Pythagoras theorem) 85^2 = 77^2 +|XY|^2. Step 2 |XY|^2 = 7225 - 5929, = 1296. Get square root to find value or length of the line XY.= 36 units. Tan Y = opposite ÷ adjacent = 77÷36. Angle in degrees = Tan^(-1)(77÷36) = 64.94 degrees.
ok, so you tangent is opposite/adjacent. You need to find the adjacent side. You could do a^2+b^2=c^2.A and B are the legs and c is the hypotunese. 85^2-77^2=b^2. This solves to b being 36. This means the adjacent side is 36 and opposite being 77. The tangent of Y is 77/36.
