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

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1 Answer
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)