Trigonometry (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321671775
ISBN 13: 978-0-32167-177-6

Chapter 7 - Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors - Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the Law of Sines - 7.1 Exercises - Page 299: 55

Answer

$x = \frac{d~sin~\alpha~sin~\beta}{sin~(\beta-\alpha)}$

Work Step by Step

The angle at $B$ in the triangle ABD is $180^{\circ}-\beta$. We can find the angle $D$ in the triangle ABD. $\alpha+(180^{\circ}-\beta)+D = 180^{\circ}$ $D = 180^{\circ}-\alpha-(180^{\circ}-\beta)$ $D = \beta-\alpha$ We can find an expression for the side $c$ which is opposite the angle $\alpha$: $\frac{c}{sin~\alpha} = \frac{d}{sin~D}$ $c = \frac{d~sin~\alpha}{sin~(\beta-\alpha)}$ We can find an expression for $x$: $\frac{x}{sin~\beta} = \frac{c}{sin~90^{\circ}}$ $x = \frac{c~sin~\beta}{1}$ $x = \frac{d~sin~\alpha~sin~\beta}{sin~(\beta-\alpha)}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.