how do you solve trigonometry multi-step questions with triangles trying to find 'x'

Question

 how do I find the value of the length 'X' where there are two right angle triangles making up a large triangle and 'x' is one of those sides?

Answer 1

In some cases,you have to similar right triangles (don't say right angle triangles!) and they share an acute angle but their bases are parallel. Then you use equations based on "corresponding sides of similar triangles are in proportion."

 

Your question is very general, and hard to answer. If you were to describe, fully, any particular situation (or had the luxury of presenting a diagram), we surely could help. In general, the travel through a course in trigonometry addresses this topic, and Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, etc. will or can come into play. Straightforward applications of sine, cosine and tangent ratios are also key to solving right triangles when one acute angle and one side are known.

 

My best advice: (1) Pay careful attention to class lectures & do not fear to ask auestions

(2) Read the textbook worked examples (3) Do the homework; in this connection, a peer study group is often helpful.