Math Problem Statement

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Solve for x in the two right triangles. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary.

Solution

Let's solve each triangle problem one by one.


Problem 1

For the first triangle TUV\triangle TUV:

Given:

  • V=15\angle V = 15^\circ
  • Hypotenuse TU=69TU = 69
  • Adjacent side UV=xUV = x

We need to solve for xx using trigonometry.

Since xx is adjacent to V\angle V and 6969 is the hypotenuse, we can use the cosine function: cos(15)=x69\cos(15^\circ) = \frac{x}{69}

Solving for xx: x=69cos(15)x = 69 \cdot \cos(15^\circ)

Using a calculator to find cos(15)0.9659\cos(15^\circ) \approx 0.9659: x690.9659x \approx 69 \cdot 0.9659 x66.7x \approx 66.7

So, x66.7x \approx 66.7 (rounded to the nearest tenth).


Problem 2

For the second triangle PON\triangle PON:

Given:

  • P=60\angle P = 60^\circ
  • Side PN=9PN = 9
  • Side PO=xPO = x (adjacent to P\angle P)

We will use the cosine function again because xx is adjacent to P\angle P, and 99 is the hypotenuse.

cos(60)=x9\cos(60^\circ) = \frac{x}{9}

Solving for xx: x=9cos(60)x = 9 \cdot \cos(60^\circ)

Since cos(60)=0.5\cos(60^\circ) = 0.5: x=90.5x = 9 \cdot 0.5 x=4.5x = 4.5

So, x=4.5x = 4.5.


Summary of Solutions

  1. In TUV\triangle TUV, x66.7x \approx 66.7.
  2. In PON\triangle PON, x=4.5x = 4.5.

Would you like a deeper explanation of any of these steps or further clarification?


Here are 5 related questions to extend your understanding:

  1. How would you solve for the opposite side if only the adjacent side and angle were known?
  2. What is the relationship between sine, cosine, and tangent in right triangles?
  3. How does the Pythagorean theorem relate to trigonometry in right triangles?
  4. What is the effect on xx if the angle V\angle V is increased in TUV\triangle TUV?
  5. How would the solution change if TUTU was given as 70 instead of 69 in TUV\triangle TUV?

Tip: Remember that the cosine function relates the adjacent side and hypotenuse in right triangles, making it very useful for solving problems where these sides are given.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle Ratios
Cosine Function

Formulas

cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse

Theorems

Right Triangle Trigonometry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10