Chapter 7

Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors

Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the
Law of Sines
1. A:

B:
C:

D:

a sin A
=
can be rewritten as
b sin B
a
b
. This is a valid proportion.
=
sin A sin B
a
b
=
is a valid proportion.
sin A sin B
sin A
b
=
cannot be rewritten as
a
sin B
sin A
b
a
b
=
is not a
.
=
a
sin B
sin A sin B
valid proportion.
sin A sin B
=
is a valid proportion.
a
b

2. A: With two angles and the side included

between them, we could have
a
b
c
=
=
. If you know the
sin A sin B sin C
measure of angles A and B, you can
determine the measure of angle C. This
provides enough information to solve the
triangle.

B: With two angles and the side opposite one

of them, we could have
a
b
c
. If you know the
=
=
sin A sin B sin C
measure of angles A and B, you can
determine the measure of angle C. This
provides enough information to solve the
triangle.
C: With two sides and the angle included
between them, we could have
a
b
c
. This does not
=
=
sin A sin B sin C
provide enough information to solve the
triangle.

338

D: With three sides we have,

a
b
c
=
=
.
sin A sin B sin C
This does not provide enough information
to solve the triangle.
3. The measure of angle C is
180 (60 + 75) = 180 135 = 45.

2
a
c
a
=

sin A sin C
sin 60 sin 45
3
2
2 sin 60
2
=
a=
sin 45
2
2
3 2
= 2

= 3
2
2
4. The measure of angle B is
180 (45 + 105) = 180 150 = 30.

a
b
a
10
=

sin A sin B
sin 45 sin 30
2
10
10 sin 45
2
=
a=
1
sin 30
2
2 2
= 10
= 10 2
2 1
5. A = 37, B = 48, c = 18 m
C = 180 A B
C = 180 37 48 = 95
b
c
b
18
=

sin B sin C
sin 48 sin 95
18sin 48
13 m
b=
sin 95
a
c
a
18
=

sin A sin C
sin 37 sin 95
18sin 37
11 m
a=
sin 95

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Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the Law of Sines

339

6. B = 52, C = 29, a = 43 cm
A = 180 B C
A = 180 52 29 = 99
a
b
b
43
=

sin A sin B
sin 99 sin 52
43sin 52
34 cm
b=
sin 99
a
c
c
43
=

sin A sin C
sin 99 sin 29
43sin 29
21 cm
c=
sin 99

10. C = 74.08, B = 69.38, c = 45.38 m

A = 180 B C
A = 180 69.38 74.08 = 36.54
45.38
a
c
a
=

sin A sin C
sin 36.54 sin 74.08
45.38sin 36.54
a=
28.10 m
sin 74.08
b
c
b
45.38
=

sin B sin C
sin 69.38 sin 74.08
45.38sin 69.38
b=
44.17 m
sin 74.08

7. A = 27.2, C = 115.5, c = 76.0 ft

B = 180 A C
B = 180 27.2 115.5 = 37.3
a
c
a
76.0
=

sin A sin C
sin 27.2 sin115.5
76.0 sin 27.2
38.5 ft
a=
sin115.5
b
c
b
76.0
=

sin B sin C
sin 37.3 sin115.5
76.0 sin 37.3
51.0 ft
b=
sin115.5

11. A = 87.2, b = 75.9 yd, C = 74.3

B = 180 A C
B = 180 87.2 74.3 = 18.5
a
b
a
75.9
=

sin A sin B
sin 87.2 sin18.5
75.9 sin 87.2
a=
239 yd
sin18.5
b
c
c
75.9
=

sin B sin C
sin18.5 sin 74.3
75.9 sin 74.3
c=
230 yd
sin18.5

8. C = 124.1, B = 18.7, b = 94.6 m

A = 180 B C
A = 180 18.7 124.1 = 37.2
a
b
a
94.6
=

sin A sin B
sin 37.2 sin18.7
94.6 sin 37.2
178 m
a=
sin18.7
94.6
c
b
c
=

sin C sin B
sin124.1 sin18.7
94.6 sin124.1
c=
244 m
sin18.7
9. A = 68.41, B = 54.23, a = 12.75 ft
C = 180 A B
C = 180 68.41 54.23 = 57.36
a
b
b
12.75
=

