Use the right triangle and the given information to solve the triangle. a= 2, c = 3 find b, alpha and beta

Answer 1

Hi Elle B., I would be happy to answer your question. Since you were told this is a right triangle and given the length of 2 sides, you can use Pythagorean theorem, a² + b² = c² to solve for the missing side, b. Since you know the length of the hypotenuse, you can use your trigonometric functions to solve for the angles.

For example: Given a right triangle with sides a= 4 and c = 5; find side b and angle alpha.

a² + b² = c²

4² + b² = 5²

16 + b² = 25

b² = 25 -16 =9

b = 3

degree of angle alpha = sin^-1 (length of side opposite the angle/hypotenuse)

alpha = sin^-1 (4/5) = 53 degrees