For ΔABC , find the measure of ∠C to the nearest degree when side a=46 m, side b=30 m, and side c=20 m. (1 point)

Responses

19 degrees
19 degrees

133 degrees
133 degrees

24 degrees
24 degrees

28 degrees
28 degrees

1 answer

To find the angle \( \angle C \) in triangle \( ABC \) given sides \( a = 46 \) m, \( b = 30 \) m, and \( c = 20 \) m, we can use the Cosine Rule, which states:

\[ \cos(C) = \frac{a^2 + b^2 - c^2}{2ab} \]

Substituting the values of the sides into the formula:

\[ a = 46, \quad b = 30, \quad c = 20 \]

Calculating \( a^2 \), \( b^2 \), and \( c^2 \):

\[ a^2 = 46^2 = 2116 \] \[ b^2 = 30^2 = 900 \] \[ c^2 = 20^2 = 400 \]

Now substituting these values into the cosine formula:

\[ \cos(C) = \frac{2116 + 900 - 400}{2 \times 46 \times 30} \] \[ = \frac{2616}{2760} \] \[ = 0.94886 \]

Next, we compute \( C \) by taking the arccosine of \( 0.94886 \):

\[ C = \cos^{-1}(0.94886) \]

Using a calculator to find \( C \):

\[ C \approx 18.9^\circ \]

Rounding to the nearest degree, we find \( C \approx 19^\circ \).

Thus, the measure of \( \angle C \) to the nearest degree is:

19 degrees.