# Math Help - Geometry question

1. ## Geometry question

HI,
I AM AFRAID THE ATTACHED QUESTION, WHICH I HOPE YOU CAN OPEN, HAS ME STUMPED A LITTLE.
I WOULD WELCOME ANY SUGGESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE AND HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND,
SHANE.

THE ANSWER TO PART (ii) OF THE QUESTION IS $\frac{a^2\sqrt{3}}{3}$

2. ## Re: Geometry question

A few tips for the future- do NOT use all caps- it makes it look like you are "yelling". As much as possible, type what your problem is- many people will not open attached files- there is always a danger of a computer virus. Finally, if this problem has stumped you "a little" then you must have tried something. Show what you have tried so we will know better what hints will help.

Now, as for this problem- you have two right triangles where the hypotenuse of one is a leg of the other. The result you want involves cosines of two of the angles. I would start by assigning labels to each side, write out the definition of "cosine" in terms of the sides and stare at them until inspiration hits.

3. ## Re: Geometry question

Hello Seanboy,
Do you know the properties of an isosceles right triangle and those of a 30-60 right triangle? You should and the answer is a one minute snap.

4. ## Re: Geometry question

Hello,
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Shane.

5. ## Re: Geometry question

Hello,
If we want to get pedantic, by "a little", I actually meant "a lot".
I feel like a schoolboy who has just been chastised by a teacher.
As I wipe the tears away, I would like to thank you for taking the time to reply.
THANK YOU,
Shane.

7. ## Re: Geometry question

Originally Posted by Seaniboy
Hello,
If we want to get pedantic, by "a little", I actually meant "a lot".
I feel like a schoolboy who has just been chastised by a teacher.
As I wipe the tears away, I would like to thank you for taking the time to reply.
THANK YOU,
Shane.
Oh, I got chastised by teachers a lot. I never "wiped the tears away", I just wiped the teacher away!

In any case, were you able to do this problem? (Before ibdutt gave you the answer.)

8. ## Re: Geometry question

Wipe the teacher away - It may be a while before I am up to that level.
Yes, I worked out the answer, thanks. I only got back to work out the question after I had received the three replies.
All very helpful and insightful. You kindly gave me the template and Ibdutt filled in the blanks.
As Bjhopper pointed out for the second part of the question, it is surprising how I let slip the qualities of 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 triangles.
Thanks once again for your help.

9. ## Re: Geometry question

Thanks so much for your reply and for working the problem out for me.

10. ## Re: Geometry question

Hello Shane,
I am sorry that my reply upset you. All I wanted to tell you and other parties is that solution of special rt triangles is easy if you know the rules.Using Pythagorean theorem or trig is not best.Following are my solutions to part 1 and 2.

Part 1 Label triangles as follows 45 deg tri a,a,c other rt tri c,d,b b is hypot and d is opposite angle y

c = a rad2 property of 45 deg rt tri