Triangles with Specific Lengths and Angles

Date: 3/24/96 at 18:35:54
From: David Rider
Subject: I have a problem on a triangle

My base is 32 inches, my angle can not exceed 35 degrees.  
How long will my sides be and what is the inside angle?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dave Rider

Date: 3/31/96 at 5:2:33
From: Doctor Jodi
Subject: Re: I have a problem on a triangle

Hi there! Looks to me like a lot of different triangles will fit 
your rules.  To see this, I'd suggest doing the following:

Mark off 32 inches on a yardstick or with tape on the sidewalk 
or a floor. Use a protractor to draw an angle of 35 degrees from 
the end of your tape mark. Use two sticks (or two rulers, or 
whatever) to form triangles that go from one end of the tape mark 
to the other and which have an angle of 35 degrees or less.

I think you'll find quite a few triangles that will work.  Good luck 
and write back if you need any more help!

-Doctor Jodi,  The Math Forum