Question

A ramp has a height of 5.8 feet and an angle of 80°.

What is the length of the ramp, y to the nearest tenth of a foot?

Answer 1

y ≈ 33.4 ft

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

• Equality Properties

Trigonometry

• [Right Triangles Only] cos∅ = adjacent over hypotenuse

Explanation:

Step 1: Define

We are given a right triangle. We can use trig to find the missing length.

Step 2: Identify Variables

POV from angle measure

Angle = 80°

Adjacent = 5.8

Hypotenuse = y

Step 3: Solve for y

1. Substitute [cosine]: cos80° = 5.8/y
2. Multiply y on both sides: ycos80° = 5.8
3. Isolate y: y = 5.8/cos80°
4. Evaluate: y = 33.4009
5. Round: y ≈ 33.4 ft