Question

Geometry...

Answer 1

you must be learning about 30-60-90 degree triangles.

You can show that the shortest side (opposite the 30 degree angle) is 1/2 the longest side (the hypotenuse, opposite the 90 degree angle)

the longer leg (that is not the hypotenuse) is sqrt(3) times the shorter leg.

Answer 2

This is a review for the ISAT I will be taking, and yes I know that part. I just don't know how to do the this one, something with it is tripping me up.

Answer 3

@phi

Answer 4

look at the question. is side y the shortest leg (opposite 30 deg) or the longer leg (opposite 60 degree) ?

Answer 5

Its of the longest leg, opposite 60 degrees.

Answer 6

and you should try to remember:

the shortest side (opposite the 30 degree angle) is 1/2 the longest side (the hypotenuse, opposite the 90 degree angle)

and

the longer leg (that is not the hypotenuse) is sqrt(3) times the shorter leg.

Answer 7

so I would focus on this fact:
the longer leg (that is not the hypotenuse) is sqrt(3) times the shorter leg.

Answer 8

I know all that. But thanks for helping anyhow. I guess I was just looking for an actual number instead of just x times the sqrt. of 3.

Answer 9

If you were confused by using letters rather than numbers, you have to "tweak" your thinking...
you should try to get used to multiplying "letters" so that
x sqrt(3)
seems like the obvious answer.

Answer 10

I am used to working with letters, but I wasn't used to looking for a variable on this particular type of question.