Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
7. Non-Right Triangles
Law of Sines
5:27 minutes
Problem 46
Textbook Question
In Exercises 45–46, find the area of the triangle with the given vertices. Round to the nearest square unit. (-2, -3), (-2, 2), (2, 1)
Verified step by step guidance
1
<Step 1: Identify the vertices of the triangle as points A(-2, -3), B(-2, 2), and C(2, 1).>
<Step 2: Use the formula for the area of a triangle given vertices (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x3, y3): Area = 0.5 * |x1(y2-y3) + x2(y3-y1) + x3(y1-y2)|.>
<Step 3: Substitute the coordinates of the vertices into the formula: Area = 0.5 * |-2(2-1) + (-2)(1+3) + 2(-3-2)|.>
<Step 4: Simplify the expression inside the absolute value: Area = 0.5 * |-2(1) + (-2)(4) + 2(-5)|.>
<Step 5: Calculate the absolute value and multiply by 0.5 to find the area, then round to the nearest square unit.>
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry involves the study of geometric figures using a coordinate system. In this context, the vertices of the triangle are given as points in a two-dimensional plane, represented by their (x, y) coordinates. Understanding how to plot these points and visualize the triangle they form is essential for calculating its area.
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Area of a Triangle
The area of a triangle can be calculated using various methods, one of which is the formula A = 1/2 * base * height. However, when given vertices in coordinate form, the area can also be determined using the determinant method, which involves the coordinates of the vertices. This method provides a straightforward way to compute the area without needing to find the base and height explicitly.
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Determinant Method for Area
The determinant method for finding the area of a triangle formed by three points (x1, y1), (x2, y2), and (x3, y3) is given by the formula A = 1/2 | x1(y2 - y3) + x2(y3 - y1) + x3(y1 - y2) |. This formula leverages the coordinates directly to compute the area, making it particularly useful in coordinate geometry problems where vertices are provided.
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