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How would you set up this problem to find the height of the sail using reciprocal functions?

Please explain how you got your answer

How would you set up this problem to find the height of the sail using reciprocal-example-1
User Kubi
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I'm not sure I know what you mean, but I will answer trying to interpret it so it fits the description of the question.

Step One: Set up the equation. The normal way of solving this would be to use the Cos function.

Cos(theta) = Adjacent / hypotenuse = x/8 Multiply both sides by 8

8*cos(theta) = x Theta = 35

8*cos(35) = x This is about as simple a way as is possible.

6.553 = the height of the sale.

Step Three: try using the reciprocal

1 / cos(35)= hypotenuse / adjacent

1/0.8191 = 8/x cross multiply

x = 0.8191 * 8

x = 6.553

User Sunit Gautam
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