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

28 degrees
28 degrees

24 degrees
24 degrees

19 degrees
19 degrees

133 degrees

1 answer

To find the measure of angle \( C \) in triangle \( ABC \) with sides \( a = 46 , \text{m} \), \( b = 30 , \text{m} \), and \( c = 20 , \text{m} \), we can use the Law of Cosines. The law states:

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

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

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

Calculating the squares:

\[ 400 = 2116 + 900 - 2760 \cos(C) \]

Combining terms:

\[ 400 = 3016 - 2760 \cos(C) \]

Rearranging gives:

\[ 2760 \cos(C) = 3016 - 400 \] \[ 2760 \cos(C) = 2616 \]

Now, dividing both sides by 2760:

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

Now, using the inverse cosine function to find angle \( C \):

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

Calculating that gives:

\[ C \approx 18.2 \text{ degrees} \]

Rounding to the nearest degree:

\[ C \approx 18 \text{ degrees} \]

However, that value is not one of the options provided. The closest available option is 19 degrees. Therefore, the measure of angle \( C \) to the nearest degree is:

19 degrees