Math Problem Statement

Work out the missing side x in each triangle using trigonometric ratios. Give your answers to 1 decimal place or better.

Solution

To solve these right-angled triangles, we can use trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, and tangent) based on the angles provided. Let's go through each triangle.

  1. Top Left Triangle:

    • Given: Opposite side = xx, Hypotenuse = 5 cm, Angle = 29°
    • Using sine: sin(29°)=x5\sin(29°) = \frac{x}{5}
    • Solving for xx: x=5sin(29°)x = 5 \cdot \sin(29°)
    • x2.4x \approx 2.4 cm
  2. Top Middle Triangle:

    • Given: Adjacent side = 7 cm, Hypotenuse = xx, Angle = 17°
    • Using cosine: cos(17°)=7x\cos(17°) = \frac{7}{x}
    • Solving for xx: x=7cos(17°)x = \frac{7}{\cos(17°)}
    • x7.3x \approx 7.3 cm
  3. Top Right Triangle:

    • Given: Adjacent side = 4 cm, Opposite side = xx, Angle = 65°
    • Using tangent: tan(65°)=x4\tan(65°) = \frac{x}{4}
    • Solving for xx: x=4tan(65°)x = 4 \cdot \tan(65°)
    • x8.6x \approx 8.6 cm
  4. Bottom Left Triangle:

    • Given: Opposite side = xx, Hypotenuse = 4.1 cm, Angle = 25°
    • Using sine: sin(25°)=x4.1\sin(25°) = \frac{x}{4.1}
    • Solving for xx: x=4.1sin(25°)x = 4.1 \cdot \sin(25°)
    • x1.7x \approx 1.7 cm
  5. Bottom Middle Triangle:

    • Given: Opposite side = xx, Adjacent side = 4.4 cm, Angle = 41°
    • Using tangent: tan(41°)=x4.4\tan(41°) = \frac{x}{4.4}
    • Solving for xx: x=4.4tan(41°)x = 4.4 \cdot \tan(41°)
    • x3.8x \approx 3.8 cm
  6. Bottom Right Triangle:

    • Given: Adjacent side = 3.1 cm, Opposite side = xx, Angle = 53°
    • Using tangent: tan(53°)=x3.1\tan(53°) = \frac{x}{3.1}
    • Solving for xx: x=3.1tan(53°)x = 3.1 \cdot \tan(53°)
    • x4.1x \approx 4.1 cm

Answers (to 1 decimal place):

  1. x2.4x \approx 2.4 cm
  2. x7.3x \approx 7.3 cm
  3. x8.6x \approx 8.6 cm
  4. x1.7x \approx 1.7 cm
  5. x3.8x \approx 3.8 cm
  6. x4.1x \approx 4.1 cm

Would you like more detailed steps for each calculation, or have any questions?


Related Questions:

  1. How do trigonometric functions relate to side lengths in right triangles?
  2. What is the difference between using sine, cosine, and tangent in right triangles?
  3. How would these calculations change if we knew two side lengths but not the angle?
  4. How can we verify these results using the Pythagorean theorem?
  5. Can these methods apply to non-right triangles?

Tip:

Always double-check the angle and side placement relative to each other to choose the correct trigonometric ratio!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right-angled triangles

Formulas

sin(angle) = opposite / hypotenuse
cos(angle) = adjacent / hypotenuse
tan(angle) = opposite / adjacent

Theorems

Trigonometric ratios in right-angled triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10