SOLUTION: here is the problem: a triangle has 2 sides of equal length (2700 miles) separated by 1 degree. what is the length of the 3rd side? How is this equation solved?

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: here is the problem: a triangle has 2 sides of equal length (2700 miles) separated by 1 degree. what is the length of the 3rd side? How is this equation solved?      Log On


   

Question 388789: here is the problem: a triangle has 2 sides of equal length (2700 miles) separated by 1 degree. what is the length of the 3rd side? How is this equation solved?
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, scott8148:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The altitude from the 1º gives 2 right triangles.
The 3rd side = 2*2700*sin(0.5º)
=~ 47.12 miles

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the bisector of the 1º angle forms two congruent right triangles with the 2700 mi as the hypotenuse

sin(0.5º) = (x / 2) / 2700

x = 5400 [sin(0.5º)]