Questions: Solve for x. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary.
Transcript text: Solve for $x$. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary.
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the relevant trigonometric function
We are given the adjacent side (x) and the hypotenuse (12) relative to the 61° angle. The relevant trigonometric function relating these is cosine: cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse.
Step 2: Set up the equation
In our case, θ = 61°, adjacent = x, and hypotenuse = 12. Therefore, cos(61°) = x/12.
Step 3: Solve for x
Multiplying both sides by 12, we get x = 12 * cos(61°).
Step 4: Calculate x
Using a calculator, we find that cos(61°) ≈ 0.4848. Therefore, x ≈ 12 * 0.4848 ≈ 5.8176.
Step 5: Round to the nearest tenth
Rounding 5.8176 to the nearest tenth gives us 5.8.