Question

Solve for x. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary.

Answer 1

Answer: x = 16.2 units

Explanation:

We are given an angle (72°), the adjacent side (5), and the hypotenuse (x). We will use the cosine function to solve.

cos(θ) =
`(adjacent)/(hypotenuse )`

cos(72°) =
`(5)/(x )`

xcos(72°) = 5

x =
`(5)/(cos(72\°))`

x = 16.1803398 ≈ 16.2

Answer 2

x = 16.2

Explanation:

Using trig functions:

cos theta = adjacent side/ hypotenuse

cos 72 = 5/x

Solving for x

x = 5 /cos 72

x=16.18033

Rounding to the nearest tenth

x = 16.2