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If cosA=4/5 and cosB=3/5 then find a,b,c

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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
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