Question

fall 2023 geometry b wwva
solving for side lengths of right triangles
right triangle abc is shown.
which equation can be used to solve for c?
cos(50°) = 3/c
cos(50°) = a/c
sin(50°) = a/c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall cosine definition

In a right - triangle, $\cos\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$.

Step2: Identify sides for angle B

For $\angle B = 50^{\circ}$ in right - triangle $ABC$, the adjacent side to $\angle B$ is $a$ and the hypotenuse is $c$.
So, $\cos(50^{\circ})=\frac{a}{c}$.

Answer:

$\cos(50^{\circ})=\frac{a}{c}$