Math Problem Statement

For the right triangle with a = 18, b = 25, and angle∠ C=90degrees° determine the following.

Round to two decimal places.

sec A =?

Solution

In a right triangle, the secant (sec) of an angle is the reciprocal of the cosine (cos) of that angle. This means:

secA=1cosA\sec A = \frac{1}{\cos A}

To find cosA\cos A, we use the formula:

cosA=adjacenthypotenuse\cos A = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

Here, a=18a = 18 (adjacent to angle AA), b=25b = 25 (opposite to angle AA), and C=90\angle C = 90^\circ, which means we need to find the hypotenuse cc.

Using the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse cc:

c=a2+b2=182+252=324+625=94930.80c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} = \sqrt{18^2 + 25^2} = \sqrt{324 + 625} = \sqrt{949} \approx 30.80

Now, we can find cosA\cos A:

cosA=ac=1830.800.5844\cos A = \frac{a}{c} = \frac{18}{30.80} \approx 0.5844

Finally, the secant of angle AA is:

secA=1cosA=10.58441.71\sec A = \frac{1}{\cos A} = \frac{1}{0.5844} \approx 1.71

So, secA1.71\sec A \approx 1.71.

Would you like any further details?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you calculate sine for angle AA?
  2. What is the value of tanA\tan A for this triangle?
  3. Can you find secB\sec B using similar steps?
  4. What is the formula for finding the hypotenuse in a right triangle?
  5. How does secant relate to other trigonometric functions?

Tip: Always ensure to use the Pythagorean theorem when missing the hypotenuse in right triangles!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle

Formulas

sec A = 1 / cos A
cos A = adjacent / hypotenuse
Pythagorean theorem: c = √(a^2 + b^2)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11