Math Problem Statement

Find the measure of the side of the right triangle whose length is designated by a lowercase letter b. The hypotenuse is 116 inches, and the angle adjacent to side b is 24°. Round the answer to the nearest whole number.

Solution

The given image shows a right triangle ABC\triangle ABC, where:

  • A=24\angle A = 24^\circ
  • AB=116\overline{AB} = 116 inches (the hypotenuse)
  • b\overline{b} represents the unknown side adjacent to A\angle A

We need to find the value of bb, which is the side adjacent to A\angle A.

To solve for bb, we can use the cosine function, since:

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

Here, θ=24\theta = 24^\circ, the adjacent side is bb, and the hypotenuse is 116 inches. Thus, the equation becomes:

cos(24)=b116\cos(24^\circ) = \frac{b}{116}

Solving for bb:

b=116×cos(24)b = 116 \times \cos(24^\circ)

Let me calculate that for you.The length of side bb (the side adjacent to the 24° angle) is approximately 106 inches.

Would you like any further details or explanations? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you use the sine function in similar problems?
  2. What if you needed to solve for the opposite side of the triangle?
  3. How can the Pythagorean Theorem verify your result?
  4. What are some practical uses of trigonometry in real-life scenarios?
  5. How does angle size affect the length of triangle sides?

Tip: Always ensure your calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians) when solving trigonometric problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles

Formulas

cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse
b = hypotenuse × cos(θ)

Theorems

Basic Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11