Math Problem Statement

Find the angle ∠YXZ in the given triangle XYZ with XZ = 15 cm, WX = 8 cm, and ∠ZWY = 50°.

Solution

Let's analyze the given problem based on the uploaded image.

You have a triangle XYZ\triangle XYZ, with the following details:

  • XZ=15cmXZ = 15 \, \text{cm}
  • WX=8cmWX = 8 \, \text{cm} (marked as a perpendicular height from WW to XYXY)
  • ZWY=50\angle ZWY = 50^\circ
  • We need to find YXZ\angle YXZ, expressed to 1 decimal place.

This diagram involves two right-angled triangles: WXY\triangle WXY and XYZ\triangle XYZ. Let's proceed step by step.


Step 1: Use Right Triangle Properties in WXY\triangle WXY

  1. In WXY\triangle WXY, since WXWX is perpendicular to XYXY, we can use trigonometry.

    From the given:

    • WX=8cmWX = 8 \, \text{cm}
    • ZWY=50\angle ZWY = 50^\circ

    Use trigonometric ratios (tangent) to find side WZWZ: tan(50)=WXWZ\tan(50^\circ) = \frac{WX}{WZ} Rearranging: WZ=8tan(50)WZ = \frac{8}{\tan(50^\circ)} Using tan(50)1.1918\tan(50^\circ) \approx 1.1918: WZ81.19186.71cmWZ \approx \frac{8}{1.1918} \approx 6.71 \, \text{cm}


Step 2: Find YXZ\angle YXZ

Now, we need to calculate YXZ\angle YXZ (the angle at vertex XX).

Notice that we are working with two triangles— the larger triangle XYZ\triangle XYZ and the smaller right-angled triangle WXY\triangle WXY. Specifically, the angle at XX can be calculated using trigonometry in the right triangle XYZ\triangle XYZ.

We can define the correct cos.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-Angled Triangles

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
WZ = 8 / tan(50°)

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11