Question

In which triangle does x=17
~attached~

Answer 1

Let's look at the first triangle (odyssey.gif)
We are given the right triangle with an angle measuring 50 degrees.
With respect to that angle, we have an opposite side labeled x and an adjacent side with
length 12.
Looks like we can use the trig ratio: tangent (angle)=opposite/adjacent
So tan(50)=x/12
Solving for x we multiply both sides by 12 and this yields
12*tan(50)=x
x is approximately 14.3

Can you apply the trig ratio tangent to the next?