Convert angle A from degrees and minutes to decimal degrees: A = 80° 40' = 80 + 40/60 degrees.
Use the Law of Cosines to find side a: \( a^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc \cdot \cos(A) \).
Substitute the known values into the Law of Cosines: \( a^2 = 143^2 + 89.6^2 - 2 \cdot 143 \cdot 89.6 \cdot \cos(80.6667°) \).
Solve for \( a \) by taking the square root of the result from the previous step.
Use the Law of Sines to find angle B: \( \frac{\sin(B)}{b} = \frac{\sin(A)}{a} \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Law of Sines
The Law of Sines states that the ratio of the length of a side of a triangle to the sine of its opposite angle is constant for all three sides. This relationship is crucial for solving triangles when given two angles and one side or two sides and a non-included angle. It allows for the calculation of unknown angles or sides, making it a fundamental tool in trigonometry.
In trigonometry, angles can be expressed in degrees or radians. Understanding how to convert between these two units is essential, especially when dealing with angles in problems. For instance, 80° 40' can be converted to decimal degrees or radians to facilitate calculations, ensuring accuracy in solving triangles.
Triangles have specific properties that govern their angles and sides, such as the sum of the interior angles always equaling 180°. Recognizing these properties is vital when solving triangles, as they help determine the relationships between the known and unknown elements. This understanding aids in applying the Law of Sines or the Law of Cosines effectively.