Question

solve for $x$. round to the nearest tenth of a degree, if necessary.
answer
$x =$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the tangent function

In a right - triangle, $\tan\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}$. Here, for angle $M$ (denoted as $x$), the opposite side to angle $M$ is $KL = 59$ and the adjacent side is $LM=72$. So, $\tan x=\frac{59}{72}$.

Step2: Solve for $x$

Take the inverse tangent (arctan) of both sides. $x = \arctan(\frac{59}{72})$. Using a calculator, $\frac{59}{72}\approx0.8194$. Then $x=\arctan(0.8194)\approx39.3^{\circ}$.

Answer:

$39.3$