Question

In ΔCDE, the measure of ∠E=90°, the measure of ∠D=50°, and DE = 8. 1 feet. Find the length of CD to the nearest tenth of a foot

Answer 1

12.6 ft

Explanation:

Trig functions relate the sides and angles in a right triangle. Here, we're given an angle and an adjacent side, and we're asked to find the hypotenuse. The relevant trig relation is ...

Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse

cos(50°) = DE/CD = (8.1 ft)/CD

Solving for CD, we find ...

CD = (8.1 ft)/cos(50°) ≈ 12.601 ft

The length of CD is about 12.6 feet.