How to find the angles of a triangle in a semicircle?

AI Thread Summary
To find the angles of a triangle inscribed in a semicircle, the area of the triangle is expressed in terms of its base and height using the formula area = 1/2 * base * height. The discussion involves deriving the coordinates and dimensions of the triangle using the circle's equation and calculating the angles through trigonometric relationships. A right triangle is analyzed, leading to the conclusion that one angle measures 30 degrees, while the other calculations suggest a potential angle of 75 degrees. There is confusion regarding the use of sine functions to find angles, with suggestions that a calculator may simplify the process. The overall challenge lies in accurately determining the angles without computational tools.
Helly123
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Homework Statement


Screenshot_29_2014_mat_a.png


Homework Equations


d(y)/d(x) --> max area
area of triangle = 1/2 . base . height

The Attempt at a Solution


for number (2) [/B]
2_-_2014_mat_a.png

x^2 + y^2 = r^2 --> circle equation
base = 2R, height = y
Area = 1/2 . 2R . y
area = 1/2 . 4. √ (r^2 - x^2)

area now is half of max = 2, so :
2 = 1/2 . 4. √ (r^2 - x^2)
2 = 2 √(4-x^2)
1 = √ (4-x^2)
1 = 4 - x^2
x = √3
now y = 1
AP = 2 - √3
I have to find w (angle of ACB)
PC = 1
how to find w ?
 
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Consider the triangle AOC.
 
Doc Al said:
Consider the triangle AOC.
OC^2 = AC^2 + AO^2 -2AC.AO.cosw
4 = 4 + (8-4v3)^2 -8(8-4v3)cosw
Cos w = (8-4v3)/8
Cos w = 1-1/2v3

But the answer is in degrees, and not allowed using calculator.. And I don't think my answer is right.

Note: v3 = root 3
 
Consider the triangle AOC. You can find the angle at O by studying the right triangle CPO.
 
I don't get it.. Can anyone help??
 
Helly123 said:
I don't get it.. Can anyone help??
upload_2017-6-16_5-18-8.png

CPO is a right triangle. You know the hypotenuse, it is one radius, length 2. You calculated PC, it is 1. What is the blue angle then?
 
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ehild said:
View attachment 205500
CPO is a right triangle. You know the hypotenuse, it is one radius, length 2. You calculated PC, it is 1. What is the blue angle then?
The blue angle is 60degrees.
 
Helly123 said:
The blue angle is 60degrees.
No. Imagine half of an equilateral triangle, rotated :smile:
 
ehild said:
No. Imagine half of an equilateral triangle, rotated :smile:
Oh.. 30degrees ...
 
  • #10
ehild said:
No. Imagine half of an equilateral triangle, rotated :smile:
So, i get it. One triangle = 180degrees. I get 30, left 150. CAO = ACO. So CAO = 75 degrees?
 
  • #11
ehild said:
No. Imagine half of an equilateral triangle, rotated :smile:
But with theory, it should be sin w/ 2 = sin tetha / AC
I get sin w = 1/AC
While AC = 8-4root3
How can i get w with this method?
 
  • #12
Helly123 said:
So, i get it. One triangle = 180degrees. I get 30, left 150. CAO = ACO. So CAO = 75 degrees?
Yes, it is correct.
 
  • #13
Helly123 said:
But with theory, it should be sin w/ 2 = sin tetha / AC
What is theta, and what "theory" is that?
Helly123 said:
I get sin w = 1/AC
While AC = 8-4root3
How can i get w with this method?
Check with a calculator. Otherwise it is complicated.
 
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