Trigonometry Problem

[AmateurEngineer9191]

Hello. I have having some issues solving a trigonometry question involving a right triangle. The hypotenuse is 12, the side opposite the hypotenuse is x, and the adjacent side has no value given. (See Included Photograph).

The question is: Calculate the length of side x, given that tan(0)=0.4.

If anyone can provide some assistance with figuring out this problem it would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Hello. I have having some issues solving a trigonometry question involving a right triangle. The hypotenuse is 12, the side opposite the hypotenuse is x, and the adjacent side has no value given. (See Included Photograph).

The question is: Calculate the length of side x, given that tan(0)=0.4.

If anyone can provide some assistance with figuring out this problem it would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Hint: tan(Θ) = (opposite)/(adjacent)

What are your thoughts?

Please share your work with us ...even if you know it is wrong

If you are stuck at the beginning tell us and we'll start with the definitions.

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[Dr Fua]

here's what i did..

first, let O= theta (its hard to type :/)

so, we know that (tan O)^2 = (sec O)^2 - 1 ; pythagorean identity.

solve for sec O, then get its reciprocal to get sin O; reciprocal identity

then solve for X since; (12)(sin O) = x ; sin O = opposite/hypotenus


not very sure though.... math is not my speciality....

 

[AmateurEngineer9191]

My initial thoughts whats that since the adjacent side was missing i would first need to calculate that part first but I know that is not correct I have never seen a problem like this before. I understand the functions and everything but I'm just really stuck on this problem. Please provide some assistance. Also sorry for the many posts i wasn't sure if they went through or not since i'm a new user.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Hello. I have having some issues solving a trigonometry question involving a right triangle. The hypotenuse is 12, the side opposite the hypotenuse is x, and the adjacent side has no value given. (See Included Photograph).

The question is: Calculate the length of side x, given that tan(0)=0.4.

If anyone can provide some assistance with figuring out this problem it would be much appreciated. Thank you!

adjacent = √(144 - x²)

x/√(144 - x²) = tan(Θ) = 0.4

Now solve for 'x'