Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The mnemonic SOH CAH TOA reminds you of the relationships between sides and angles in a right triangle. Here, we are given the side adjacent to angle x and the hypotenuse, so the appropriate relation is ...
Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse
cos(x) = (9 cm)/(17 cm)
We can use the inverse cosine function to find angle x:
x = arccos(9/17) ≈ 58.034°
x ≈ 58.0°
Of course, angle y is the complement of this, so its measure is ...
y = 90° -x = 90° -58.0°
y = 32.0°
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When using the inverse trig functions of your calculator for this problem, be sure it is set to "Degrees" mode.
