Question

Solve for x. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
3.2
3
X =

Answer 1

x = 6.8

Explanation:

The angle where the tangent meets the diameter is a right angle. This means the triangle is a right triangle and the Pythagorean theorem applies.

x² = 3.2² +6² . . . . . . . . the radius is 3, so the diameter is 6

x² = 46.24

x = √46.24 = 6.8

_____

Additional comment

This is an 8-15-17 right triangle, scaled by a factor of 0.4.