46 CHAPTER THREE

8'

25

Overhang 6'
11'

FIGURE 3.4 Tow truck for Example Problem 3.2.

2. Determine Horizontal Projection of Truck and Boom

The horizontal distance from the front end of the truck to the end of the boom is
6 ft + 7.25 ft = 13.25 ft

3. Determine the Overhang

Because the overall length of the truck is 11 ft, the horizontal distance that the boom extends from the
truck is

13.25 ft - 11 ft = 2.25 ft

3.6.2 Oblique Triangle Problems involving the solution of a general triangle fall
into one of four cases:
In the previous discussion, the analysis was restricted to
right triangles. An approach to general, or oblique, triangles Case 1: Given one side (a) and two angles (∠A and ∠B).
is also important in the study of mechanisms. Figure 3.5 To solve a problem of this nature, equation (3.8) can be
shows a general triangle. Again, a, b, and c denote the length used to find the third angle:
of the sides and ∠A, ∠B, and ∠C represent the interior
angles. ∠C = 180° - ∠A - ∠B
For this general case, the basic trigonometric functions The law of sines can be rewritten to find the remaining
described in the previous section are not applicable. To ana- sides.
lyze the general triangle, the law of sines and the law of
sin∠B
cosines have been developed. b = ae f
The law of sines can be stated as sin ∠A
sin∠C
a
=
b
=
c
(3.6) c = ae f
sin∠A sin ∠B sin∠C sin∠A

The law of cosines can be stated as: Case 2: Given two sides (a and b) and the angle opposite to
one of the sides (∠A).
c 2 = a2 + b2 - 2ab cos ∠C (3.7)
To solve a Case 2 problem, the law of sines can be used
In addition, the sum of all interior angles in a general to find the second angle. Equation (3.6) is rewritten as
triangle must total 180°. Stated in terms of Figure 3.4 the
∠B = sin-1 e a b sin∠A f
b
equation would be
a
∠ A + ∠ B + ∠ C = 180° (3.8) Equation (3.8) can be used to find the third angle:

∠C = 180° - ∠A - ∠B
a C
B
b The law of cosines can be used to find the third side.
A
Equation (3.7) is rewritten as:
c

FIGURE 3.5 The oblique triangle. c = 3{a2 + b2 - 2ab cos ∠C}