Question

solve for x..

Answer 1

Can you calculate the other leg of the bigger triangle first?

Answer 2

These are 30-60-90 triangles. You can use special rights to find x

Answer 3

I calculated the Hypotenuse of the 90 degree triangle which is x= 98.15 but after that im lost

Answer 4

@tinybookworm

Answer 5

Yes, that's correct. Next, calculate the other leg of the smaller triangle

Answer 6

You don't have to calculate the hypotenuse. You can use \(tan\) to calculate the other leg of the bigger triangle

Answer 7

Then use \(tan\) again to calculate the other leg of the smaller triangle. As you can see now, \(\rm x = leg~of~the~bigger~triangle - leg~of~the~smaller~triangle\)

Answer 8

which leg are you talking about specifically? the longer leg of the 30 degree triangle?

Answer 9

@tinybookworm

Answer 10

Yes, that is the other leg of the bigger right triangle

Answer 11

okay so would i use the 90 degree angle and set it up as tan(90)=\[85/(85/\sqrt{3})\]

Answer 12

oh sorry i mean tan90=\[85/(85/\sqrt{3})+x\]

Answer 13

You can't use \(tan~90^o\) because it is undefined. I think you should use \(tan ~30^o = \large \frac{85}{a}\). Solve for \(a\) first

Answer 14

hmm okay let me try it

Answer 15

Then let try solving for \(b\). \(x=a-b\)

Answer 16

x=98.15?

Answer 17

That's right

Answer 18

By the way, I haven't noticed that this is an isosceles triangle. You can easily find x = the hypotenuse of the 90 degree triangle which is x= 98.15

Answer 19

lol oh i think your way made more sense though thank you

Answer 20

You are very welcome. Glad it helps