Determine if you have enough info to figure a side

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining if sufficient information is available to solve geometry problems involving a ladder and a right triangle. The first problem involves a 15-foot ladder where 'a' represents the distance from the wall, constrained between 0 and 15 feet. The second problem presents a right triangle with a 90-degree angle, a 67-degree angle, and a height of 10 feet, where the length of side C can be calculated using the tangent function. The calculation shows that side C measures approximately 23 feet and 6.6875 inches.

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  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions, specifically tangent.
  • Familiarity with right triangle properties and angle measures.
  • Knowledge of converting decimal feet to feet and inches.
  • Ability to apply the Pythagorean theorem in practical scenarios.
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  • Study the application of the tangent function in real-world problems.
  • Learn how to solve right triangles using trigonometric ratios.
  • Explore the Pythagorean theorem and its applications in construction.
  • Practice converting measurements between decimal and fractional formats.
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This discussion is beneficial for students studying geometry, educators teaching trigonometry, and professionals in fields such as construction and engineering who require practical applications of trigonometric principles.

clhrhrklsr
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I have a couple of practice problems similar to ones I've seen before.

Could anyone tell me how to figure these? I don't even know where to begin on solving these. How do you begin to determine if you have enough information.

Thanks in advance for any help! View attachment 2802
 

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No.
0<a<15

Suppose you have a 15 foot ladder to place against a wall. 'a' represents the distance of the base from the wall.
 
RLBrown said:
No.
0<a<15

Suppose you have a 15 foot ladder to place against a wall. 'a' represents the distance of the base from the wall.

Thanks! Okay, now the 2nd question on my attachment. Is there enough information given to find the length of side C? You are given a 90 degree angle, a 67 degree angle. You are also given a height of 10'-0". Side "C" is the slope of the triangle. Is there enough information given in this triangle to find side C?
 

clhrhrklsr said:
Thanks! Okay, now the 2nd question on my attachment. Is there enough information given to find the length of side C? You are given a 90 degree angle, a 67 degree angle. You are also given a height of 10'-0". Side "C" is the slope of the triangle. Is there enough information given in this triangle to find side C?

Yes there is. What trigonometric ratio do you think you will need to use?
 
Code:
Prove It said:


Yes there is. What trigonometric ratio do you think you will need to use?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

\tan\left({67}\right) = \frac{AB}{BC}

AB = 10 x \tan\left({67}\right)

\tan\left({67}\right) = 23.5585

If you need to convert the decimal to feet and inches, you would get the following-

23.5585=23'-6\frac{11}{16}"
 
Last edited:

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