The two triangles he drew and also the calculations he did are missing, so i have attached them.
Answer:
His calculations are not correct
Explanation:
From the attached image showing the triangle, we can see that for the smaller triangle with w, 5.5 and 45° angle, it is clear that;
Opposite side is 5.5
Adjacent side is w
And angle is 45°.
Hypotenuse is unknown
Thus, from trigonometric ratios;
Opposite/adjacent = tan (angle)
Thus;
5.5/w = tan 45°
In Skylar's calculation, he expressed it as; 5.5/w = sin 45°
Therefore, his calculation is wrong.
Secondly, for the bigger triangle, it is clear that;
Opposite side is 5.5
Adjacent side is w + x
And angle is 35°.
Hypotenuse is unknown
Thus;
5.5/(w + x) = tan 35°
Whereas,skylar expressed his own as;
5.5/(w + x) = sin 35°
Again his calculation is wrong.