Question

Which ratio represents the cotangent of angle B in the right triangle below?

A. 5/3
B. 3/5
C. 3/4
D. 4/3

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 3/4

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the SOH CAH TOA identity;

tan theta = opposite/adjacent

From the diagram

Opposite = x

Adjacent = 12

tan <B  = x/12

Since cot <B = 1/tan <B

cot <B = 12/x

Get x using pythagoras theorem

x² = 20²-12²

x² = 400 -144

x² = 256

x = 16

Hence cot <B = 12/16

cot <B =3/4