Answer:
B
Step-by-step explanation:
Since we know the measure of ∠B and the side opposite to ∠B and we want to find BC, which is adjacent to ∠B, we can use the tangent ratio. Recall that:
[tex]\displaystyle \tan\theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}[/tex]
The angle is 54°, the opposite side measures 16 units, and the adjacent side is BC. Substitute:
[tex]\displaystyle \tan 54^\circ = \frac{16}{BC}[/tex]
Solve for BC. We can take the reciprocal of both sides:
[tex]\displaystyle \frac{1}{\tan 54^\circ} = \frac{BC}{16}[/tex]
Multiply:
[tex]\displaystyle BC = \frac{16}{\tan 54^\circ}[/tex]
Use a calculator. Hence:
[tex]\displaystyle BC \approx 11 .62\text{ units}[/tex]
BC measures approximately 11.62 units.
Our answer is B.
