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2004-10-12 7:01 PM

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Pro
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50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!

I'm having a little Math crisis and having the hardest time finding my answer anywhere on the web. I know one of you guys will think this is fun!

Ok, here' goes: we've got a isosceles triangle (no right angles) and we need to know the interior angles. SOHCAHTOA doesn't work because that's only for right triangles. I'm sure this is quite simple (I just KNOW I learned it in high school, but it's a use-it-or-lose-it kinda thing), but I'm dyin' here.

Ok, I'm going to go hide my face in shame, because I was supposed to be good at math! Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me a hand!



2004-10-12 7:07 PM
in reply to: #71766

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Regular
70
2525
Rockland county , New York
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
you need to use the law of sines a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC or the law of cosines depending on whats given -
yes I'm a high school math teacher
2004-10-12 7:11 PM
in reply to: #71766

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Regular
70
2525
Rockland county , New York
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
law of cosines is a^2 = b^2 +c^2 - 2bc cos A
use the 2nd or shift button to find the angle
2004-10-13 2:12 AM
in reply to: #71766

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Elite
3020
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Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
It depends on what is given. You have an Isosceles triangle, ABC with side AB congruent to side AC.

Because it's Isosceles, that means that the Base Angles are congruent. So,
Angle ABC = Angle ACB.
(Draw a picture cause anything involving shape is easier to understand with a visual.)

Because it's a triangle, you know that the total sum of all angles is 180 degrees.

Now:
Let m (a variable) be the measure of Angle ABC.
So:
m = Angle ABC
AND
m = Angle ACB because Angle ABC = Angle ACB (property of isosceles triangles)

Therefore:
Angle ABC + Angle ACB + Angle BAC = 180 degrees
Rewrite as:
m + m + Angle BAC = 180 degrees
Then:
2m + Angle BAC = 180 degrees.

This is as far as I can go without at least one more piece of information.

PS - The proper term is Geek. As in, "What a total math geek."
2004-10-13 4:17 AM
in reply to: #71766

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!

Hey Kim,

As Shelley said, you must have left out a some piece of info from your problem.  Since you mentioned wanting to use right triangles, I am going to guess that you know the height and base of the triangle.  You just need to realize that the isosceles triangle is two right triangles back to back. Then, you can apply the formula you have been using for angles but now with half the base of the isosceles triangle.

TW

2004-10-13 6:48 AM
in reply to: #71766

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Master
2233
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Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
Yep, you're going to have to know either one of the angles, or the length of the bottom and one side, or the length of the "bottom" and the height...

-Frank


2004-10-13 11:06 AM
in reply to: #71766

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Pro
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Helena, MT
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!

WOW! Thanks for your help, guys. You all really come through in a pinch! I figured it out last night. One not-right isosceles triangle equals two right triangles. Then I've got what I need.... Wish I could come up with these things when I'm not zoned on my couch with a beer in my hand.....

2004-10-13 11:50 AM
in reply to: #71766

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Extreme Veteran
572
5002525
Seattle, WA
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
I like how the first thing I clicked on BT this morning was a thread titled "Calling all engineering/math nerd types"...and was EXCITED by it!

My name is Jasmine, and I am a nerd!!!
2004-10-13 12:16 PM
in reply to: #71959

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Pro
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50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!

jasmine - 2004-10-13 9:50 AM I like how the first thing I clicked on BT this morning was a thread titled "Calling all engineering/math nerd types"...and was EXCITED by it! My name is Jasmine, and I am a nerd!!!

Why? Did you think I was handing out free pocket protectors?

LOL!

2004-10-13 1:34 PM
in reply to: #71959

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Elite
3020
20001000
Bay Area, CA
Subject: Jasmine
No Jasmine you are NOT a nerd.

As I said before, the proper term is GEEK!!!

You are a geek, not a nerd.
2004-10-13 1:50 PM
in reply to: #72023

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Extreme Veteran
572
5002525
Seattle, WA
Subject: RE: Jasmine
Oh yeah, Geek, sorry. Phew, I feel better about myself already!!! Thanks Shellee!! Kim, are you giving out pocket protectors?? Are they pink and scented?

Now, back to my code... :-)


2004-10-13 3:58 PM
in reply to: #71766

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Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
Um, I would prefer nerd... A geek is a circus sideshow person that eats live animals - usually small rodents, fish and insects - for the entertainment of others and gets paid for it...

-Frank
2004-10-13 4:57 PM
in reply to: #71766

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Extreme Veteran
572
5002525
Seattle, WA
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!
What, you don't like Rat? It's yummy. I often eat it while I'm coding and figuring out angles of isosceles triangles.

Ok, I grossed mySELF out.

Edited by jasmine 2004-10-13 4:59 PM
2004-10-13 5:01 PM
in reply to: #72091

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2004-10-13 7:22 PM
in reply to: #71766

Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: Calling all engineering/math nerd types!!!!!

Speaking of rats... About this time last year I was at the World Trade Center in NYC for the commisioning of the new 'temporary' PATH station (my employer is a subcontractor to GE) and what they say about the subway rats is true. It was later in the evening and getting dark outside. I step out of the electrical substation to make a few phone calls and I'm looking down at the tracks and see some garbage moving around... Yep, subway rats. As big as cats. Frightening indeed.


Yes, I do like vermin. It just seems cruel to not "kill it before you grill it." :P

-Frank
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