Question

A right triangle has an angle that measures 34 and the adjacent side measures 17. What is the length of the hypotenuse to the nearest tenth?

F. 20.5
G. 25.2
H. 30.4
J. 34

Answer 1

20.5

Explanation:

Let's label the vertices ABC as in the diagram below. Then

Data:

α = 34 °

β = 90 °

c = 17

Calculation:

cosα = AB/AC

Multiply each side by AC

ACcosα = AB

Divide each side by cosα

AC = AB/cosα = 17/cos34 ≈ 17/0.8290 ≈ 20.5