Question

A 25-foot-long footbridge has two diagonal supports that meet in the center of the bridge. Each support makes a 65∘ angle with a short vertical support.
What is the length x of a diagonal support, to the nearest tenth of a foot?

x≈_____ feet

Answer 1

Consider the diagram. From SOH CAH TOA, you know that
  sin(65°) = (12.5 ft)/x
  x = (12.5 ft)/sin(65°)
  x ≈ 13.8 ft