Math Problem Statement

Given right triangle XYZ with angle Z = 90°, angle X = 60°, angle Y = 30°, and side XY = 4 units, what is the value of tan(Y)?

Solution

The image depicts a right triangle XYZXYZ, where angle ZZ is 9090^\circ, angle XX is 6060^\circ, and angle YY is 3030^\circ. Side XYXY is labeled as 4 units.

We are asked to find the value of tan(Y)\tan(Y), which is tan(30)\tan(30^\circ).

Step-by-step Solution:

For a right triangle: tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} For θ=30\theta = 30^\circ, the side opposite to YY is XZXZ, and the side adjacent to YY is YZYZ.

Using trigonometric ratios for a 30-60-90 triangle:

  • The side opposite 3030^\circ (side XZXZ) is half of the hypotenuse XYXY, so: XZ=XY2=42=2XZ = \frac{XY}{2} = \frac{4}{2} = 2
  • The side opposite 6060^\circ (side YZYZ) is 32\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} times the hypotenuse, so: YZ=32×4=23YZ = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \times 4 = 2\sqrt{3}

Now, we can compute tan(30)\tan(30^\circ): tan(30)=XZYZ=223=13\tan(30^\circ) = \frac{XZ}{YZ} = \frac{2}{2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} Rationalizing the denominator: 13=33\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

Thus, the value of tan(Y)\tan(Y) is 33\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}.

The correct answer is: 33\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} (second option).


Would you like more details on this, or have any questions? Here are five related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How do you calculate sine and cosine for a 30-degree angle?
  2. What are the properties of a 30-60-90 triangle?
  3. How do you rationalize denominators in trigonometry?
  4. What is the difference between sine, cosine, and tangent functions?
  5. How can you use trigonometry to find missing side lengths in a right triangle?

Tip: Memorizing the side ratios of a 30-60-90 triangle can simplify solving many trigonometric problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Tangent Function
Special Right Triangles

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
30-60-90 triangle side ratios

Theorems

Properties of 30-60-90 triangle

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12