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

28 degrees
28 degrees

133 degrees
133 degrees

24 degrees

1 answer

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

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

Rearranging this to solve for \(\cos(C)\):

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

Substituting the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\):

\[ \cos(C) = \frac{46^2 + 30^2 - 20^2}{2 \cdot 46 \cdot 30} \]

Calculating the squares:

\[ 46^2 = 2116, \quad 30^2 = 900, \quad 20^2 = 400 \]

Now substituting these values:

\[ \cos(C) = \frac{2116 + 900 - 400}{2 \cdot 46 \cdot 30} \]

Calculating the numerator:

\[ 2116 + 900 - 400 = 2616 \]

Calculating the denominator:

\[ 2 \cdot 46 \cdot 30 = 2760 \]

Now compute \(\cos(C)\):

\[ \cos(C) = \frac{2616}{2760} \approx 0.948 \]

Now, finding \(C\):

\[ C = \cos^{-1}(0.948) \]

Calculating:

\[ C \approx 18.9^\circ \]

When rounded to the nearest degree, we find:

\[ C \approx 19^\circ \]

Thus, the measure of \(\angle C\) is 19 degrees.