Question

Tiny Tim is given a problem where he is told to solve for× in the given right triangle. He sets up the equationto solve for x. Did Tiny Tim set up the problem correctly?Explain in at least 3 sentences.

Answer 1

The given triangle is a right-angles triangle. To solve the problem, Tim has to follow the steps below:

Step 1: Identify the sides of the triangle:

Step 2: Apply the cosine ratio since we have the adjacent and hypothenuse sides

$\cos \theta\text{ = }\frac{adjacent}{hypothenuse}$

Hence:

$\cos \text{ 40 = }\frac{8}{x}$

Answer:

Tiny Tim did not set up the problem correctly. To solve the problem, he should use the cosine ratio because in the diagram, the adjacent side is given and the hypothenuse side is required. He should not use the tangent ratio.