Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305071751
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-175-9

Chapter 6 - Review - Test - Page 532: 15

Answer

$x\approx 8.39$

Work Step by Step

First, one should find the length of the short leg of the biggest triangle (the one with the 28º angle). To do so, one should use the tangent function. The variable $a$ will be used to represent that leg: tan$(28º)=\frac{a}{50}$ $a=$tan$(28º) \cdot 50\approx 26.59$ Now, one should do the same with the smaller triangle. The variable $b$ will be used to represent the short leg: tan$(20º)=\frac{b}{50}$ $b=$tan$(20º) \cdot 50\approx 18.20$ $x$ will be the subtraction of $b$ from $a$: $x\approx26.59-18.20\approx 8.39$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.