The discussion focuses on solving a trigonometric word problem involving a right triangle with dimensions of 10 feet by 40 feet. The goal is to determine the height from the floor to a beam at a specific point along the 40-foot side, specifically at a height of 16 inches. Participants emphasize the importance of not rounding intermediate values during calculations, as inaccuracies can lead to incorrect results. The correct approach involves using trigonometric functions to find angle measures and heights accurately.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying trigonometry, educators teaching geometry, and anyone needing to solve practical trigonometric problems in construction or design.
symbolipoint said:Also, since you have a 10 by 40 right-triangle, you should be able to find the measures of the other two angles, and therefore should be able to find the other angle measures in the diagram. Then, you have that lower right-triangle, on the bottom. The angle on the left is easy: the found angle above, the 12 degree, the desired lower angle - their sum is 90 degrees.
amd123 said:Oh thank god, if it works I owe you BUT i don't have any idea how to do that :(
Also are my calculations correct? When i subtract 8.6 from 10 i get 1.4 feet but when i take the sin of 6 degrees * h2 i get 4.2 feet for the height of the beam?