If in oblique ΔABC side a=13 m, side b=6 m, and side c=9 m, then use the Law of Cosines to find the measure of ∠A .(1 point)

Responses

63 degrees
63 degrees

50 degrees
50 degrees

119 degrees
119 degrees

15 degrees
15 degrees

1 answer

To find the measure of angle \(A\) in triangle \(ABC\) using the Law of Cosines, we can use the following formula:

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

Given:

  • \(a = 13\) m
  • \(b = 6\) m
  • \(c = 9\) m

First, we will calculate \(b^2 + c^2 - a^2\):

\[ b^2 = 6^2 = 36 \] \[ c^2 = 9^2 = 81 \] \[ a^2 = 13^2 = 169 \]

Now substitute into the equation:

\[ b^2 + c^2 - a^2 = 36 + 81 - 169 = 117 - 169 = -52 \]

Now calculate \(2bc\):

\[ 2bc = 2 \times 6 \times 9 = 108 \]

Now plug these values into the Law of Cosines formula:

\[ \cos(A) = \frac{-52}{108} \]

Calculating this gives:

\[ \cos(A) = -\frac{52}{108} \approx -0.4815 \]

Now, to find \(A\), take the arccosine:

\[ A \approx \cos^{-1}(-0.4815) \]

Using a calculator:

\[ A \approx 118.93^\circ \]

Rounding to the nearest degree, we find:

\[ A \approx 119^\circ \]

Thus, the measure of \(\angle A\) is \(119\) degrees. The correct response is:

119 degrees