sin A sin B
sin 68.41 sin 54.23
12.75 sin 54.23
b=
11.13 ft
sin 68.41
12.75
a
c
c
=

sin A sin C
sin 68.41 sin 57.36
12.75 sin 57.36
c=
11.55 ft
sin 68.41

12. B = 3840 , a = 19.7 cm, C = 9140

A = 180 B C
A = 180 3840 9140 = 4940
19.7
a
b
b
=

sin A sin B
sin 4940 sin 3840
19.7 sin 3840
b=
16.1 cm
sin 4940
19.7
c
a
c
=

sin C sin A
sin 9140 sin 4940
19.7 sin 9140
c=
25.8 cm
sin 4940
13. B = 20 50, AC = 132 ft, C = 10310
A = 180 B C
A = 180 20 50 10310 A = 56 00
132
AC
AB
AB
=

sin B sin C
sin 20 50 sin10310
132 sin10310
AB =
361 ft
sin 20 50
132
BC
AC
BC
=

sin A sin B
sin 56 00 sin 20 50
132 sin 56 00
BC =
308 ft
sin 20 50

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340

Chapter 7 Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors

14. A = 35.3, B = 52.8, AC = 675 ft

C = 180 A B
C = 180 35.3 52.8 = 91.9
675
BC
AC
BC
=

sin A sin B
sin 35.3 sin 52.8
675sin 35.3
490 ft
BC =
sin 52.8
AB
AC
AB
675
=

sin C sin B
sin 91.9 sin 52.8
675sin 91.9
AB =
847 ft
sin 52.8

18. A = 106.1, C = 50.15, c = 3726 yd

B = 180 A C
B = 180 106.1 50.15 = 23.75
a
c
a
3726
=

sin A sin C
sin106.1 sin 50.15
3726sin106.1
4663 yd
a=
sin 50.15
b
c
b
3726
=

sin B sin C
sin 23.75 sin 50.15
3726 sin 23.75
1955 yd
b=
sin 50.15

15. A = 39.70, C = 30.35, b = 39.74 m

B = 180 A C
B = 180 39.70 30.35
B = 109.95 110.0 (rounded)

19. A = 3954, a = 268.7 m, B = 4232

C = 180 A B
C = 180 3954 4232 = 9734
a
b
b
268.7
=

sin A sin B
sin 3954 sin 4232
268.7 sin 4232
283.2 m
b=
sin 3954
a
c
c
268.7
=

sin A sin C
sin 3954 sin 9754
268.7 sin 9754
415.2 m
c=
sin 3954

39.74
a
b
a
=

sin A sin B
sin 39.70 sin110.0
39.74sin 39.70
27.01 m
a=
sin110.0
39.74
b
c
c
=

sin B sin C
sin110.0 sin 30.35
39.74sin 30.35
21.37 m
c=
sin110.0
16. C = 71.83, B = 42.57, a = 2.614 cm
A = 180 B C
A = 180 42.57 71.83 = 65.60
2.614
b
a
b
=

sin B sin A
sin 42.57 sin 65.60
2.614 sin 42.57
b=
1.942 cm
sin 65.60
2.614
c
a
c
=

sin C sin A
sin 71.83 sin 65.60
2.614 sin 71.83
2.727 cm
c=
sin 65.60
17. B = 42.88, C = 102.40, b = 3974 ft
A = 180 B C
A = 180 42.88 102.40 = 34.72
3974
a
b
a
=

