Help with law of sines/solving triangles

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the law of sines and solving triangles, specifically focusing on determining unknown angles and sides in given triangle scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the law of sines to find unknown angles in two triangle problems but expresses uncertainty about the next steps after calculating one angle. Other participants question the implications of knowing two angles and discuss the arbitrary nature of angle labeling in triangles.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various interpretations of angle relationships in triangles and discussing the implications of angle choices. Some guidance has been offered regarding the properties of triangles, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or methods to proceed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a need for further instruction and clarity on how to derive additional angles or sides after initial calculations. There is also a mention of potential confusion regarding angle labeling and its impact on the problem-solving process.

Niaboc67
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Homework Statement


L2ZLKEM.png


Homework Equations


SinA/a = SinB/b = SinC/c

The Attempt at a Solution


a=38, c=44, ∠A = 35°
What I have so far:
sin(35)/38 = sinC/44
44sin(35) = 38sinC
44sin(35)/38 = sinC
sinC = 0.6641
sin^-1(0.6641)
∠C = 41.6º
Is this ∠C1?
After this I don't know how to derivive the rest.
---------------------------------------------
For the second problem:
a = 76, b = 105, ∠A = 29°
sin(29)/76 = sinB/105
105sin(29) = 76sinB
sinB = 105sin(29)/76
sin^-1(0.6698)
∠B = 42.1º
Again, after this point I am lost
I could really use some instruction on how to solve.
Thank you
 
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If you know two angles of a triangle what do you know about the third angle?
 
Oh of course! Euclidean triangles equal 180º therefore for the first one 180-35-41.6 = 103.6º
and the second is 180-29-42.1 = 108.9
What must I figure out after this though?
 
Your choice of which angle is B is arbitrary right? So what would you choose as B1 so that B1 > B2 ?
 
If you mean where the angle is placed on the triangle, yeah I think it's arbitrary. If angle B1 is 103.6º and B2 must be larger than I suppose 105º? not sure if I am understanding the question here.
 
You only have one triangle colum one labels the angles one way and column two labels a different way.

Consider a 30-60-90 triangle and I say A is 90 then B is 30 or its 60 right and which ever you choose then C is the other angle. Your problem is constrained by the sin rule with A and a defined.
 

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