CPM Homework Help : CCG Problem 9-48

For each triangle below, solve for $x$ , if possible. If no solution is possible, explain why.

Hint (a):

Which law can you use to solve for $x$ ?

Step 1(a):

$180° = 80° + 27° + y$ , where $y$ is the unknown angle.

$y = 73°$

Step 2(a):

Use the Law of Sines to find the length of $x$ .

Step 3(a):

$\frac{\text{sin}80}{x}=\frac{\text{sin}73}{10}$

Answer (a):

$x ≈ 10.3$

Hint (b):

Which side is the longest side of this triangle?
Is that possible?

Hint (c):

Find the length of the whole base (including the dotted line). How can you use this to find $x$ ?

Answer (c):

$x ≈ 8.07$