In a Triangle, I want to know the angle alpha: The adjacent side of alpha is 14, the opposite side is 1. How do I calculate alpha in degrees? Will give medal.

Question

mathstudent55 · Answer

The measures of the length of one side and one angle are not enough information to solve a triangle.

anonymous · Answer

maybe i expressed myself not clearly, sorry for that.  I'll edit the question. Please help.

mathstudent55 · Answer

|dw:1396373974856:dw|

mathstudent55 · Answer

This is what you wrote. There isn't enough information given to find anything else.

mathstudent55 · Answer

Is this a right triangle?

anonymous · Answer

yes, I forgot that. Can it be solved then?

anonymous · Answer

figuered it out myself, answer is 4.086.

mathstudent55 · Answer

|dw:1396390209024:dw|

The function that relates the opposite leg to the adjacent leg is the tangent.

$ \tan \alpha = \dfrac{opp}{adj} $

$ \tan \alpha = \dfrac{1}{14} $

$ \alpha = \tan^{-1} \dfrac{1}{14} $

$ \alpha = 4.086^o$

You are correct.