Subject: Mathematics
Topic: Scale drawings, bearings and
trigonometry
Standard: X
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Area of a triangle
Area of triangle is given by the 1
following formula:
Area base perpendicular height
2
Above formula is applicable only when, if we know both the length of base and
perpendicular height.
But if we don’t have any these value, we can find area of triangle by trigonometry method.
Area of triangle by using trigonometry can be given by,
1
A b h
2
Where b stands for the base and h stands for the height
drawn to that base.
h 1
h a sin C Area
2
ab sin C
Also: sin C = a , Rearranging; Therefore;
1 1
We can use any side of triangle as the base Area bc sin A or Area ca sin B
2 2
and draw the perpendicular height accordingly.
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Example: Calculate the areas of shape given below.
Solution:
1 1
Area bc sinA 7 8 sin 70 A = 26.3 cm2 (to 1 dp)
2 2
Example: The diagram shows a triangle with area 40 cm 2.
Calculate the size of angle X.
Solution:
1 2 40
Area 10 20 sin X sin X
2 10 20
2 40
X sin 1 X = 23.6° (to 1 dp)
10 20
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Trigonometry in three dimensions
Trigonometry can be applied to solid, three-
dimensional shapes such as cuboids,
pyramids and triangular prisms.
When we are working with solids we need to
calculate the angle between a line and a
plane.
To find the angle between a line and a plane,
a perpendicular line is dropped from any
point on the line.
The point where this perpendicular meets the
plane is then joined to the point where the line
meets the plane.
This line is called the projection of the line CB is the projection of line AB on the
on the plane. plane.
The angle required is the angle between the The angle between line AB and plane p
projection and the line. is ABC
When solving a problem in three dimensions,
it is helpful to separate the information into
horizontal and vertical triangles.
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Key point: When solving problems involving trigonometry, try to follow a problem-
solving model.
Understand the problem.
Draw the diagram of the problem.
Plan a solution.
Execute the plan.
Interpret and evaluate the solution.
If both the sine law and cosine law can be used to solve a problem,
use the sine law, since it is the easier method.
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Example: The Great Pyramid in Egypt has a square base with sides of 250 m long.
The distance from the top of the pyramid to each corner of the base was originally 220 m.
Determine the angle each face makes with the base.
E
Solution: NOT TO
SCALE
Draw the diagram of the problem.
220 m D C
EGF is the angle each face makes with the base
of the pyramid, where G is the Midpoint of BC G
F
A
To determine this angle, two sides of ∆EFG must be 250 m B
determined.
Quadrilateral ABCD is a square.
The height of the pyramid, EF, occurs at the exact centre
of the base.
AB 250
Therefore, FG 125 m
2 2
In ∆EBG, EB = 220 m. Also, since G is the midpoint of BC, then,
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CAIE/X/2122 Scale drawings, Bearings and Trigonometry 7 of 8
Thank you
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