SOLUTION: This is in my summer review packet and i have forgotton how to solve it. if you could help me out that would be greatly apreciated. thanks a lot! the short leg of a 30-60-90 tr

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Triangles -> SOLUTION: This is in my summer review packet and i have forgotton how to solve it. if you could help me out that would be greatly apreciated. thanks a lot! the short leg of a 30-60-90 tr      Log On

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Question 49555: This is in my summer review packet and i have forgotton how to solve it. if you could help me out that would be greatly apreciated. thanks a lot!
the short leg of a 30-60-90 triangle is 3 inches. Find the measures of the other two sides.
Answer by gsmani_iyer(178) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

To solve this problem, you must know a theorem, statement of which given below:-
"If the angles of a triangle are 30, 60 and 90 degrees, then the side opposite to 30 degrees is 1/2 of the hypotenuse and the side opposite to 60 degrees is sqrt%283%29%2F2times the hypotenuse."

The smallest side is always opposite to the smallest angle of the triangle.

The smallest side is = 3 inches
So the hypotenue = 3*2 = 6 in.
the side opp. to 60 degrees = sqrt%283%29%2F2 times the hypotenuse.
So the side opp. to 60 degrees = sqrt%283%29%2F2*6
= 3sqrt%283%29inches.
I hope this is clear to you.
gsm