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
2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles
Solving Right Triangles
7:22 minutes
Problem 11
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionIn Exercises 1–12, solve the right triangle shown in the figure. Round lengths to two decimal places and express angles to the nearest tenth of a degree. b = 2, c = 7
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b). This can be expressed as c² = a² + b². It is essential for finding the lengths of sides when two sides are known, as in this problem where one side is given as 2 and the hypotenuse as 7.
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Trigonometric Ratios
Trigonometric ratios relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. The primary ratios are sine (sin), cosine (cos), and tangent (tan). For a right triangle, sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse, cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse, and tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent. These ratios are crucial for calculating the angles of the triangle when the lengths of the sides are known.
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Angle Measurement
Angles in triangles are typically measured in degrees or radians. In this problem, angles need to be expressed to the nearest tenth of a degree. Understanding how to convert between radians and degrees, as well as how to use a calculator to find angles using trigonometric functions, is vital for solving the triangle accurately.
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