Math Problem Statement

In ΔXYZ, ∠Y = 90°, ∠X = 32°, ∠ZWY = 77°, and XW = 5.7. Find the length of ZY to the nearest hundredth.

Solution

Let us solve the problem step by step. Here's the setup based on the given information:

Problem:

In XYZ\triangle XYZ:

  • Y=90\angle Y = 90^\circ
  • X=32\angle X = 32^\circ
  • ZWY=77\angle ZWY = 77^\circ
  • XW=5.7XW = 5.7 (segment from XX to WW).

We are tasked with finding the length of ZYZY to the nearest hundredth.


Step 1: Recognize triangle relationships

From the given diagram, we observe:

  1. XYZ\triangle XYZ is a right triangle (Y=90\angle Y = 90^\circ).
  2. Using the angles: Z=9032=58\angle Z = 90^\circ - 32^\circ = 58^\circ because the sum of angles in any triangle is 180180^\circ.

Step 2: Use trigonometry to find ZWZW

ZWZW lies along the hypotenuse of right triangle XZW\triangle XZW, where:

  • ZWY=77\angle ZWY = 77^\circ,
  • XW=5.7XW = 5.7,
  • We use the sine rule in XZW\triangle XZW.

Using the sine definition: sin(77)=XWZW.\sin(77^\circ) = \frac{XW}{ZW}. Rearranging for ZWZW: ZW=XWsin(77)=5.7sin(77).ZW = \frac{XW}{\sin(77^\circ)} = \frac{5.7}{\sin(77^\circ)}. From a calculator: sin(77)0.97437.\sin(77^\circ) \approx 0.97437. Thus: ZW=5.70.974375.85.ZW = \frac{5.7}{0.97437} \approx 5.85.


Step 3: Use Pythagoras or trigonometry to find ZYZY

In XYZ\triangle XYZ, ZWZW is the hypotenuse. To find ZYZY, use the sine definition in XYZ\triangle XYZ: sin(32)=ZYZW.\sin(32^\circ) = \frac{ZY}{ZW}. Rearranging for ZYZY: ZY=ZWsin(32).ZY = ZW \cdot \sin(32^\circ). From a calculator: sin(32)0.52992.\sin(32^\circ) \approx 0.52992. Thus: ZY=5.850.529923.10.ZY = 5.85 \cdot 0.52992 \approx 3.10.


Final Answer:

The length of ZYZY is approximately 3.10 (to the nearest hundredth).


Would you like further details on any step, or have additional questions?
Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How can you use the cosine function to solve for ZXZX?
  2. What is the relationship between XZW\triangle XZW and XYZ\triangle XYZ?
  3. Why is it useful to know all the angles in XYZ\triangle XYZ?
  4. How would the solution change if XWXW were a different length?
  5. Can you solve for ZXZX using the tangent function?

Tip: Always double-check trigonometric calculations to ensure accuracy, especially with angle measures and rounding!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle Geometry
Angle Sum Property

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
Angle Sum Property: ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180°

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios
Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11