Question

What is sinB ?

Express your answer as a fraction.

Answer 1

sin B = 8/17

Explanation:

sin B can be expressed as the opposite over the hypotenuse in a right triangle. But we don't know the opposite yet. We can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for it

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

15^2 +b^2 = 17^2

225+b^2 = 289

Subtract 225 on each side

225-225 +b^2 = 289-225

b^2 = 64

Take the square root of each side

b=8

The opposite side is 8

sin B = opp/hyp

sin B = 8/17

Answer 2

sinB = 8/17

Explanation:

sinB = Opposite/Hypotenuse

Here we have to find the opposite side using the Pythagorean theorem.

AB^2 = AC^2 + BC^2

17^2 = AC^2 + 15^2

AC^2 = 17^2 - 15^2

AC^2 = 289-225

AC^2 = 64

Taking the square root on both sides, we get

AC = 8

Opposite side = 8

SinB = 8/17