Math Problem Statement

Work out the length f. Give your answer in centimetres to 1 d.p.

Solution

To solve for ff, we are working with a right-angled triangle where:

  • The given angle is 3434^\circ,
  • The adjacent side to the 3434^\circ angle is 22.7cm22.7 \, \text{cm},
  • ff is the hypotenuse of the triangle.

We use the cosine function in trigonometry:

cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse.\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}.

Here:

  • θ=34\theta = 34^\circ,
  • adjacent=22.7cm\text{adjacent} = 22.7 \, \text{cm},
  • hypotenuse=f\text{hypotenuse} = f.

Step 1: Substitute into the formula

cos(34)=22.7f.\cos(34^\circ) = \frac{22.7}{f}.

Step 2: Rearrange for ff

f=22.7cos(34).f = \frac{22.7}{\cos(34^\circ)}.

Step 3: Calculate cos(34)\cos(34^\circ)

Using a calculator: cos(34)0.8290.\cos(34^\circ) \approx 0.8290.

Step 4: Solve for ff

f=22.70.829027.4cm.f = \frac{22.7}{0.8290} \approx 27.4 \, \text{cm}.

Final Answer:

The length of ff is 27.4 cm (to 1 decimal place).


Would you like further explanations or verification steps? Here are some follow-up questions you might consider:

  1. How do you determine which trigonometric ratio to use in right-angled triangles?
  2. What is the significance of the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle?
  3. Can you solve for another side of this triangle using trigonometry?
  4. How does this solution change if the given angle is replaced with another?
  5. What are the sine and tangent values for 3434^\circ?

Tip: Always double-check if the triangle is right-angled before applying trigonometric ratios.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-angled triangles
Cosine ratio

Formulas

cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios in Right-Angled Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10