If h=10 ℎ = 10 meters and m∠C = 39° 𝑚 ∠ 𝐶 = 39 ° , then what is the length of side a 𝑎 ? Round your answer to the nearest whole number. (1 point) Responses 6 meters 6 meters 16 meters 16 meters 13 meters 13 meters 8 meters

1 answer

To find the length of side \( a \), we can use the sine function from trigonometry. In a right triangle, the sine of an angle is defined as the opposite side over the hypotenuse.

Given:

  • \( h = 10 \) meters (this is the hypotenuse)
  • \( m∠C = 39° \) (this is one of the angles in the right triangle)

We can use the sine function as follows:

\[ \sin(39°) = \frac{a}{h} \]

Substituting the known values:

\[ \sin(39°) = \frac{a}{10} \]

Now, solve for \( a \):

\[ a = 10 \cdot \sin(39°) \]

Using a calculator to find \( \sin(39°) \):

\[ \sin(39°) \approx 0.6293 \]

Now substitute this value into the equation for \( a \):

\[ a = 10 \cdot 0.6293 \approx 6.293 \]

Rounding to the nearest whole number, we find:

\[ a \approx 6 \text{ meters} \]

Thus, the length of side \( a \) is approximately 6 meters.