- #1
Medgirl314
- 561
- 2
Homework Statement
A sand pile has an angle of repose of 35 degrees. If the pile is 2.4 meters high, find the area occupied by the base of the pile.
Homework Equations
Sine=opp/hyp
Cosine=adj/hyp
Tan=opp/adj
a^2+b^2=c^2
The Attempt at a Solution
Going off the Pythagorean Theorem, I can find...nothing, right now. I tried that, but realize I need to know two side lengths and I only know one. I'm also not sure what the problem is asking for. Is it asking only for the area of the triangle? I can attach the diagram if needed. I believe the 2.4 meter long side is adjacent to the hypotenuse, correct? I figure I need to find the other two sides, and the other angle. Let's try finding the other angle first. I looked at the sine formula. I can't use that right now since I don't know either side in the equation. I need to use an equation with the adjacent side, since I do know that. 35cosine=2.4m/hypotenuse ≈1.97 m
Could someone please tell me if that first step is right, and help me figure out the next step? It seems like if that was it, and then calculating the area of the triangle, it would just be too easy.
Thanks in advance!