In triangle ABC, angle C is 90 °, AB = 16, tg A = 1/3. Find AC.

To solve this problem, remember that tgA = BC / AC.

This means that the sizes of the legs BC and AC are referred to as 1/3.

Denoting the unknown value BC through X, we get AC = 3X.

According to the Pythagorean theorem, we compose the equation:

AB ^ = AC ^ + BC ^.

256 = 9X ^ + X ^.

256 = 10X ^.

From where, with an acceptable margin of error, we find:

X = 5.06.

Respectively:

3X = 15.18.

Answer: The AC side is 15.18.