How to Solve Trigonometric Word Problems Correctly?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a trigonometric word problem involving a right triangle with specific dimensions and angles. Participants are attempting to clarify the setup and calculations related to the height of a beam and the distances involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationship between the dimensions of the triangle and the angles involved. Questions arise regarding the accuracy of calculations and the interpretation of the problem setup, particularly concerning the height from the floor to the beam and the distances from the wall.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There are indications of confusion regarding calculations and angle measures, and some participants are questioning the assumptions made in the problem setup. No consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with rounding intermediate values and the need for precise calculations. There is also mention of a reward for assistance, indicating the urgency of the request for help.

amd123
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Homework Statement


http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4150/trighelp.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8480/workz.jpg

Please help I'm totally confused, if anyone can help I can offer a reward of monetary value :).
 
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You are looking for the point along the 40 foot side at which the height from floor to beam is 16 inches. When you find the value, you want to see if it is more than 2 feet away from the righthand side of the wall.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.

NVM, didnt read carefully :(
 
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?

The numbers you show are close, but not precise. DON'T ROUND INTERMEDIATE VALUES. The height of the small triangle is not 1.4 ft, and the acute angle of the small triangle is not 6 deg. If you use these values, you will probably get the wrong answer. I have no idea how you got 4.2 ft.
 

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