Question

Find the horizontal distance x the escalator covers. Round your answer to the nearest tenth

Answer 1

Step 1

Draw the diagram.

Hypotenuse = 26 side facing right angle.

Opposite =?

Adjacent = x

Step 2

Apply cosine formula

`\begin{gathered} \text{ }\theta\text{ = 41} \\ \cos \theta\text{ = }\frac{adjacent}{\text{hypotenuse}} \\ \cos 41\text{ = }(x)/(26) \\ 0.7547\text{ = }(x)/(26) \\ x\text{ = 0.7547 x 26} \\ x\text{ = 19.6 ft} \end{gathered}`