Home > CCG > Chapter 5 > Lesson 5.1.4 > Problem5-46

5-46.

Estelle is trying to find $x$ in the triangle at right. She lost her scientific calculator, but luckily her teacher told her that $\sin23º\approx0.391$, $\cos23º\approx0.921$, and $\tan23º\approx0.424$. Homework Help ✎

1. Write an equation that Estelle could use to solve for $x$.

Use the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem to calculate the missing angle, this means all the angles in a triangle total $180º$.

$67º + 90º + θ = 180º$
$−157 −157$
$θ = 23º$

Place a "$y$" on the missing side. Write the trigonometric ratios for the angle, reference the Math Note box in Lesson 5.1.2 for extra help.

$\sin23º=\frac{y}{x}\ \ \ \ \cos23º=\frac{18}{x}\ \ \ \tan23º=\frac{y}{18}$

Which equation can be used to solve for $x$?

${\cos 23º=\frac{18}{x}}$

1. Without a calculator, how could Estelle find $\sin67º$? Explain.

$\text{sin}(67º)=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}=\frac{18}{x}$

$\text{sin}(67º)=\frac{18}{x}=\text{cos}(23º)$

$\cos23º\approx0.921$

$\sin67º=\cos23º\approx0.921$