Question

In a right triangle, if the hypotenuse is equal to 16 feet and the side adjacent to ∠θ is equal to 5 feet, what is the approximate measurement of ∠θ?

Answer 1

We have the diagram:

We use the trigonometric identity cosine:

`\cos\theta=(adjacent)/(hypotenuse)`

Substitute the values:

`\begin{gathered} \cos\theta=(5)/(16) \\ \theta=\cos^(-1)((5)/(16))=71.79 \end{gathered}`

Answer: 71.79°