Could you help me set up these geometric problems?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter xyz_1965
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ac
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a right triangle problem involving triangle ABC, where angle C is 90 degrees, angle A is 60°, and side AB measures 12 cm. To find side AC, the cosine function is used: cos(60°) = AC/12, leading to AC = 6 cm. For side BC, the sine function is applied: sin(60°) = BC/12, resulting in BC = 10.39 cm. The correct identification of sides relative to angles is emphasized, confirming the use of trigonometric functions for calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions (sine, cosine)
  • Knowledge of right triangle properties
  • Familiarity with angle measurement in degrees
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines for non-right triangles
  • Learn about trigonometric identities and their applications
  • Explore geometric visualization tools for triangle problems
  • Practice solving various triangle problems using different angles and side lengths
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, educators teaching trigonometry, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills in right triangle scenarios.

xyz_1965
Messages
73
Reaction score
0
Right triangle ABC is given with angles A, B, and C, where angle C is 90 degrees. Angle A is 60° and side AB = 12 cm. Find sides AC and BC.

Here is the set up.

To find AC:

cos (60°) = AC/12

To find BC:

sin (60°) = BC/12

Is this correct?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Yes. With the usual notation, AB is the side opposite C, the right angle, so is the hypotenuse. Since you are given angle A, AC is the "near side" and BC is the "opposite side". cos(A) is "near side over hypotenuse" and sin(A) is "opposite side over hypotenuse".

Hopefully, you will soon have enough confidence in yourself that you won't need to ask questions like these!
 
Country Boy said:
Yes. With the usual notation, AB is the side opposite C, the right angle, so is the hypotenuse. Since you are given angle A, AC is the "near side" and BC is the "opposite side". cos(A) is "near side over hypotenuse" and sin(A) is "opposite side over hypotenuse".

Hopefully, you will soon have enough confidence in yourself that you won't need to ask questions like these!

I hope to get there soon. I found a few questions that I am stuck with in terms of a geometric figure. I will post each question later. I simply need help setting it up. If you can provide me with a picture, a visual of the situation, that would be so cool and helpful.
 

Similar threads

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