How do you evaluate #\tan (62)=\frac{20.31}{x}#?

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Answer 1 · 2018-01-07T22:15:42

Simple answer, swap the #x# and the #tan(62)#

More detailed answer:

This may seem complicated but it is much like solving any other linear equation. Isolate the variable, in this case #x#, and solve.

Lets start with isolating #x#

First multiply through by #x# to remove the fraction.

#therefore tan(62) = (20.31)/x# = #xtan(62) = 20.31#

Now we divide by #tan(62)# to isolate #x#.

#therefore x = (20.31)/tan(62)#

This number would give an atrociously long decimal so it's best to keep it exact as it looks neater.