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Basic Math/right triangle word problems

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Expert: Josh - 2/25/2009


Question
the legs of a right triangle measure 3 and 4. find to the nearest degree the measure of the smallest angle of this triangle

Answer
Hi Ann

Let me draw a diagram so that we understand each other perfectly.

A
|
|
|
B---------C

Assuming the lengths |AB|=3, |BC|=4, the smallest angle ^ACB (let's call this w) is given by tan(w)=|AB|/|BC|.

That is, w=inverse_tangent_of(3/4). Using a calculator, this gives 36.8699 (about 37 degrees).

Remember, the sum of all angles inside a triangle is 180. In this diagram, ^ABC=90, so
^BAC = 180-(^ABC+^ACB)
    = 180-(90+36.8699)
    = 53.1301 deg

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Josh

Expertise

When I work through problems, I like to emphasize concepts which I believe are worth noting. I will try to answer questions in the following areas, but not at the advanced level. Algebra. Sequences & Series. Trigonometry. Functions & Graphs. Coordinate Geometry. Quadratic Polynomials. Exponential & Logarithms. Basic Calculus. Probability, Permutation and Combination. Mathematical Induction. Complex numbers. Physics problems.

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I have worked as a teaching assistant in college. My hope is that more people will share knowledge without boundary, give help without seeking recognition or monetary rewards.

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Bachelor degree in Engineering Science

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