104.5 degree triangle w/ 2 equal legs, need the 3rd leg's length

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a triangle with two equal legs measuring 96 inches and an included angle of 104.5 degrees. Participants are exploring methods to determine the length of the third leg.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using the cosine rule and discuss the potential of dividing the triangle into two right-angled triangles. There are attempts to apply trigonometric functions, but some express confusion regarding their calculations.

Discussion Status

Several approaches have been proposed, including the cosine rule and geometric division of the triangle. Some participants are questioning their calculations and expressing uncertainty about why certain methods did not yield expected results. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention issues with calculations and the need for clarification on the application of the law of cosines. There is a noted discrepancy between calculated and expected values.

CocoonOHorror
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



i have a triangle with 2 legs of 96 inches. the angle between them is 104.5 degrees. how do i get the length of the 3rd leg?

Homework Equations

wish i knew.


The Attempt at a Solution


tried Cos, Sin, and Tan of 104.5 * length of a leg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Draw a line down the centre. Now you have two right-angled triangles. It should be a piece of cake from there.
 
willem2 said:
How about the cosine rule?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_cosines

works for unequal legs as well.

when i tried this i got 1.17545571, but the answer should be 1.5.

C^2=(.96)^2+(.96)^2-2(.96)(.96)(-.25038)
 
DaveC426913 said:
Draw a line down the centre. Now you have two right-angled triangles. It should be a piece of cake from there.

thanks man! i think this worked, and i kind of understand why.

i still don't understand why the law of cosines didnt work for me, i wonder what i screwed up...
 
CocoonOHorror said:
when i tried this i got 1.17545571, but the answer should be 1.5.

C^2=(.96)^2+(.96)^2-2(.96)(.96)(-.25038)

you forgot one of the minus signs in -2(.96)(.96)(-.25038)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K