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  • May 15, 2012, 06:22 PM
    bdc641
    Trigonometry-ask questions
    A wooden plank is leaning against a wall. The bottom of the plank is 3 feet from the wall. Answer each of the following questions, and show your work.
    a) Find AC, the approximate length of the plank. Round to the nearest tenth of a foot.
    b) Find BC, the height off the ground where board touches the wall. Round to the nearest foot.

    The sketch is as follows: right angle; two 45 degree angles; AC is opposite the right angle (hypotenuse)

    Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
  • May 16, 2012, 03:20 PM
    georgec1960
    The trick is knowing the equation and a little algebra
    you have the adjacent side with the 3
    so cosine A = adj/ hyp
    Cosine of 45 degrees =.707 so .707= 3/hyp
    work some algebra magic and 3/.707= 4.24 that is the hyp
    you pretty much know that the opposite side is the same as the adjcent but lets play
    SinA= opp/hyp sine of 45degrees is .707
    so .707= opp/ 4.24 play with the ALGEBRA and answer is 3
    side A and side B are 3 and hyp is 4.24

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