Finding Coordinates of last Triangle Vertex

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the coordinates of the last vertex of a triangle given two vertices and their respective angles. The original poster provides specific coordinates for Vertex 1 and Vertex 2, along with the angles at these vertices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the cosine dot product rule and equations based on the lengths of the sides to find the unknown coordinates but encounters difficulties due to having one equation for two unknowns. Some participants suggest using the sine law and setting up equations for circles centered at the known vertices to find intersections. The original poster questions how to select the correct solution when multiple intersections are found.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different mathematical approaches to the problem, including the sine law and circle intersection methods. The original poster has identified a calculation error but is still grappling with the implications of having two potential solutions for the last vertex coordinates.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that the expected coordinate for the last vertex is (9,10), indicating a specific outcome they are aiming for, but the discussion reveals uncertainty in reaching that conclusion through the methods attempted.

monch
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Hi,
I am trying to find the last vertex coordinates of a triangle given that

Vertex 1 = (2,10)
Vertex 2 = (3,6)

Angle at Vertex 1 = 75.9638 degrees
Angle at Vertex 2 = 70.3462 degrees.


I have tried using the equations based on the length of each side, as well as using the cos dot product rule to try to find x,y but I cannot seem to .

I always end up with the same equations using both methods, hence only giving me 1 equation for 2 unknowns.
 
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You can use the sine law. The distance between vertices 1 and 2 is \sqrt{(2- 3)^2+ (10- 6)^2}= \sqrt{1+ 16}= \sqrt{17}.
Further, the angles must add to 180 degrees so the angle at vertex 3 is 180- 75.9638- 70.3462= 33.69 degrees.
So the length, r1, of the side from vertex 1 to vertex 3, the side opposite vertex 2, is given by r1/sin(70.3462)= \sqrt{17}/sin(33.69). Write the equation of the circle with center at vertex 1 with that radius.
And the length, r2, of the side from vertex 2 to vertex 3 the side opposite vertex 1, is given by r2/sin(75.9638)= \sqrt{17}/sin(33.69). Write the equation of the circle with center at vertex 2 with that radius.

Find the points where those two circles intersect by solving the equations simultaneously. There are two solutions, one on either side of the line from vertex 1 to vertex 2.
 
Thanks for the reply HallsofIvy,

I end up with only 2 complex roots for some reason when i use these 2 equations

(x-3)^2 + (y - 6)^2 = 52 =(r2^2)
(x-2)^2 + (y-10)^2 = 49 = (r1^2)

i got 10x^2 - 284x +2652 = 0 after substitution.

the answer i am suppose to get for the last coordinate is (9,10)
 
oops my mistske, i did some calculation errors.

hmm is there anyway to pick the right coordinates when i end up with 2 solutions?

Both will have the same angle between the vectors , so there's no way to tell which is the coordinate I am looking for?
 

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