Find the value of x in radians using the inverse cosine function: x = cos − 1 ( 10 3.4 ) .
Convert x from radians to degrees by multiplying by π 180 .
Calculate the degree measure: x ≈ 70.123 degrees.
Round the degree measure to the nearest whole degree: 7 0 ∘ .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are given the equation cos − 1 ( 10 3.4 ) = x , which allows us to find the measure of angle BAC. Our goal is to find the degree measure of angle BAC, rounded to the nearest whole degree.
Find x in radians First, we need to find the value of x in radians by evaluating the inverse cosine function: x = cos − 1 ( 10 3.4 ) .
Convert radians to degrees Next, we convert the value of x from radians to degrees. We know that 1 radian = π 180 degrees . Therefore, we multiply x by π 180 to convert it to degrees.
Calculate the degree measure Using a calculator, we find that cos − 1 ( 10 3.4 ) ≈ 1.224 radians. Converting this to degrees, we have 1.224 × π 180 ≈ 70.123 degrees.
Round to the nearest whole degree Finally, we round the degree measure to the nearest whole degree. Since 70.123 is closer to 70 than to 71 , we round down to 70 degrees.
Final Answer Therefore, the degree measure of angle BAC is approximately 7 0 ∘ .
Examples
Imagine you're building a ramp and need to determine the angle of elevation. If the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse is 3.4/10, you can use the inverse cosine function to find the angle in radians, then convert it to degrees for practical use in construction.
The measure of angle BAC, calculated using cos − 1 ( 10 3.4 ) , is approximately 66 degrees when rounded to the nearest whole degree.
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