Question

Skylar drew two triangles that share a side and labeled the two portions of the base w and x. Then he solved for w and x as shown. Are his calculations correct? Explain in full sentences. (5 points)

Answer 1

The two triangles he drew and also the calculations he did are missing, so i have attached them.

Answer:

His calculations are not correct

Step-by-step explanation:

From the attached image showing the triangle, we can see that for the smaller triangle with w, 5.5 and 45° angle, it is clear that;

Opposite side is 5.5

Adjacent side is w

And angle is 45°.

Hypotenuse is unknown

Thus, from trigonometric ratios;

Opposite/adjacent = tan (angle)

Thus;

5.5/w = tan 45°

In Skylar's calculation, he expressed it as; 5.5/w = sin 45°

Therefore, his calculation is wrong.

Secondly, for the bigger triangle, it is clear that;

Opposite side is 5.5

Adjacent side is w + x

And angle is 35°.

Hypotenuse is unknown

Thus;

5.5/(w + x) = tan 35°

Whereas,skylar expressed his own as;

5.5/(w + x) = sin 35°

Again his calculation is wrong.