Sol'n: Law of Cosines - Find Direction to Return After Walking 220m, 50m

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a geometry problem using the Law of Cosines to determine the distance and direction needed to return to the starting point after walking 220 meters west and then 50 meters at a 45-degree angle towards the north. The angle used in the calculations is 135 degrees, which is crucial for applying the Law of Cosines. Participants suggest using the sine rule to find the missing angle after determining the length of side c.

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Homework Statement



You walk 220.0 m due west, then turn 45.00 degrees toward north and walk another 50.00 m. how far and in what direction do you need to walk to get back to where you started?

Homework Equations


Law of Cosines


The Attempt at a Solution



I did the law of cosines to find the lenngth of side c. I used the angle measure of 135 degrees. I am not sure how to find the direction though. What degree is it?
 
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panthergk said:
I did the law of cosines to find the lenngth of side c. I used the angle measure of 135 degrees. I am not sure how to find the direction though. What degree is it?

Hi panthergk! Welcome to PF! :smile:

YOu now have one angle and all three sides, and you want another angle …

so use the sine rule. :wink:
 

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