Maths Alevel Mechanics, Cosine Rule, Bearings, Boats Journey Problem?

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James Harwood

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A boat sails at a speed of 11 knots due east. The current flows on a bearing of 210° at a speed of 6 knots. Find the resultant speed of the boat.

With the diagram one would use the cosine rule to work this out, so that's quite simple . .

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u94/joshmohoboob/mechanics.jpg

That's my diagram, but for some reason the book uses cos30 instead of cos60 like I would have. WHY?!?!?!?!

Please provide a solution - and an explanation (preferably with a description of a diagram or drawing one) that can explain to me why you use cos30 instead of cos60.

BEST ANSWER GETS 5 STARS.
The solution is 6.533 knots.
 
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