Question

solve for the side
set up an equation, then solve for x. be accurate to within one decimal.
21
52°

Explanation:

Step1: Use cosine function

We know that $\cos\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$. Here, $\theta = 52^{\circ}$, adjacent side is 21 and hypotenuse is $x$. So, $\cos(52^{\circ})=\frac{21}{x}$.

Step2: Solve for $x$

We can rewrite the equation as $x=\frac{21}{\cos(52^{\circ})}$. Since $\cos(52^{\circ})\approx0.6157$, then $x=\frac{21}{0.6157}\approx34.1$.

Answer:

$34.1$