How can I find the length of a bisected shape with trigonometry?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a geometric problem involving trigonometric functions and the application of Pythagoras' Theorem and the Sine Law. The main focus is on calculating the expression √2.3925 - 1.35, which approximates to 0.197. Participants share their methods for deriving the expression, emphasizing the use of sine functions and angle calculations without relying on inverse trigonometric functions. The conversation highlights the importance of bisecting the figure to form an isosceles triangle, leading to further simplifications using angle addition formulas. The length calculations from the center to the edge of the segments are also discussed, contributing to the overall solution.
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\sqrt{2.3925} - 1.35 \approx 0.197
 
Yes, that appears to be the correct answer. I am interested how you got it. The expression I got was
sin((60-2*(90-arccos(.45)))/2) * 3^.5 * 2
 
2(sin(120)/sin(30))sin((60 - Y)/2)
= 2(sin(120)/sin(30))(sin(30)cos(Y/2) - cos(30)sin(Y/2))
= 2(30.5)(0.5(1 - 0.45²)0.5 - 0.5(30.5)(0.45))
= (3(1 - 0.45²))0.5 - 1.35
= (2.3925)0.5 - 1.35

Y is the small angle in the triangle the contains the blue line (the bottom angle). I didn't want to use any inverse trigonometric functions, so I used Pythogras' Theorem, Sine Law, and the angle addition formula for sine.
 
Hmm, if you bisect the figure, then you have an isoscoles trianlge at the top so the interior angle of the top triangle is
2\sin^{-1}(.45)
Moreover, it's not hard to see that the length from the center intersection to the edge of the red segment has length
\sqrt{3}

That means that you can go with:
2\left(\sqrt{3} \sin\left(30-\sin^{-1}(.45)\right)\right)

Which can easily be simplified using angle addition forumlas.
 
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