Question

What is the length of ST if RS=7?

Answer 1

Approximately 12.12

Answer 2

We can use tangent to calculate the length of ST.

$\sf tangent=\dfrac{opposite}{adjacent}$

Here, the opposite side of the 60 degree angle is ST, and the adjacent is RS. Plug in what we know, we can use 'x' for side ST:

$\sf tan(60\textdegree )=\dfrac{x}{7}$

Solve for 'x', multiply 7 to both sides of the equation:

$\sf x=7tan(60\textdegree )$

This is an exact answer for the length of ST, we can find an approximate with a calculator:

$\sf x\approx 12.12$