High School Math : Finding Sides

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Finding Sides

Solve for .

(Figure not drawn to scale).

There is not enough information

Explanation:

The side-angle-side (SAS) postulate can be used to determine that the triangles are similar. Both triangles share the angle farthest to the right. In the smaller triangle, the upper edge has a length of , and in the larger triangle is has a length of . In the smaller triangle, the bottom edge has a length of , and in the larger triangle is has a length of . We can test for comparison.

The statement is true, so the triangles must be similar.

We can use this ratio to solve for the missing side length.

To simplify, we will only use the lower edge and left edge comparison.

Cross multiply.

Example Question #2 : Finding Sides

Solve for .

(Figure not drawn to scale).

Explanation:

We can solve using the trigonometric definition of tangent.

We are given the angle and the adjacent side.

We can find  with a calculator.

Example Question #17 : Triangles

If  equals  and  is , how long is

Not enough information to solve

Explanation:

This problem can be easily solved using trig identities.  We are given the hypotenuse  and .  We can then calculate side  using the .

Rearrange to solve for .

If you calculated the side to equal  then you utilized the  function rather than the .

Example Question #2 : Finding Sides

What is the length of CB?