Math Problem Statement

What is the value of cos(θ) for a triangle with sides 4, 5, and 6?

Solution

The triangle in the image provided appears to be a right-angled triangle, with sides labeled as 4, 5, and 6 units. Given that we need to find cosθ\cos \theta, where θ\theta is the angle adjacent to the side of length 6, we will apply the cosine definition.

Step-by-step solution:

In a right triangle, cosine is defined as:

cosθ=adjacenthypotenuse\cos \theta = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

Here:

  • The side adjacent to θ\theta is the one labeled as 6 units.
  • The hypotenuse is the longest side, which is labeled as 5 units.

Therefore:

cosθ=65\cos \theta = \frac{6}{5}

However, this result is problematic because in a right triangle, the hypotenuse must be the largest side, which should be larger than both 4 and 6. Thus, it seems that the triangle may not be right-angled as drawn.

To clarify:

  • This triangle might not follow the Pythagorean theorem (as 5262+425^2 \neq 6^2 + 4^2).
  • It could be a more general triangle, in which case we would use the cosine rule to determine cosθ\cos \theta.

Would you like me to apply the cosine rule or clarify further?

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosine

Formulas

cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse

Theorems

Cosine rule
Pythagorean theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12