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Work out the value of x - Edexcel - GCSE Maths - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2

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Work out the value of x. Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Work out the value of x - Edexcel - GCSE Maths - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2

Step 1

Using Trigonometric Ratios

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Answer

To find the value of x, we will use the cosine function from trigonometry. In a right triangle, the cosine of an angle is defined as the adjacent side over the hypotenuse.

For angle 53 degrees:

cos(53)=x14.5\cos(53^\circ) = \frac{x}{14.5}

Rearranging gives us:

x=14.5cos(53)x = 14.5 \cdot \cos(53^\circ)

Step 2

Calculating x

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Answer

Now, we proceed to calculate the value of x:

Using a calculator:

cos(53)0.6018\cos(53^\circ) \approx 0.6018

Thus,

x14.50.60188.71x \approx 14.5 \cdot 0.6018 \approx 8.71

Rounding this to 3 significant figures gives us:

x=8.71 cmx = 8.71 \text{ cm}

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