In ΔWXY, the measure of ∠Y=90°, XW = 85, WY = 77, and YX = 36. What is the value of the cosine of ∠W to the nearest hundredth?
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Answer: the height of the pole is 16.1 m.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario is illustrated in the attached photo.
x represents the height of the pole.
y represents the distance from the foot of one stabilizing wire to the foot of the pole.
30 - y represents the distance from the foot of the other stabilizing wire to the foot of the pole.
In solving the triangles, we would apply the tangent trigonometric ratio which is expressed as
Tan θ, = opposite side/adjacent side.
Considering triangle ACD,
Tan 60 = x/y
x = ytan60 = y × 1.732
x = 1.732y- - - - - - - - -1
Considering triangle BCD,
Tan 38 = x/(30 - y)
x = (30 - y)tan38 = 0.781(30 - y)
x = 23.43 - 0.781y- - - - - - - - -2
Substituting equation 1 into equation 2, it becomes
1.732y = 23.43 - 0.781y
1.732y + 0.781y = 23.43
2.513y = 23.43
y = 23.43/2.513
y = 9.3
x = 1.732y = 1.732 × 9.3
x = 16.1 m
