In a 30,60,90 triangle
1: If b=12, find c
2: If b=3,find a
Letter a is on the 90° side, b is on the bottom near 60° and c is near 30°.
Could anyone explain how to do this? It's hard to understand from my textbook.
Make it a point to memorize the ratios of sides for a 30-60-90 triangle
The side opposite the 30° side is 1
the side opposite the 60° is √3
and the hypotenuse is 2
check: 1^2 + √3^2 = 2^2
so in yours:
the side opposite the 30° is c
the side opposite the 60° is b
and the hypotenuse is a
I would draw the 2 triangles side by side
For any two similar triangles corresponding sides are in the same ratio, so
1. b = 12
then c/1 = 12/√3
c = 12/√3 or 4√3 in case you want it rationalized
Do the 2nd in the same way
Btw, you should also memorize the 45-45-90 triangle with sides 1 : 1 : √2