 44°

Using trigonometry to find the length of AB or c

"opp"/"adj" = c/32 = tan44°

c = 32tan44°3

c = 30.9m

The length of the hypotenuse, AC, can be found by using trig or Pythagoras's Theorem.

Pythagorascolor(white)(xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) Trig

a^2+ c^2 = b^2color(white)(xxxxxxxxcccccxxx xx)"a"/32 = 1/(cos44)

32^2 + 30.9^2 =1978.9color(white)(xxxxxxxxx)a = 32/(cos44)

sqrt1978.9 = 44.5mcolor(white)(xxxxxxxxxxx) a = 44.5m