sin A sin B
sin 34.72 sin 42.88
3974 sin 34.72
a=
3326 ft
sin 42.88
3974
b
c
c
=

sin B sin C
sin 42.88 sin102.40
3974sin102.40
c=
5704 ft
sin 42.88

20. C = 7918, c = 39.81 mm, A = 3257

B = 180 A C
B = 180 3257 7918 = 6745
a
c
a
39.81
=

sin A sin C
sin 3257 sin 7918
39.81sin 3257
22.04 mm
a=
sin 7918
b
c
b
39.81
=

sin B sin C
sin 6745 sin 7918
39.81sin 6745
37.50 mm
b=
sin 7918
21. With three sides we have,
a
b
c
. This does not provide
=
=
sin A sin B sin C
enough information to solve the triangle.
Whenever you choose two out of the three
ratios to create a proportion, you are missing
two pieces of information.
22. Answers may vary. It is better to solve for c
using a and sin A rather than b and sin B
because a and sin A are given information
while b must be computed.
23. Answers may vary. This is true because we can
find the third angle if we know any two angles
in a triangle. Then we will have ASA.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the Law of Sines

24. No. If a is twice as long as b, then we have

2b
a
b
b
=

sin A sin B
sin A sin B
2b sin B = b sin A 2 sin B = sin A
Thus, sin A = 2sinB, but A is not necessarily
twice as large as B.
25. B = 11210; C = 15 20; BC = 354 m
A = 180 B C
A = 180 11210 15 20
= 17960 ' 12730 ' = 52 30
BC
AB
=
sin A sin C
AB
354
=
sin 52 30 sin15 20
354 sin15 20
118 m
AB =
sin 52 30

26. T = 3250; R = 102 20; TR = 582 yd

S = 180 32 50 102 20
= 179 60 13510 = 44 50

RS
TR
=
sin T sin S
RS
582
=
sin 32 50 sin 44 50
582 sin 32 50
448 yd
RS =
sin 44 50

341

27. Let d = the distance the ship traveled between

the two observations; L = the location of the
lighthouse.
L = 180 38.8 44.2 = 97.0
d
12.5
=
sin 97 sin 44.2
12.5sin 97
d=
17.8 km
sin 44.2

28. Let C = the transmitter. Since side AB is on an

east-west line, the angle between it and any
north-south line is 90.
A = 90 47.7 = 42.3
B = 302.5 270 = 32.5
C = 180 A B
= 180 42.3 32.5 = 105.2
AC
3.46
=
sin 32.5 sin105.2
3.46 sin 32.5
AC =
1.93 mi
sin105.2

29. Let x = the distance to the lighthouse at bearing

N 37 E; y = the distance to the lighthouse at
bearing N 25 E.
= 180 37 = 143
= 180 25 = 180 143 25 = 12

(continued on next page)

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342

Chapter 7 Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors

(continued)
x
2.5
2.5 sin 25
=
x=
5.1 mi
sin sin 25
sin12
2.5
2.5
y
y
=

sin sin
sin12 sin143
2.5sin143
7.2 mi
y=
sin12
30. Let M = Marks location; L = Lisas location;
T = the trees location; R = a point across the
river from Mark so that MR is the distance
across the river.
= 180 115.45 = 64.55
= 180 45.47 64.55 = 69.98
= = 64.55 (Alternate interior angles )

In triangle MTL,
MT
428.3
=
sin 45.47 sin 69.98
428.3sin 45.47
MT =
324.9645
sin 69.98
In right triangle MTR,
MR
MR
= sin
= sin 64.55
MT
324.9645
MR = 324.9645sin 64.55 293.4 m

AD
AD
sin 31 =

AB
0.94178636
AD = 0.94178636 sin 31 0.49
The balloon is 0.49 mi above the ground.

sin ABC =

32.

x
12.0
=
sin 54.8 sin 70.4
12.0 sin 54.8
x=
10.4 in.
sin 70.4

33. We cannot find directly because the length

of the side opposite angle is not given.
Redraw the triangle shown in the figure to the
right and label the third angle as .
sin
sin 38
=
1.6 + 2.7 1.6 + 3.6
sin sin 38
=
4.3
5.2
4.3sin 38
sin =
0.50910468
5.2
sin 1 (0.50910468) 31

Thus,
= 180 38 180 38 31 = 111
34. Label the centers of the atoms A, B, and C.
a = 2.0 + 3.0 = 5.0
c = 3.0 + 4.5 = 7.5

31. Let A = the location of the balloon;

B = the location of the farther town;
C = the location of the closer town.
Angle ABC = 31 and angle ACB = 35
because the angles of depression are alternate
interior angles with the angles of the triangle.

