Math Problem Statement

Find the angle θ , in radians, in the given right triangle. The length of the side adjacent to θ is 16 and the length of the side opposite θ is 11.

Solution

To find the angle θ\theta in a right triangle when the lengths of the adjacent and opposite sides are given, we can use the tangent function from trigonometry. The tangent of an angle θ\theta is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side:

tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent=1116\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{11}{16}

Now, to find θ\theta, we take the inverse tangent (also called arctangent) of the ratio:

θ=tan1(1116)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{11}{16}\right)

Using a calculator to evaluate the inverse tangent:

θtan1(0.6875)0.608 radians\theta \approx \tan^{-1}(0.6875) \approx 0.608 \text{ radians}

Thus, the angle θ\theta is approximately 0.608 radians.

Would you like more details on how this calculation works or have any questions about trigonometric functions?

Additional questions:

  1. How does the inverse tangent function work?
  2. What are the other trigonometric functions (sine, cosine) and how do they relate to the sides of a right triangle?
  3. How can you convert an angle from radians to degrees?
  4. How do you find the hypotenuse of a right triangle given the opposite and adjacent sides?
  5. What is the significance of the tangent function in real-world applications?

Tip: Always ensure your calculator is set to radians (if you're working in radians) to avoid errors when performing inverse trigonometric functions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Tangent Function
Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
θ = tan⁻¹(opposite / adjacent)

Theorems

Tangent function theorem
Inverse tangent function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11