How can I find the length of a bisected shape with trigonometry?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the length of a bisected shape using trigonometric methods. Participants explore various mathematical approaches and expressions related to the geometry of the shape, particularly focusing on angles and triangle properties.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a numerical approximation of a calculation: \sqrt{2.3925} - 1.35 \approx 0.197.
  • Another participant expresses interest in the method used to arrive at a previous answer, sharing their own expression involving sine and arccosine functions.
  • A different participant provides a detailed trigonometric expression involving sine laws and angle addition formulas, specifying the use of Pythagorean Theorem and avoiding inverse trigonometric functions.
  • Another participant suggests that bisecting the figure creates an isosceles triangle and proposes a new expression involving sine and square root calculations, indicating that it can be simplified further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views and approaches to the problem, with no consensus reached on a single method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on specific assumptions about the angles and lengths involved, and there are unresolved mathematical steps in the proposed expressions.

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[itex]\sqrt{2.3925} - 1.35 \approx 0.197[/itex]
 
Yes, that appears to be the correct answer. I am interested how you got it. The expression I got was
sin((60-2*(90-arccos(.45)))/2) * 3^.5 * 2
 
2(sin(120)/sin(30))sin((60 - Y)/2)
= 2(sin(120)/sin(30))(sin(30)cos(Y/2) - cos(30)sin(Y/2))
= 2(30.5)(0.5(1 - 0.45²)0.5 - 0.5(30.5)(0.45))
= (3(1 - 0.45²))0.5 - 1.35
= (2.3925)0.5 - 1.35

Y is the small angle in the triangle the contains the blue line (the bottom angle). I didn't want to use any inverse trigonometric functions, so I used Pythogras' Theorem, Sine Law, and the angle addition formula for sine.
 
Hmm, if you bisect the figure, then you have an isoscoles trianlge at the top so the interior angle of the top triangle is
[tex]2\sin^{-1}(.45)[/tex]
Moreover, it's not hard to see that the length from the center intersection to the edge of the red segment has length
[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]

That means that you can go with:
[tex]2\left(\sqrt{3} \sin\left(30-\sin^{-1}(.45)\right)\right)[/tex]

Which can easily be simplified using angle addition forumlas.
 

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