Trigonometric, is it possible?

GurraTedden · 2005-07-26 01:09:02

Hi, check this out:

http://engman.bravehost.com/mechanics/side.JPG

I've been sitting with it for 2 hours now, it just makes me crazy. I mean, it is
a possibility that the mechanical problem that this trig. is derived from is ment
to be solved in an other way, but i wouldn't bet my money on that.

mathsyperson · 2005-07-26 01:17:51

I'm probably reading your drawing wrong, but couldn't you use Pythagoras?

If so, x²=0.3²-0.2²
x²=0.05
x=√0.05≈0.223

GurraTedden · 2005-07-26 01:44:18

That's the problem, man! The answer should be 0.75, but I can't see it. I need to know if I can solve it,
or if I have to find another way of attacking the original problem. I would also like to read it like you did,
but unfortunately I have drawn it correct. The side 0.3 is not the hyp. of the little triangle. I have gone
forth and back on if there is some kind of connection between the ratios, or (what you call the relationship
between the sides that's not the hyp.)

mathsyperson · 2005-07-26 02:06:52

Well, if you don't have the hypotenuse, then it can't be solved as it is, because to use trigonometry you need 3 pieces of information and you've only got 1 side and 1 angle.
So, yes, you need to attack it another way. If you're still stuck then post the whole problem on here.

GurraTedden · 2005-07-26 03:19:34

But it's a mechanics problem.

MathsIsFun · 2005-07-26 09:40:37

The bigger triangle is a 3:4:5 triangle, but it could be sitting at any angle relative to the (0.2 and x) triangle, so x could be large or small.

Is it part of a wider problem? Perhaps there is a clue there.

Math Is Fun Forum

#1 2005-07-26 01:09:02

Trigonometric, is it possible?

#2 2005-07-26 01:17:51

Re: Trigonometric, is it possible?

#3 2005-07-26 01:44:18

Re: Trigonometric, is it possible?

#4 2005-07-26 02:06:52

Re: Trigonometric, is it possible?

#5 2005-07-26 03:19:34

Re: Trigonometric, is it possible?

#6 2005-07-26 09:40:37

Re: Trigonometric, is it possible?

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