Math Problem Statement

solve this

Solve for x. Round to the nearest tenth of a degree, if necessary.

Solution

To solve for angle xx^\circ in the given right triangle, we can use trigonometric functions. Specifically, since we are given the opposite side 6363 and the adjacent side 6060, we use the tangent function:

tan(x)=oppositeadjacent=6360\tan(x) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{63}{60}

Step 1: Calculate the tangent value.

6360=1.05\frac{63}{60} = 1.05

Step 2: Find the angle using the inverse tangent (tan1\tan^{-1}).

x=tan1(1.05)x = \tan^{-1}(1.05)

Using a calculator:

x46.13x \approx 46.13^\circ

Step 3: Round to the nearest tenth.

x46.1x \approx 46.1^\circ

It seems none of the answer options in your image exactly matches 46.146.1^\circ. Double-checking with the available choices, 43.6 and 43.7 are the closest, but they seem slightly off. This might be due to rounding errors or an alternate calculation method being used in the question.

Would you like to explore further or discuss the options given?


Here are five follow-up questions you could explore:

  1. How would the solution change if you used sine or cosine instead of tangent?
  2. What is the relationship between the three angles in a right triangle?
  3. How do calculators compute inverse trigonometric functions internally?
  4. How would the calculation change if the triangle were not a right triangle?
  5. Could small measurement inaccuracies in side lengths affect the angle result?

Tip: Always double-check your calculator’s mode (degrees vs. radians) when solving trigonometric problems involving angles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

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

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios in Right Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10