Solving 2 right angle triangles simultaneously in excel?

[mikeschn]

So I have a simple question today.

Let's say I have two right angle triangles, and I want to solve for the height and the hypotenuse of both triangles. I don't know enough about either triangle, but I know enough about both triangles. Is it possible to use excel to solve (maybe with goal seek) to solve these two triangles? Of course, Pythagoras's theorem would help!

Here's a picture to help clarify the question...

I am trying to solve for a, c and d.

And I know that a + d = 2.6
b=c-0.185
e=f-0.06
and lastly the hypotenuses are the same length: c=f

How do I do it?

Suggestions?

 

[Eric W]

This is not really an Excel problem, although it might be useful at some point. As you said, use the Pythagorean Theorem to add 2 more equations, a^2+b^2=c^2 and d^2+e^2=f^2. Now you have 6 equations and 6 unknowns, so it should be solvable. I'd suggest using the 4 existing equations and substitution to get 2 quadratic equations with 2 unknowns. Then simplify as much as possible. If you're lucky, you can solve one of them in terms of the other, and get an algebraic solution. If not, then you might end up using Goal Seek or Solver, but that looks like it might be tricky to set up. Anyway, that should get you started.