Math Problem Statement

Imagine a right-angled triangle. The hypotenuse is 80 (representing a distance or length). The angle opposite the side of length 'x' is 20°. 'x' represents the length of the side opposite the 20° angle.

Solution

To solve for the side xx of the right-angled triangle, we can use the sine function from trigonometry.

In a right-angled triangle, the sine of an angle is defined as:

sin(θ)=opposite sidehypotenuse\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite side}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

Here:

  • θ=20\theta = 20^\circ
  • The hypotenuse is 80.
  • The opposite side is xx.

Thus, the equation becomes:

sin(20)=x80\sin(20^\circ) = \frac{x}{80}

To find xx, multiply both sides by 80:

x=80×sin(20)x = 80 \times \sin(20^\circ)

Using a calculator, we get:

x80×0.3420x \approx 80 \times 0.3420 x27.36x \approx 27.36

So, the length of the side opposite the 20° angle is approximately 27.36 units.

Would you like further details or clarification on this? Here are some related questions you can explore:

  1. How would the result change if the angle was 30° instead of 20°?
  2. What if the hypotenuse had a different value, say 100?
  3. How can we use the cosine or tangent functions for this kind of problem?
  4. What is the relationship between the other angle (i.e., 70°) and the sides of the triangle?
  5. How do we verify our result using the Pythagorean theorem?

Tip: When dealing with angles and sides in right-angled triangles, always check which trigonometric function (sine, cosine, tangent) is appropriate based on what you're given (opposite, adjacent, or hypotenuse).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-Angled Triangles
Sine Function

Formulas

\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite side}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios in Right-Angled Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12