Math Problem Statement

What is the size of angle θ in a right triangle with opposite side of 10 cm and adjacent side of 12 cm?

Solution

The given triangle is a right-angled triangle, where:

  • One side (opposite to the angle θ\theta) is 10 cm,
  • The other side (adjacent to θ\theta) is 12 cm.

We can use trigonometric functions to calculate the size of θ\theta. Specifically, the tangent function relates the opposite and adjacent sides:

tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent=1012=56\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{10}{12} = \frac{5}{6}

To find θ\theta, take the inverse tangent (arctan or tan1\tan^{-1}):

θ=tan1(56)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{5}{6}\right)

I'll calculate this next.

θtan1(0.8333)39.81\theta \approx \tan^{-1}(0.8333) \approx 39.81^\circ

Thus, the size of angle θ\theta is approximately 39.81°.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 relative questions based on this:

  1. How would you calculate the hypotenuse in this right triangle?
  2. What trigonometric function could you use to find angle θ\theta using the hypotenuse?
  3. How would you calculate the remaining angle in the triangle?
  4. What are the key differences between sine, cosine, and tangent functions in right triangles?
  5. How would the value of θ\theta change if the adjacent side were shorter?

Tip: Always remember that in right-angled triangles, the tangent function helps to relate the opposite and adjacent sides directly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-Angled Triangles
Tangent Function

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
θ = arctan(opposite / adjacent)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem (if calculating the hypotenuse)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10