SOLUTION: A-14 On a right triangle to solve the missing sides, how do I get the right answer for X blank Y blank top is 23.62". Little square is between that number and Y. The middle degree

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Question 111793This question is from textbook Mathematics for the Trades
: A-14 On a right triangle to solve the missing sides, how do I get the right answer for X blank Y blank top is 23.62". Little square is between that number and Y. The middle degree is 56 degrees 18'. I know the answer is X=28.39" and Y=15.75". Thanks for your help. This question is from textbook Mathematics for the Trades

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20055) About Me  (Show Source):
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On a right triangle to solve the missing sides, how do I get the right answer for X blank Y blank top is 23.62". Little square is between that number and Y. The middle degree is 56 degrees 18'. I know the answer is X=28.39" and Y=15.75". Thanks for your help.

I get from that description either of these two figures.
They are the same, the second one is just the first one 
turned upside-down:

 

The side marked 23.62 in. is the side OPPOSITE the 56°18' angle.
The side marked x is the HYPOTENUSE, [i.e., the longest side, which
is always opposite the right angle, i.e., the 90° angle. 90° angles are usually marked with a "little square".]

Since SINE=%28OPPOSITE%29%2F%28HYPOTENUSE%29,

       sin(56°18') = 23.62%2Fx

Multiply both sides by x:

      x·sin(56°18') = 23.62

Divide both sides by sin(56°18')

                         23.62
                  x = ————————————
                       sin(56°18')

                         23.62
                  x = —————————————
                       .8319541221

                  x = 28.3909886 in.

Round that to 4 significant digits, which
corresponds to angles given to the nearest
minute. 

                  x = 28.39 in.

-------------------------------------

The side marked 23.62 in. is the side OPPOSITE the 56°18' angle.
The side marked y is the side ADJACENT to the 56°18' angle.

Since TANGENT=%28OPPOSITE%29%2F%28ADJACENT%29,

       tan(56°18') = 23.62%2Fy

Multiply both sides by y:

      y·tan(56°18') = 23.62

Divide both sides by tan(56°18')

                         23.62
                  y = ————————————
                       tan(56°18')

                         23.62
                  x = —————————————
                       1.499436745

                  x = 15.75258182 in.

Round that to 4 significant digits, as before: 

                  x = 15.75 in.

Edwin