Math Problem Statement

Determine the length of the indicated side of the right triangle. Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary. Given a right triangle with an angle of 46° and an adjacent side of 19 units, find the hypotenuse.

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to find the length of the side xx in a right triangle where we are given the length of the adjacent side (19 units) and the angle 4646^\circ.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Identify the trigonometric relationship: Since we know the angle and the adjacent side, and we're trying to find the hypotenuse (xx), we use the cosine function: cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

  2. Set up the equation: Plugging in the values: cos(46)=19x\cos(46^\circ) = \frac{19}{x}

  3. Solve for xx: Rearrange to isolate xx: x=19cos(46)x = \frac{19}{\cos(46^\circ)}

  4. Calculate xx: Using a calculator to find cos(46)0.6946\cos(46^\circ) \approx 0.6946: x=190.694627.4x = \frac{19}{0.6946} \approx 27.4

Answer

The length of the missing side xx is approximately 27.4 units.

Would you like a more detailed breakdown or have any other questions?


Here are five related questions you could explore:

  1. How would the calculation change if the angle was 30 degrees instead of 46 degrees?
  2. What is the value of the opposite side if we know the hypotenuse?
  3. How can we find the angle if we only know two sides of the triangle?
  4. What trigonometric function would we use if we knew the opposite side and wanted to find the hypotenuse?
  5. How would this solution change if we were given the opposite side instead of the adjacent side?

Tip: Always double-check your calculator is in the correct mode (degrees vs. radians) when working with angles!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles

Formulas

cosine function: cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse

Theorems

Trigonometric ratios in right triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10