Precalculus : Solve a Right Triangle

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Precalculus

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Solving Right Triangles

Find the area of the given isosceles triangle:

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Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The first step is to divide this isosceles triangle into 2 right triangles, making it easier to solve:

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The equation for area is 

We already know the base, so we need to solve for height to get the area. 

Then we plug in all values for the equation:

Example Question #12 : Solving Right Triangles

Find the area of the given isosceles triangle:

Varsity log graph

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The first step toward finding the area is to divide this isosceles triangle into two right triangles:

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Trigonometric ratios can be used to find both the height and the base, which are needed to calculate area:

With both of those values calculated, we can now calculate the area of the triangle:

Example Question #13 : Solving Right Triangles

Pcq1

Solve the right triangle given that a=5, b=12, and A=22.620°

Possible Answers:

None of these answers are correct.

B=67.380°

C=90°

c=13

B=90°

C=67.380°

c=169

B=90°

C=67.380°

c=13

B=67.380°

C=90°

c=17

Correct answer:

B=67.380°

C=90°

c=13

Explanation:

Pcq1

C is given as 90°.

A is given as 22.620°

a is given as 5

b is given as 12

 

Therefore...

 

All angles of a triangle add up to equal 180°.

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