Angle BAC = 180 31 35 = 114

1.5
1.5
AB
AB
=

sin BAC sin ACB

sin114 sin 35
1.5sin 35
AB =
0.94178636
sin114

sin C sin A
sin C sin18
=

c
a
7.5
5
7.5sin18
sin C .46352549
sin C =
5
C sin 1 (.46352549) 28 and
B 180 18 28 = 134

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

(continued on next page)

Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the Law of Sines

343

(continued)
b
a
b
5
=

sin B sin A
sin134 sin18
5.0 sin134
b=
12
sin18
The distance between the centers of atoms A
and C is 12.
35. Angle C is equal to the difference between the
angles of elevation.
C = B A = 52.7430 52.6997 = 0.0433
The distance BC to the moon can be
determined using the law of sines.
BC
AB
=
sin A sin C
BC
398
=
sin 52.6997 sin 0.0433
398sin 52.6997
BC =
sin 0.0433
BC 418, 930 km

If one finds distance AC, then we have

AC
AB
=
sin B sin C
AC
398
=
sin (180 52.7430) sin 0.0433
AC
398
=
sin127.2570 sin 0.0433
398sin127.2570
AC =
sin 0.0433
419,171 km
In either case the distance is approximately
419,000 km compared to the actual value of
406,000 km.
36. We must find the length of CD.
mBAC = 35 30 = 5 and AB = 5000 ft.
Since triangle ABC is a right triangle,
5000
5000
cos 5 =
AC =
5019 ft
AC
cos 5

The angular coverage of the lens is 60, so

mCAD = 60 . From geometry,
mACB = 85 , mACD = 95 , and
mADC = 25 . We now know three angles
and one side in triangle ACD, so we can use
the law of sines to solve for CD.
CD
AC
CD
5019
=

sin 60 sin 25
sin 60 sin 25
5019 sin 60
10, 285 ft
CD =
sin 25
The photograph would cover a horizontal
distance of approximately 10,285 ft.
37.

We need to determine the length of CB, which

is the sum of CD and DB. Triangle ACE is
isosceles, so
180 86
mACE = mAEC =
= 47 . It
2
follows that mACD = 47 5 = 42 .
mCAD = mDAB = 43 because the
photograph was taken with no tilt and AD is
the bisector of CAB . The length of AD is
3500 ft, and
mABC = 180 (86 + 42) = 52 . Using the
law of sines, we have
3500 sin 43
3567.3 ft and
CD =
sin 42
3500 sin 43
3029.1 ft . Thus,
DB =
sin 52
CB = CD + DB 3567.3 + 3029.1
6596.4 6600 ft

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344

Chapter 7 Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors

38.

41. To find the area of the triangle, use A =

with b = 1 and h = 2. A =
Now use A =
and C = 45 .

We need to determine the length of CB, which

is the sum of CD and DB. Triangle ACE is
isosceles, so
180 72
= 54. It
mACE = mAEC =
2
follows that mACD = 54 5 = 49.
mCAD = mDAB = 36 because the
photograph was taken with no tilt and AD is
the bisector of CAB . The length of AD is
3500 ft, and
mABC = 180 (72 + 49) = 59. Using the
law of sines, we have
3500 sin 36
2725.9 ft and
CD =
sin 49
3500 sin 36
2400.1 ft . Thus,
DB =
sin 59
CB = CD + DB 2725.9 + 2400.1
5126 5100 ft
39. To find the area of the triangle, use A =

1
bh,
2

( )

1
3
with b = 1 and h = 3. A = (1) 3 =
2
2
1
Now use A = ab sin C , with a = 3, b = 1,
2
and C = 90 .
A=

1
2

( 3 ) (1) sin 90 = 12 ( 3 ) (1)(1) =

40. To find the area of the triangle, use A =

with b = 2 and h = 3. A =
Now use A =
and C = 60
A=

1
(2)
2

3
2
1
bh,
2

( 3) =

3.

