Question

Solve the right triangle.
Round your answers to the nearest tenth.

Answer 1

• A = 40°
• a = 9.0
• b = 10.7

Explanation:

The mnemonic SOH CAH TOA is intended to remind you of the relevant trig relations:

Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse

Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse

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In this triangle this means ...

sin(50°) = b/14 ⇒ b = 14·sin(50°) ≈ 10.7

cos(50°) = a/14 ⇒ a = 14·cos(50°) ≈ 9.0

Of course, the other acute angle, A, is the complement of the given one:

A = 90° -50° = 40°

So you have ...

• A = 40°
• a = 9.0
• b = 10.7