how does one solve this. The altitude of a right triangle divides the hypotenuse into segments whose measures are 9 inches and 4 inches. Find to the nearest degree the measure of the smaller acute angle of the original triangle.
2007-02-23 04:04:03 · 2 answers · asked by ctanoyank 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
The question is asking you to use your knowledge of right triangles, similar triangles, and inverse trig ratios. It really helps to draw a picture for this one. Since you know the altitude divides the hypotenuse, you know that it also divides the right angle. Now you have two right triangles that share a leg (the altitude) and have the same angles. See if you can finish from there.
2007-02-23 04:27:19 · answer #1 · answered by Randy S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hypotenuse is equal to 9 + 4, or 13. Knowing that this is a right triangle we can figure it is a Pythagorean Triple, so the legs lengths are 5 and 12. Now, use the inverse of sin(opposit/hypotenuse) to find the smaller acute angle. sin-1(5.13) = 22.61 so that is the answer.
2007-02-23 12:28:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