1
ab sin C , with a = 2, b = 2,
2

3
1
1
(2)(2) sin 60 = (2)(2) = 3.
2
2
2

A=

1
(1)
2

1
bh,
2

( 2) =

2
2

1
ab sin C , with a = 2, b = 1,
2

2
1
1
2
(2)(1) sin 45 = (2)(1) =
2
2
2
2

42. To find the area of the triangle, use A =

with b = 2 and h = 1. A =

1
bh,
2

1
(2)(1) = 1 Now
2

1
ab sin C , with a = 2, b = 2, and
2
C = 45 .

use A =

A=

1
(2)
2

2
=1
2

( 2 ) sin 45 = 12 (2) ( 2 )

43. A = 42.5, b = 13.6 m, c = 10.1 m

Angle A is included between sides b and c.
Thus, we have
1
1
A = bc sin A = (13.6)(10.1) sin 42.5
2
2
46.4 m 2
44. C = 72.2, b = 43.8 ft, a = 35.1 ft
Angle C is included between sides a and b.
Thus, we have
1
1
A = ab sin C = (35.1)(43.8) sin 72.2
2
2
732 ft 2
45. B = 124.5, a = 30.4 cm, c = 28.4 cm
Angle B is included between sides a and c.
Thus, we have
1
1
A = ac sin B = (30.4)( 28.4) sin124.5
2
2
356 cm 2
46. C = 142.7, a = 21.9 km, b = 24.6 km
Angle C is included between sides a and b.
Thus, we have
1
1
A = ab sin C = ( 21.9)( 24.6) sin142.7
2
2
163 km 2

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Section 7.1 Oblique Triangles and the Law of Sines

47. A = 56.80, b = 32.67 in., c = 52.89 in.

Angle A is included between sides b and c.
Thus, we have
1
1
A = bc sin A = (32.67 )(52.89) sin 56.80
2
2
722.9 in.2
48. A = 34.97, b = 35.29 m, c = 28.67 m
Angle A is included between sides b and c.
Thus, we have
1
1
A = bc sin A = (35.29)( 28.67 ) sin 34.97
2
2
289.9 m 2
49. A = 30.50, b = 13.00 cm, C = 112.60
In order to use the area formula, we need to
find either a or c.
B = 180 A C
B = 180 30.50 112.60 = 36.90
Finding a:
13.00
a
b
a
=

sin A sin B
sin 30.5 sin 36.90
13.00 sin 30.5
a=
10.9890 cm
sin 36.90
1
A = ab sin C
2
1
= (10.9890 )(13.00) sin112.60
2
65.94 cm 2
Finding c:
13.00
b
c
c
=

sin B sin C
sin 36.9 sin112.6
13.00 sin112.6
c=
19.9889 cm
sin 36.9
1
1
A = bc sin A = (19.9889 )(13.00) sin 30.5
2
2
65.94 cm 2
50. A = 59.80, b = 15.00 cm, C = 53.10
In order to use the area formula, we need to
find either a or c.
B = 180 A C
B = 180 59.80 53.10 = 67.10
Finding a:
15.00
a
b
a
=

sin A sin B
sin 59.80 sin 67.10
15.00 sin 59.80
a=
14.0733cm
sin 67.10
1
A = ab sin C
2
1
= (14.0733 )(15.00) sin 53.10 84.41 m 2
2

345

Finding c:
15.00
b
c
c
=

sin B sin C
sin 67.10 sin 53.10
15.00 sin 53.10
c=
13.0216 m
sin 67.10
1
1
A = bc sin A = (13.0216 )(15.00) sin 59.8
2
2
84.41 m 2
1
ab sin C
2
1
= (16.1)(15.2) sin125 100 m 2
2

51. A =

52. A =

1
(52.1)(21.3) sin 42.2 373 m2
2

1
a
b
c
=
=
= 2r and r =
sin A sin B sin C
2
(since the diameter is 1), we have
a
b
c
1
=
=
= 2 =1
2
sin A sin B sin C

53. Since

Then, a = sin A, b = sin B, and c = sin C.

