Solving Spherical Geometry Homework: Area, Angles, Sides, Dual Triangle

In summary, the conversation discusses the properties of an equilateral triangle, including the fact that its area is equal to Pi/2. The magnitude of its angles can be found using the formula Pi/2 + Pi = 3(magnitude of angle), and the length of its sides can be found using the cosine formula with a=b=c. The area of its strict dual is also mentioned, but there is uncertainty about its calculation.
  • #1
Kate2010
146
0

Homework Statement



The area of an equilateral triable is Pi/2.

1) Find the magnitude of its angles
2) Find the length of its sides
3) Find the area of its strict dual

Homework Equations



Area + Pi = sum of 3 angles
cosa=cosbcosc + sinbsinccosu
cosu=cosvcosw + sinvsinwcosa for sides length a,b,c and opposite angles of magnitude u,v,w

The Attempt at a Solution



1) I used the formula involving area, so Pi/2 + Pi = 3(magnitude of angle) so the answer is Pi/2. Assuming equilateral means the same in spherical geometry?

2) I used the cos formula with a=b=c, and the angle is Pi/2, getting to cosa= 0, a=Pi/2, or cosa=1, a=0, so a=Pi/2.

3) Considering the dual triangle to the triangle with sides a, b, c. This dual triangle has sides
Pi − u, Pi − v, Pi − w. So we would get that the triangle has sides length Pi/2 again. So area Pi/2 again? I'm not very convinced about this.
 
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  • #2
Hi,
You mean area of a equilateral triangle is Pi/2, which means Pi/2=1.571 ?
Anyway for your 1st question you no need to know its area..Please see the properties of a equilateral triangle (all 3 sides are equal therefore all the 3 angles in a equilateral triangle are same) If you know it you can derive the value for the sides..(all sides are equal).
3rd question: i really don't understand sorry.
 
  • #3
pretty sure those answers are right
 

Related to Solving Spherical Geometry Homework: Area, Angles, Sides, Dual Triangle

1. What is spherical geometry?

Spherical geometry is a type of geometry that studies the properties of shapes on a spherical surface, such as a globe or a sphere. It is different from Euclidean geometry, which deals with shapes on a flat plane.

2. How do you calculate the area of a spherical shape?

To calculate the area of a spherical shape, you first need to find the radius of the sphere. Then, you can use the formula A = 4πr² to find the surface area. If the shape is not a perfect sphere, you can divide it into smaller spherical triangles and use the formula A = ∑(α+β+γ-π)r², where α, β, and γ are the angles of the triangle and r is the radius.

3. How do you find the angles of a spherical triangle?

To find the angles of a spherical triangle, you can use the law of cosines for spherical triangles, which states that cos α = cos β cos γ + sin β sin γ cos A. You can also use the law of sines for spherical triangles, which states that sin α / sin A = sin β / sin B = sin γ / sin C. Alternatively, you can use the formula A = ∑(α+β+γ-π)r² to find the angles, as mentioned in the previous question.

4. How do you find the sides of a spherical triangle?

To find the sides of a spherical triangle, you can use the law of cosines for spherical triangles, which states that cos A = cos B cos C + sin B sin C cos α. You can also use the law of sines for spherical triangles, which states that sin A / sin α = sin B / sin β = sin C / sin γ. Alternatively, you can use the formula A = ∑(α+β+γ-π)r² to find the sides, as mentioned in the previous question.

5. What is a dual triangle in spherical geometry?

A dual triangle in spherical geometry is a triangle that corresponds to another triangle on the opposite side of the sphere. It has the same angles but the sides are swapped, meaning the longest side of the original triangle becomes the shortest side in the dual triangle and vice versa. This concept is useful in solving problems involving spherical triangles, as it allows you to use the properties of both triangles to find the solution.

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