SOLUTION: I have a picture of a right triangle labeled JLK. The triangle looks like |>, but the top line is the hypotenuse and the bottom length is 12, while the first | JL is 4. Im not s

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: I have a picture of a right triangle labeled JLK. The triangle looks like |>, but the top line is the hypotenuse and the bottom length is 12, while the first | JL is 4. Im not s      Log On


   

Question 430093: I have a picture of a right triangle labeled JLK. The triangle looks like |>, but the top line is the hypotenuse and the bottom length is 12, while the first | JL is 4.
Im not sure if i use the Pythagorean Theorem or tangent inverse or what.
The question is..... Determine the measure of angle k to the nearest degree.
A. 72 degrees
B. 7 degrees
C. 33 degrees
D. 18 degrees
Thanks for help.
Answer by Theo(13342) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If I understand you correctly, your triangle is JLK with JL = 4 and LK = 12.

Angle K is in between the hypotenuse of JK and the bottom line of LK.

That would make the angle JKL.

the opposite side of angle K is JL which is equal to 4.

the adjacent side of angle K is LK which is equal to 12.

the tangent of angle K is equal to 4/12.

you would take tan^-1 of (4/12) to get an angle of 18.43494882 degrees which rounds down to 18 degrees.

this would be selection D, if I understood you correctly.