Nina plans to utilize the storage space and make shelves. She wants to fix a wood beam, represented by segment RX in the figure, to support a shelf. What is the length of the beam? Show all the steps you used to find your answer.

Question

Nina plans to utilize the storage space and make shelves. She wants to fix a wood beam, represented by segment RX in the figure, to support a shelf.                                                                                                                       What is the length of the beam? Show all the steps you used to find your answer.

anonymous · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

I tried using proportions but couldnt work it out.

a_clan · Answer

In triangle PQR, 
cos Q = RQ/10  ...............(1)
In triangle RQX,
cos Q= 3.6/RQ  ...............(2)

From 1 and 2, we get
RQ/10 = 3.6 /RQ
or RQ^2 = 36
or RQ = 6 ft       ..............(3)
Now by pythagoras theorem, 
RQ^2 = RX^2 + XQ^2

or RX^2 = RQ^2 - XQ^2  Solve this and you will get answer

anonymous · Answer

I have no idea what youre talking about. I get the cos and Pythagorean Theorem part but.. the way you have it...

a_clan · Answer

Did you understand till the equation no. 1 and 2 ?

a_clan · Answer

I have found the value of cos Q from two different triangles and then equalized them, to find the length of side RQ

anonymous · Answer

Oh, I got it now. Thanks for your help