Question

Find the value of x.? Round to the nearest tenth. The diagram is not drawn to scale

Answer 1

`2.3`

Explanation:

Since this is a right triangle, we are able to use the `tan` function. The ratio is as follows:

`tanangle25^@ = "opposite"/"adjacent"`

We know the length of the adjacent side, but we need to know the length of the opposite side. Let's substitute those in:

`tanangle25^@ = "x"/"5"`

Now use your calculator to find the value of `tanangle25^@` by punching in `25` and then hitting `tan`.

`tanangle25^@ = 0.4663`

`tanangle25^@ = "x"/"5" rarr 0.4663 = x/5`

Now multiply `5` to both sides to isolate `x`:

`0.4663 xx 5 = x/cancel5 xx cancel5`

`0.4663 xx 5 = x`

`2.332 = x`

Rounded to the nearest tenth is `2.3`