Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th Edition

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

Chapter 6 - Section 6.2 - Trigonometry of Right Triangles - 6.2 Exercises - Page 488: 50

Answer

$5.8$

Work Step by Step

In the largest triangle, where 5 is the height of the triangle, not a side, the third angle (to the right of x) is $60^{o}$ (sum of angles $=180^{o}).$ In the smallest right triangle (bottom), x is opposite the right angle, so x is the hypotenuse, 5 is the leg opposite to the angle of $60^{o},$ so $\displaystyle \sin 60^{o}=\frac{5}{x}\ \Rightarrow\ x=\frac{5}{\sin 60^{o}}$ $ x\approx$5.7735026919$\approx 5.8$
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