Web Activities

CHAPTER 6 EXTENDING SKILLS WITH TRIGONOMETRY

The Scenario

The vast three-sided segment of the Atlantic Ocean bordered by Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Miami, Florida did not receive its famous nickname, "The Bermuda Triangle" until 1964. However, reports of disappearing ships and aircraft in this region have been recorded for centuries. What is the area of this region of the Atlantic Ocean?

Investigating The Triangle

1. The cities of Miami, Florida; Hamilton, Bermuda; and San Juan, Peurto Rico can be considered the vertices of the triangle. Using an atlas and a scale map of the region measure and determine the distance, in kilometres, between these three locations.
   
   
2. Verify your measurements. Use the Internet to determine and record the latitude and longitude of these locations. Using these values and a distance calculator, determine the dimensions of the Bermuda Triangle.
   
   
3. Using the information that you found, determine:
   1. the measures of each angle, to the nearest tenth of a degree, found in the Bermuda Triangle.
   2. the area of the Bermuda Triangle.
      

Your Job

Create a report that includes the following items:

• the approximate dimensions of the Bermuda Triangle found from the scale map.
• the latitude and longitude of each of the vertices of the Bermuda Triangle.
• the actual dimensions of the triangle (lengths and angles)
• the area of the triangle.
• all calculations used.
• the distance and bearing(s) for the most direct route a Trans-Atlantic cruise ship can take sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Miami, Florida.
• the distance and bearing(s) for a route that a Trans-Atlantic cruise ship can take sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Miami, Florida which avoids passage through the Bermuda Triangle.
• a discussion around the question " Does the Bermuda Triangle really exist?" and possible explanations for the phenomena observed in this region of the Atlantic Ocean.
  

You must write a report of at least 500 words (approximately two double spaced pages). You will be assessed on how well the report addresses the criteria mentioned above.