SOLUTION: We have a right triangle who's base is 14 feet. The right angle is (of course) 90 degrees, one angle is 78.75 degrees, and the third angle is 11.25 degrees. How can we find the me

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: We have a right triangle who's base is 14 feet. The right angle is (of course) 90 degrees, one angle is 78.75 degrees, and the third angle is 11.25 degrees. How can we find the me      Log On


   

Question 474538: We have a right triangle who's base is 14 feet. The right angle is (of course) 90 degrees, one angle is 78.75 degrees, and the third angle is 11.25 degrees. How can we find the measurements of the other two sides? OR Could you walk me through the solving of this problem (I need to help build an arch for a theatre production).
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the Law of Sines is probably your best bet
___ the sides of a triangle are in the same proportion as the sines of the angles opposite the sides
___ the bigger the angle, the bigger the side

use a calculator (there is one built into Windows)
___ make sure it is set to "Degree" mode (not Radians)
___ you will want the "sin" function key

divide the 14 by the sine of the angle opposite it
___ using this result, individually multiply the sines of the two remaining angles to find the two remaining sides