Question

Use the cosine ratio to find the value of x, to the nearest tenth.

a) 2.7
b) 3.2
c) 4
d) 3.9

Answer 1

c) 4

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

Order of Operations: BPEMDAS

1. Brackets
2. Parenthesis
3. Exponents
4. Multiplication
5. Division
6. Addition
7. Subtraction

• Left to Right

Equality Properties

Trigonometry

• [Right Triangles Only] SOHCAHTOA
• [Right Triangles Only] cosθ = adjacent over hypotenuse

Explanation:

Step 1: Identify Variables

Angle θ = 34°

Adjacent Leg = x

Hypotenuse = 4.8

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Substitute [Cosine]: cos34° = x/4.8
2. Isolate x: 4.8cos34° = x
3. Rewrite: x = 4.8cos34°
4. Evaluate: x = 3.97938
5. Round: x ≈ 4