Question

find the missing side.
z
41° 15
z = ?
round to the nearest tenth.

Explanation:

Step1: Use cosine function

In a right - triangle, $\cos\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$. Here, $\theta = 41^{\circ}$, adjacent side $= 15$, and hypotenuse $=z$. So, $\cos(41^{\circ})=\frac{15}{z}$.

Step2: Solve for $z$

Rearrange the formula to get $z=\frac{15}{\cos(41^{\circ})}$. We know that $\cos(41^{\circ})\approx0.7547$. Then $z=\frac{15}{0.7547}\approx19.9$.

Answer:

$19.9$