Question

How would you set up this problem to find the height of the sail using reciprocal functions?

Answer 1

Remark

I'm not sure I know what you mean, but I will answer trying to interpret it so it fits the description of the question.

Step One: Set up the equation. The normal way of solving this would be to use the Cos function.

Cos(theta) = Adjacent / hypotenuse = x/8 Multiply both sides by 8

8*cos(theta) = x Theta = 35

8*cos(35) = x This is about as simple a way as is possible.

6.553 = the height of the sale.

Step Three: try using the reciprocal

1 / cos(35)= hypotenuse / adjacent

1/0.8191 = 8/x cross multiply

x = 0.8191 * 8

x = 6.553