Question

In the triangle below, determine the value of a.

Answer 1

First find the length of side AB.

Answer 2

okay, how would you do that?

Answer 3

So use sin cos or tan to solve for AB
Than use Pythagorean theorem.
\[a ^{2} + b ^{2} = c ^{2}\]
a is the shortest side and c is the hypotenuse.

Answer 4

The 43= 43 degrees by the way... :)

Answer 5

and okay one sec

Answer 6

Yeah I know. So you have 2 angles 43 and 90.

Answer 7

yeah?

Answer 8

http://www.mathwords.com/s/s_assets/s126.gif

Answer 9

Find if your using sin cos or tan. put the 43 in and find AB and use Pythagorean to solve

Answer 10

okay so I would be using sin for this right?

Answer 11

Yes

Answer 12

I got something close to 4.09... is that correct?

Answer 13

sin 43 = a/6 so a = 6sin 43
set up using what's given and a trig. function that inculdes those things.

Answer 14

I got 4.09 again...:(

Answer 15

yeah, that's what it is. it's just more direct using the trig ratios. you can do the pythagorean thm but it's a longer route to get what you want and besides, you used the trig funtions anyways.

Answer 16

ok thankyou :)

Answer 17

you're welcome