Question

Could someone please guide me towards solving side x I know I have to use trig but I'm completely lost

Answer 1

x = 33.13 units

Explanation:

Let the altitude of the triangle be h units.

`\sin 65 \degree = (h)/(31) \\ \\ 0.906307787 = (h)/(31) \\ \\ h = 0.906307787 * 31 \\ \\ h = 28.0955414 \\ \\ \cos \: 32 \degree = (h)/(x) \\ \\ 0.8480480962 = (28.0955414)/(x) \\ \\ x = (28.0955414)/(0.8480480962) \\ \\ x = 33.1296556 \\ \\ x \approx 33.13 \: units`

Answer 2

• x = 23.7926

Explanation:

Step 1

Find the length of vertical line segment, lets call it h. Use function cos

• h/31 = cos 66°
• h = 31 * cos 66° = 31*0.4067 = 12.6077

Step 2

Find x using another function, sin

• h/x = sin 32°
• x = h / sin 32°
• x = 12.6077 / 0.5299
• x = 23.7926