b is the top angle c is the right angle and a is the bottom angle. bc is 20 and ca is 25

Use the inverse of the tangent ratio to find the approximate angle measure at vertex B 𝐵 . Round your answer to the nearest whole degree. (1 point)

1 answer

To find the angle at vertex B (angle B) using the inverse tangent ratio, we need to first clarify the setup of the triangle based on your description.

We have:

  • \( b \) at the top (angle B)
  • \( c \) is a right angle (angle C = 90 degrees)
  • \( a \) is the angle at the bottom (angle A)

You mentioned the lengths \( bc = 20 \) (the length of the side opposite angle A) and \( ca = 25 \) (the length of the side adjacent to angle A).

To find angle B (opposite side \( ac \)), we can employ the tangent function:

\[ \tan(B) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{bc}{ca} \]

First, let's substitute the values:

\[ \tan(B) = \frac{20}{25} \]

Now, calculate \(\tan(B)\):

\[ \tan(B) = \frac{20}{25} = 0.8 \]

Next, to find angle B, we use the inverse tangent (arctan) function:

\[ B = \tan^{-1}(0.8) \]

Using a calculator:

\[ B \approx 38.66 \text{ degrees} \]

Rounding to the nearest whole degree, we find:

\[ B \approx 39 \text{ degrees} \]

Thus, the approximate angle measure at vertex B is 39 degrees.