What is the Trigonometry Behind Finding x in Two Triangles?

In summary, the speaker is seeking help in finding a function for x as a function of R in a triangle with two known angles and a known side length. They have tried two different approaches, but have not been successful. They have also attempted to use the sine rule, but have not been able to find a solution.
  • #1
Jerry1989
4
0
Hi Guys,

This is my second post relating to my problem, But I've boiled it down to more simple trig.
sadly, I still can't figure it out. See the sketch below; what I want to obtain is x as a function of R.
the angle in red, θ is the same for the two corners.

What is known:
1) two corners are θ, so te third corner is π-2θ
2) the triangle is isosceles, so R=x+C (but mind you, R≠D)
What I want to obtain:
1) a function R(x)=... independent of θ.


left triangle: B=x tan θ
right: B=R sin (π-2θ) = R sin (2θ)
also known: C= R-x= -R cos (2θ)

However, when I try to substitute these two formulas, I do this:
x tan θ = R sin (2θ) → X = R * 2cost(t)^2
R-x= -R cos (2θ) → X = R (1+cos(2θ))

and these are the exact same formula :(


My other approach was this
C= R-x= -R cos (2θ) → θ = 0.5* arccos (X/R - 1)
then substituting this into the others
but also didn't quite work out.

can you guys help me out?

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=70550&d=1402581368
 
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  • #2
Find the third side using sine rule.
 
  • #3
Thanks, I tried that, however it didn't work out that well.
if D = X /cos (t)
and D = sin(2t)*(R/sin(t))
then the same relation X = 2Rcos(t)^2 pops out.
just like the other ones.

I can't get t (Theta) to 'drop out'
 
  • #4
That link doesn't work for me. I get a 404 error.
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
That link doesn't work for me. I get a 404 error.
I can see it.
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=70550&d=1402581368
 
Last edited:

1. What is the Pythagorean Theorem and how is it used in the Trigonometry of two triangles?

The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem is used in the Trigonometry of two triangles to find missing side lengths or angles in a right triangle.

2. What are the basic trigonometric ratios and how are they calculated?

The basic trigonometric ratios are sine, cosine, and tangent. These ratios are used to relate the side lengths of a right triangle to its angles. To calculate them, we use the following formulas:
sine = opposite/hypotenuse
cosine = adjacent/hypotenuse
tangent = opposite/adjacent

3. How do we use the Law of Sines in the Trigonometry of two triangles?

The Law of Sines states that in any triangle, the ratio of the length of a side to the sine of its opposite angle is constant. This law is useful in solving triangles that are not right triangles, as it allows us to find missing side lengths or angles using the known ratio.

4. How do we use the Law of Cosines in the Trigonometry of two triangles?

The Law of Cosines states that in a triangle, the square of the length of any side is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides minus twice the product of those two sides and the cosine of the angle between them. This law is useful in solving triangles when we know the lengths of all three sides or two sides and the included angle.

5. What is the difference between the sine rule and the cosine rule?

The sine rule is used to find the missing angles or sides in a triangle when we know the ratio of a side to the sine of its opposite angle. The cosine rule, on the other hand, is used to find the missing angles or sides when we know the lengths of all three sides or two sides and the included angle. The sine rule is based on the Law of Sines, while the cosine rule is based on the Law of Cosines.

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