137k views
7 votes
If cosA=4/5 and cosB=3/5 then find a,b,c

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

a = 3, b = 4, c = 5

Explanation:

Assuming we're working with a right triangle, where c is the hypotenuse, then using the definition of the cosine being the adjacent side over the hypotenuse, then we know:

a = 3, because it is the side adjacent to B

b = 4, because it is the side adjacent to A

c = 5, because it is the denominator in bot fractions

This of course assumes that there is no additional ratio in place. For example, if the lengths were instead 8, 6 and 10 respectively, then the cosines given would still be 4/5 and 3/5. Truthfully these only tell relative sizes of the sides, and not their absolute sizes.

User Ivan Olshansky
by
5.7k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.