Length of a missing side no angle given :(

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    Angle Length
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of determining the length of a missing side of an irregular shaped plot given only the lengths of three sides, without any additional details such as angles or area. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploratory problem-solving.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to find the missing side with only the lengths of the three sides provided.
  • Another participant suggests that additional data, such as angles or area, is necessary to determine the missing side.
  • Some participants propose that a formula could be written based on the missing information, although they express uncertainty about how to do this without the additional data.
  • A suggestion is made to draw a diagonal and apply the cosine rule, implying a potential method to approach the problem.
  • One participant asserts that it is not possible to find the fourth side, stating that the length could vary widely depending on the configuration of the plot.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the possibility of finding the missing side without additional information. Some believe it is impossible, while others suggest that a formula could be developed despite the lack of data.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions about the shape of the plot and the dependence on additional geometric data, which remain unresolved.

t3rom
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I'm given an irregular shaped plot with 3 sides, and have been asked to find the fourth missing side, no other detail is given. Is it possible to find the missing side? If so, then how? Here is what it looks like roughly:

8wids2.jpg
 
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I don't think that it's possible. What if it looks like this?
polygon.jpg
 
Looks like you need one more piece of data ... angles, area - etc... however you could write a formula for ? based on the missing info.
 
Borg said:
I don't think that it's possible. What if it looks like this?
View attachment 79370

That can be a possibility as it's a plot with irregular sides.

Windadct said:
Looks like you need one more piece of data ... angles, area - etc... however you could write a formula for ? based on the missing info.

Can I write a formula without the missing data? If so then how, please elaborate..
 
t3rom said:
That can be a possibility as it's a plot with irregular sides.
Can I write a formula without the missing data? If so then how, please elaborate..

Draw a diagonal and apply the cosine rule.
 
t3rom said:
I'm given an irregular shaped plot with 3 sides, and have been asked to find the fourth missing side, no other detail is given. Is it possible to find the missing side? If so, then how? Here is what it looks like roughly:

8wids2.jpg
It's not possible to find the fourth side, assuming that all we know is the lengths of the three sides. The fourth side could be anywhere from 0 to (a triangle) to 29.9 + 19.5 + 30.05 (in which you get a straight line.
 

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