54. Answers will vary.

XZ is a diameter of the circle. Therefore,

angles ZWX and ZYX are right angles and
triangles ZWX and ZYX are right triangles.
Since XZ = 1, WZ = sin A, WX = cos A,
YZ = sin B, and YX = cos B.
Using the law of sines in triangle WXZ, we
WZ
XW
have
=
= 1. Now using the law of
sin A cos A
sines in triangle WYZ, we have
WY
= 1 WY = sin Z . Since angle Z is
sin D
supplementary to angle X, we have
WY = sin Z = sin (180 Z )
= sin X = sin ( A + B ) .
Ptolemys theorem states that
XZ WY = WZ XY + WX ZY . Substituting
gives sin ( A + B ) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B,
which is the formula for the sine of the sum of
two angles.

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346

Chapter 7 Applications of Trigonometry and Vectors

55. Since triangles ACD and BCD are right

x
and
triangles, we have tan =
d + BC
x
x
tan =
. Since tan =

BC
BC
x
BC =
, we can substitute into
tan

x
and solve for x.
d + BC
x
x
tan =
tan =

x
d + BC
d+
tan
x
sin
sin
=

x cos sin
cos
d+
sin
x sin
sin
=
cos d sin + x cos

tan =

sin (d sin + x cos ) = x sin (cos )

d sin sin + x sin cos = x cos sin
d sin sin = x cos sin x sin cos
= x (sin cos cos sin )
= x sin (a ) = x sin ( )

d sin sin = x sin ( )

d sin sin
=x
sin ( )

56. X =

(a h ) x

f sec y sin

,Y =

Coordinates of forest fire:

(a h ) x
X =
f sec y sin
(7400 690) 2.1
X =
6 sec 4.1 (2.4) sin 4.1
14, 091
=
6 sec 4.1 + 2.4 sin 4.1
2277.5 ft
(a h) y cos
Y=
f sec y sin
(7400 690) (2.4) cos 4.1
Y=
6 sec 4.1 ( 2.4) sin 4.1
16,104 cos 4.1
=
6 sec 4.1 + 2.4 sin 4.1
2596.2 ft
The coordinates of the forest fire are
(2277.5, 2596.2).
(b) The points needed to find the distance are
(1131.8, 4390.2) and (2277.5, 2596.2).
Using the distance formula

d=
d=
=

(a h) y cos

f sec y sin

(a) House: ( xH , yH ) = (0.9, 3.5) ; elevation

150 ft
Forest fire: ( xF , yF ) = (2.1, 2.4) ;
elevation 690 ft
a = 7400 ft; f = 6 in.; = 4.1
Coordinates of house:
(a h ) x
X =
f sec y sin
(7400 150) 0.9
X =
6sec 4.1 3.5sin 4.1
6525
=
1131.8 ft
6sec 4.1 3.5sin 4.1
(a h) y cos
Y=
f sec y sin
7400 150) 3.5 cos 4.1
(
Y=
6 sec 4.1 3.5sin 4.1
25, 375 cos 4.1
=
4390.2 ft
6 sec 4.1 3.5sin 4.1
The coordinates of the house are
(1131.8, 4390.2).

( x2 x1 )2 + ( y2 y1 )2 , we have
(2277.5 1131.8)2
2
+ ( 2596.2 4390.2)
2
1145.7 2 + ( 6986.4)

= 50,122, 413.45 7079.7 ft

The distance on the ground between the
house and the fire is about 7079.7 ft.

Section 7.2 The Ambiguous Case of the

Law of Sines
1. Having three angles will not yield a unique
triangle. The correct choice is A.
2. Having three angles will not yield a unique
triangle. So, choices A and C cannot be
correct. A triangle can be uniquely determined
by three sides, assuming that triangle exists. In
the case of choice B, no such triangle can be
created with lengths 3, 5, and 20. The correct
choice is D.
3. The vertical distance from the point (3, 4) to
the x-axis is 4.
(a) If h is more than 4, two triangles can be
drawn. But h must be less than 5 for both
triangles to be on the positive x-axis. So,
4 < h < 5.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.