Advanced Math/Triangle

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Expert: - 12/4/2009


Question

Triangle
In sailing, you can find the distance to any object on land (X) by:
1. measuring the angle created by your boats direction (from A to B in diagram) and the object (from A to X)
2. Track how far you travel until the angle doubles. The distance to the object will be equal to the distance your boat traveled.
Prove It.

Answer
Questioner: Dustin
Country: United States
Category: Advanced Math
Private: No
Subject: Triangle
Question:

TriangleIn sailing, you can find the distance to any object on land (X) by:
1. measuring the angle created by your boats direction (from A to B in diagram) and the object (from A to X)
2. Track how far you travel until the angle doubles. The distance to the object will be equal to the distance your boat traveled.
Prove It.  
.........................................
There are these two theorems which you will have studied in geometry:

1. If two angles of a triangle are equal, the sides opposite them are equal.
2. An exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the two OTHER interior angles. (the ones NOT adjacent to it.)

That should do it.

Paul Klarreich

Expertise

I can answer questions in basic to advanced algebra (theory of equations, complex numbers), precalculus (functions, graphs, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and identities), basic probability, and finite mathematics, including mathematical induction. I can also try (but not guarantee) to answer questions on Abstract Algebra -- groups, rings, etc. and Analysis -- sequences, limits, continuity. I won't understand specialized engineering or business jargon.

Experience

I taught at a two-year college for 25 years, including all subjects from algebra to third-semester calculus.

Education/Credentials
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