Question

Find the value of x. (Hint: Use a trigonometric ratio or what you know about the lengths of sides in special right triangles.)

Answer 1

Since all triangles have a sum of 180° and this is a right triangle with a 90 and a 45. The other angle must be 45. Since the side opposite the 45 is 9 units long, and the x is opposite the same angle it must also have a length of 9 units.

x=9

Answer 2

tan 45 = perpendicular/base

1= 9 / x

x= 9 units