Geometry word problem (figure in comments)
Suppose a boy scout uses his compass to take a 40 degree short cut between 2 perpendicular trails, represented by YZ and XY. If after leaving YZ the scout reaches trail XY 15 meters from the intersection of these trails, calculate the distance the scout walks between the two trails.

Question

Geometry word problem (figure in comments)
Suppose a boy scout uses his compass to take a 40 degree short cut between 2 perpendicular trails, represented by YZ and XY. If after leaving YZ the scout reaches trail XY 15 meters from the intersection of these trails, calculate the distance the scout walks between the two trails.

anonymous · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

Here we have to apply trignometry.
This is a right angled triangle.
Now let us assume that the perpendicular of the right angle is 15m in length.
sin(40)=$$perpendicular \div hypotenuse$$.
So now we compare the 2 equ. and we get sin(40)=15/hypotenuse.
Now hypotenuse=15/sin(40)
Which is equal to 23.335874m.

anonymous · Answer

23.34 is one of my choices thank you so much @punnus !!