Q:

Consider ABC with the measure of angle B equal to 60 degrees, and side lengths a=4 and c=5. Which option lists an expression that is equivalent to the length of side b?

Accepted Solution

A:
For this case we can use the law of cosine to determine the length of side b.
 We have then:
 b ^ 2 = a ^ 2 + c ^ 2 - 2 * a * c * cos (B)
 Substituting values we have:
 b ^ 2 = 4 ^ 2 + 5 ^ 2 - 2 * 4 * 5 * cos (60)
 Clearing b:
 b = root (4 ^ 2 + 5 ^ 2 - 2 * 4 * 5 * cos (60))
 Answer:
 an expression that is equivalent to the length of side b is:
 b = root (4 ^ 2 + 5 ^ 2 - 2 * 4 * 5 * cos (60))