Math Problem Statement

Solve the right triangle. Given a right triangle with ∠X = 90°, ∠W = 51°, and XY = 5 units, find the hypotenuse WY, the leg WX, and the measure of ∠Y.

Solution

We have a right triangle WXY\triangle WXY with the following information:

  • X\angle X is 9090^\circ (right angle),
  • W\angle W is 5151^\circ,
  • The side XY=5XY = 5 units.

We are tasked with finding the following:

  1. WYWY (hypotenuse),
  2. WXWX (leg opposite W\angle W),
  3. mYm \angle Y (the measure of angle YY).

Step 1: Find mYm \angle Y

Since the sum of the angles in any triangle is 180180^\circ, we can find mYm \angle Y:

mY=1809051=39m \angle Y = 180^\circ - 90^\circ - 51^\circ = 39^\circ

Step 2: Find WYWY (Hypotenuse)

We can use the trigonometric function cosine to find WYWY. Since cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}, we use the given angle W=51\angle W = 51^\circ and side XY=5XY = 5 (adjacent to W\angle W):

cos(51)=5WY\cos(51^\circ) = \frac{5}{WY}

Solving for WYWY:

WY=5cos(51)50.62937.9WY = \frac{5}{\cos(51^\circ)} \approx \frac{5}{0.6293} \approx 7.9

Step 3: Find WXWX (Opposite Side)

We can use the sine function to find WXWX. Since sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}:

sin(51)=WXWY\sin(51^\circ) = \frac{WX}{WY}

Using WY7.9WY \approx 7.9:

WX=7.9×sin(51)7.9×0.77716.1WX = 7.9 \times \sin(51^\circ) \approx 7.9 \times 0.7771 \approx 6.1

Final Answers:

  • WY7.9WY \approx 7.9
  • WX6.1WX \approx 6.1
  • mY=39m \angle Y = 39^\circ

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do you calculate the remaining angle in a right triangle if you know one of the acute angles?
  2. How do sine and cosine relate to each other in a right triangle?
  3. What is the importance of knowing the hypotenuse in right triangle trigonometry?
  4. Can you use tangent to solve for sides in this right triangle?
  5. How does rounding affect the accuracy of trigonometric calculations?

Tip: Always make sure your calculator is set to degrees, not radians, when working with angles measured in degrees.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Triangle Angle Sum Theorem

Formulas

m∠Y = 180° - 90° - ∠W
cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse
sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse

Theorems

Triangle Angle Sum Theorem
Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10