Law of Sines and Law of Cosines help

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a triangle problem using the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines. Given two angles (52 degrees at Station A and 41 degrees at Station B) and the distance between the stations (17 miles), the user seeks to find the distance from the fire to the closest station. The solution involves recognizing the triangle's angles and applying the Law of Sines to determine the unknown side lengths, specifically the side opposite the known distance of 17 miles.

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  • Understanding of triangle properties and definitions
  • Knowledge of the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines
  • Ability to calculate angles and sides in a triangle
  • Familiarity with basic trigonometric functions
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  • Study the derivation and applications of the Law of Sines
  • Explore the Law of Cosines for solving triangles with known sides and angles
  • Practice solving triangle problems with varying configurations
  • Learn about the distance formula in relation to triangle geometry
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Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching geometry, and anyone needing to solve real-world problems involving angles and distances in triangle configurations.

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Homework Statement


Ok the problem states Station A observes the fire at an angel of 52 and station B spots the fire at an angle of 41. The stations are 17 mi. apart. Find the distance along the line of sight from the fire to the station that is closest to the fire.

I'm confused I don't hink I have enough to do the Law of Cosines, but I also feel that I don't have enough to do the Law of Sines. I am so confused do I need to do something else. Like do I need to use the distance equation along with the the Law of Sines or the Law of Cosines. Or do I need to do something different entirely.


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The Attempt at a Solution


 
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Do you need to solve the problem in two different ways? I see direct possibility for Law Of Sines.

Your problem description conforms to a triangle, base points A and B. AB is 11 miles; Angle at B is 41 degrees; angle at A is 128 degrees (do you see why?); the angle opposite AB is 11 degrees (now, do you see why this too?)

You know all three angles and you know only one side (AB); you just want to know the the side that goes from the point opposite of AB to the point A.
 

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