To solve for $x$ in this right triangle, where the angle is $37^\circ$ and the hypotenuse is 10 cm, we can use the cosine function. The cosine of an angle in a right triangle is defined as:

$\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$

In this problem:

• $\theta = 37^\circ$
• Hypotenuse = 10 cm
• Adjacent side = $x$

Plugging in the values, we get:

$\cos(37^\circ) = \frac{x}{10}$

To solve for $x$:

$x = 10 \cdot \cos(37^\circ)$

Using a calculator for $\cos(37^\circ) \approx 0.7986$:

$x \approx 10 \cdot 0.7986 = 7.986 \, \text{cm}$

Rounding to the nearest hundredth:

$x \approx 7.99 \, \text{cm}$

Final Answer:

$x = 7.99 \, \text{cm}$

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any other questions?

Related Questions:

1. How do you use the sine function to find a side in a right triangle?
2. What is the value of $\sin(37^\circ)$ and how could it be used to find the other leg?
3. How can you find the hypotenuse if only the adjacent side and angle are known?
4. What is the difference between using sine, cosine, and tangent in trigonometry?
5. How can we verify the result using the Pythagorean theorem?

Tip:

Always double-check if the calculator is in the correct mode (degrees vs. radians) when solving trigonometric problems.