How do you solve for x in the given problem using right triangle trigonometry?

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1 Answer
Alex
Apr 10, 2018

The length of #x# is the length of the larger triangle minus the length of the smaller triangle.

Explanation:

For the larger triangle:
Let #L# be the length of the side on the same side as #x#

#tan(58) = 140/L#

#L = 140/tan(58)#

For the smaller triangle:
Let #S# be the length of the side on the same side as #x#

#tan(20) = S/140#

#S = 140 tan(20)#

#x = L-S#

#x = 140/tan(58) - 140 tan(20)#

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