Question

Can anyone help me on this? http://i.imgur.com/nYIQ3.png

Answer 1

What is the basic geometric formula for the area of a triangle?

Answer 2

Base times Height Divided by 2.

Answer 3

What is b*sin(A) in Case I, and a*sin(B) in Case II?

Answer 4

Would it be a good idea to plug in numbers that I don't know?

Answer 5

Not generally.. If you mean to test the equations with arbitrary numbers, that might help, but consider this.

Answer 6

The area of that triangle is 0.5*b*h.

Answer 7

The height, h = c*sin(A), so the area is 0.5*b*c*sin(A).
Make sense so far?

Answer 8

My Teacher taught me SOHCAHTOA. Sin= opposite/hypotenuse.....Cosine= Adjacent/hypotenuse....Tangent= Opposite/Adjacent....... So I would think sin(A)=h/c. That correct?

Answer 9

Yes. sin(A) = h/c, therefore, h=c*sin(A).
You use the sine to find the height of the triangle, h. then you use whatever you're calling the base, b in the formula A=0.5*b*h

Answer 10

Okay, I get some of it now. Which problem is this pertaining to, A. B. or C.?

Answer 11

All of it. It is the underlying theory that makes it all work.

Answer 12

I don't get if it's asking for exact answers or general answer forms?

Answer 13

(a) and (b) are general using the theorems I just talked about.
(c) applies the theorem with particular numbers.

Answer 14

Okay I get it now. Thank you :)