Find the value of x and the measures of angle A and B.

Images:
This image has been Flagged as inappropriate Click to unflag
Image (1 of 1)

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Since the given is a right triangle, to solve for x, apply the Pythagorean formula,

`a^2+b^2=c^2`

where a and b are the legs of the triangle and c is the hypotenuse.

So, plug-in a=10, b=24 and c=x to the formula.

`10^2+24^2=x^2`

`100+576=x^2`

`676=x^2`

`+-sqrt576=sqrt(x^2)`

`+-26=x`

Since x represents the length of the hypotenuse, consider the positive value only.

Hence, the value of x is 26.

To solve for angle A, apply the tangent function.

`tan A = (opposite)/(adjacent)`

`tan A=24/10`

`tan A= 2.4`

`A=tan^(-1)2.4`

`A=67.38^o`

Thus, the measure of angle A is 67.38 degrees.

Since the sum of the three angles of the triangle is 180 degrees, to solve for B, add the three angles and set it equal to 180.

`A + B + 90^o = 180^o`

`67.3 8 ^ o +B+90^o=180^o`

`B+157.38^o=180^o`

`B=180^o-157.38^o`

`B=22.62^o`

Hence, the measure of angle B is 22.62 degrees.

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial Team