Question

solve for $x$ in the triangle. round your answer to the nearest tenth.

$x = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Use cosine function

In a right - triangle, \(\cos\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}\). Here, \(\theta = 44^{\circ}\), the adjacent side is \(x\), and the hypotenuse is \(18\). So, \(\cos(44^{\circ})=\frac{x}{18}\).

Step2: Solve for \(x\)

Multiply both sides of the equation \(\cos(44^{\circ})=\frac{x}{18}\) by \(18\). We get \(x = 18\times\cos(44^{\circ})\).
Using a calculator, \(\cos(44^{\circ})\approx0.7193\). Then \(x=18\times0.7193 = 12.9474\).

Answer:

\(12.9\)