Math Problem Statement

Find the size of angle XYZ. Triangle XYZ with side XY = 4 cm, XZ = 13 cm, right angle at X.

Solution

To find the size of angle XYZ\angle XYZ in the right-angled triangle, we can use trigonometry. Specifically, we will use the tangent function, since we have the lengths of the opposite and adjacent sides relative to angle XYZ\angle XYZ.

Step-by-step:

  1. We are given:

    • The length of the opposite side (XY) = 4 cm
    • The length of the adjacent side (XZ) = 13 cm
  2. The tangent of an angle in a right-angled triangle is given by: tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} Substituting the values for XYZ\angle XYZ: tan(XYZ)=413\tan(\angle XYZ) = \frac{4}{13}

  3. To find XYZ\angle XYZ, take the arctangent (inverse tangent) of 413\frac{4}{13}: XYZ=tan1(413)\angle XYZ = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{4}{13}\right)

Let me calculate that.The size of angle XYZ\angle XYZ is 17.117.1^\circ, rounded to one decimal place.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would you calculate the other angles in the triangle?
  2. What trigonometric function could be used if you were given the hypotenuse instead of the adjacent side?
  3. Can you find the length of the hypotenuse using Pythagoras' theorem?
  4. How can the sine function be used to calculate XYZ\angle XYZ?
  5. What would the value of XYZ\angle XYZ be if the opposite side were 5 cm instead of 4 cm?

Tip: Always ensure your calculator is set to degrees, not radians, when working with angles in degrees.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-angled triangles

Formulas

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

Theorems

Pythagoras' theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10