1. **Problem statement:** We are given a triangle PQR with sides $PQ=15$, $PR=9$, and the included angle $\angle P=136^\circ$. We need to find the length $p$ of the side opposite angle $P$.
2. **Formula used:** To find the side opposite a known angle in a triangle when two sides and the included angle are known, we use the Law of Cosines:
$$p^2 = PQ^2 + PR^2 - 2 \times PQ \times PR \times \cos(\angle P)$$
3. **Substitute the known values:**
$$p^2 = 15^2 + 9^2 - 2 \times 15 \times 9 \times \cos(136^\circ)$$
4. **Calculate each term:**
$$15^2 = 225$$
$$9^2 = 81$$
$$2 \times 15 \times 9 = 270$$
5. **Calculate $\cos(136^\circ)$:**
Since $136^\circ$ is in the second quadrant, $\cos(136^\circ)$ is negative.
Using a calculator:
$$\cos(136^\circ) \approx -0.7193$$
6. **Plug in the cosine value:**
$$p^2 = 225 + 81 - 270 \times (-0.7193)$$
$$p^2 = 306 + 194.211$$
$$p^2 = 500.211$$
7. **Find $p$ by taking the square root:**
$$p = \sqrt{500.211} \approx 22.4$$
**Final answer:**
$$p \approx 22.4$$
The length of side $p$ is approximately 22.4 units.
Law Cosines Side 19358A
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