Question

somebody help, I have no idea :(

https://media.glynlyon.com/g_geo_2012/5/mis.gif

the image above is what was given to me


z=

a)37
b)39
c)51

Answer 1

Do you know what sin, cos, and tan are?

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

Cool, so, do you know a definition of tangent when dealing with a triangle?

Answer 4

I dont :/ im so bad at geometry

Answer 5

\[tangent(x) = \frac{ opposite side }{ adjacent side }\]

Answer 6

This means the tan of some angle, x, equals the length of the opposite side divided by the length of the touching side.

Answer 7

Can you see how this can be applied to the angle z in your picture?

Answer 8

I'm not sure I understand :(

Answer 9

Alright, look at angle z in your picture. The side opposite z has length of 10, right? The side touching angle z has length of 8, right?

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

Good, so let's go back to the formula for tangent that I had. tan(x) = opposite/adjacent.

Now: tan(z) = 10/8 ; are you with me so far?

Answer 12

yes

Answer 13

Great, now we need to find what the angle z is. We'll have to use a special function: tan inverse or arctan. With tan inverse, it lets you put the (opposite/adjacent) in, and it gives you the answer of an angle!

Answer 14

So......\[\tan ^{-1}(opposite/adjacent) = z\]

Answer 15

so would you do 10/8?

Answer 16

Right! If you have at least a scientific calculator, you'll have to use inverse tan instead of tan. Inverse tan should be 2nd Key --> TAN button. Do you have that?

Answer 17

I dont have a scentific calculator. :(

Answer 18

Aww, you should have at least a scientific calculator if you're in Geometry. You'll need it in the next few math courses you do.

Answer 19

I'm taking it online and it sucks

Answer 20

Hmm, at least you're understanding what we're doing. So, I'll do the work.
inverse tan of (10/8) = 51 degrees, C.

Answer 21

thank you for all your help :) i really appreciate it

Answer 22

You'll definitely want to get a scientific calculator soon. You'll be doing alot of trigonometry soon. No problem dude.