To find the value of x in this right triangle, we can use the cosine function, which relates the adjacent side to the hypotenuse. According to trigonometric principles:
cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse
Here, θ is 35 degrees, and the length of the adjacent side is 12 cm. We need to find hypotenuse (x).
Rearranging the formula to solve for the hypotenuse:
hypotenuse = adjacent / cos(θ)
Substituting the known values:
x = 12 / cos(35°)
Using a calculator to find cos(35°), we get approximately 0.8192. Now plug this back into the equation:
x ≈ 12 / 0.8192
This simplifies to:
x ≈ 14.65 cm
Rounding x to the nearest tenth gives us:
x ≈ 14.7 cm
Therefore, the value of x is approximately 14.7 cm.