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 answer

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

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

Where:

  • \( a = 46 \) m
  • \( b = 30 \) m
  • \( c = 20 \) m
  • \( C \) is the angle opposite side \( c \).

First, we rearrange the formula to solve for \( \cos(C) \):

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

Now, we substitute the given values into the formula:

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

Now, plug these into the formula for \( \cos(C) \):

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

Calculating the numerator:

\[ 2116 + 900 - 400 = 2616 \]

Calculating the denominator:

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

Now, we find \( \cos(C) \):

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

Now, we simplify:

\[ \cos(C) \approx 0.948 \]

Now we find angle \( C \) by taking the inverse cosine:

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

Using a calculator:

\[ C \approx 18.19^\circ \]

Rounding to the nearest degree:

\[ C \approx 18^\circ \]

Thus, the measure of \( \angle C \) is approximately \( \boxed{18}^\circ \).