1. ## find distance

i have a triangular plot of land through which a stream runs. the point B is due east of A and AB is 50m long. the bearing of C from A 026 degrees and the bearing of C from B is 328 degrees. calculate the distances AC and BC.

could this problem be solved in a alternative way? if so, describe an alternative method.
thanks
jim

2. Originally Posted by jim49990
i have a triangular plot of land through which a stream runs. the point B is due east of A and AB is 50m long. the bearing of C from A 026 degrees and the bearing of C from B is 328 degrees. calculate the distances AC and BC.

could this problem be solved in a alternative way? if so, describe an alternative method.
thanks
jim
If "bearing" means what I think it means, the interior angle of the triangle at A is 26 degrees and the interior angle of the triangle at B is 32 degrees. Is that right? Edit: No! The angles are 64 degrees and 58 degrees. In that case, I suggest you draw a line from C to a point D on the AB line chosen so that AB and CD are perpendicular.

CD/DB=tan(32 degrees)

Solve this for CD and use that CD=BC sin(32 degrees) and CD=AC sin(26 degrees).

Alternative method? This is the only one I can think of right now.

3. ## i dont think that is right

i think the answer is 50m

4. Hello, Jim!

I hope you understand "bearings" . . .

I have a triangular plot of land through which a stream runs.
Point B is due east of A and AB is 50m long.
The bearing of C from A is 26° and the bearing of C from B is 328°.
Calculate the distances AC and BC.
Code:
                        C
*
*   *
:           *  58°  *   :
:        *           *  :
: 26° *               * :
:  * 64°           58° *:
A * - - - - - - - - - - - * B
50

Since $\angle A = 64^o$ and $\angle B = 58^o$, then: $\angle C = 58^o$

. . $\Delta ABC$ is isosceles: $AC = AB = 50$ m.

Law of Cosines: . $BC^2\:=\:50^2 + 50^2 - 2(50)(50)\cos64^o\:=\:2808.144266$

Therefore: . $BC \:=\:52.99192642\:\approx\:53$ m.

5. Apparently I got the angles of the triangle wrong. The method I suggested will get you the correct answer if you use the correct angles: 64 degrees and 58 degrees. So you can consider that the "alternative" method.

6. ## many thanks

thanks for that. the fact that there is a stream is irrelavant..
jim