Question

Use the triangle shown to answer the questions that follow.

15 m
X
32
a) Using the 32° as the reference angle, label the hypotenuse (h), adjacent (a) and opposite (0).
b) Which trig function (cos, sin, or tan) could be used to solve for x?
c) Solve for x.

Answer 1

Answer/Step-by-step explanation:

a. Given that 32° is the reference angle, thus:

Hypotenuse is the side opposite to the right angle

Opposite side is opposite to the defence angle = x

Adjacent side is adjacent to defence angle = 15 m

b. Recall SOHCAHTOA.

We know the length of the adjacent side. We are asked to find x, which is the opposite side. So, we are dealing with Opposite side and Adjacent side.

The trigonometric function we will use to find x would be TOA:

That is,

Tan θ = Opp/Adj

c. Applying TOA:

Tan θ = Opp/Adj

θ = 32°

Opp = x

Adj = 15 m

Plug in the values

Tan 32 = x/15

15 × Tan 32 = x

9.37304028 = x

x = 9.4 (nearest tenth)