In ΔWXY, the measure of ∠Y=90°, YX = 40, XW = 41, and WY = 9. What ratio represents the cosine of ∠W?
2 answers:
You might be interested in
From the law of sines, we have:
,
where x and y are the sides opposite to angles X and Y, respectively.
Substituting the known values, we have:
, thus
.
Using a calculator, we can find that arcsin(0.31)=18 degrees, approximately.
We know that sine of (180-18)=162 degrees is also 0.31. But 162 and 51 degrees add up to more than 180 degrees.
Thus, there is only one triangle that can be formed under these conditions.
where x and y are the sides opposite to angles X and Y, respectively.
Substituting the known values, we have:
Using a calculator, we can find that arcsin(0.31)=18 degrees, approximately.
We know that sine of (180-18)=162 degrees is also 0.31. But 162 and 51 degrees add up to more than 180 degrees.
Thus, there is only one triangle that can be formed under these conditions.