In a triangle XYZ, if < ZYZ is 60, XY = 3cm and YZ = 4cm, calculate the length of the sides XZ.

  • A √23cm
  • B √13cm
  • C 2√5cm
  • D 2√3cm

The correct answer is B. √13cm

Given that \( \angle ZYZ = 60^\circ \) and the lengths of two sides, XY and YZ, we can use the law of cosines to find the length of the third side, XZ.

The law of cosines states:

\( XZ^2 = XY^2 + YZ^2 - 2 \cdot XY \cdot YZ \cdot \cos(\angle ZYZ) \(

Plugging in the given values:

\( XZ^2 = 3^2 + 4^2 - 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 \cdot \cos(60^\circ) \(

Since \( \cos(60^\circ) = \frac{1}{2} \), we simplify further:

\( XZ^2 = 9 + 16 - 12 \(

\( XZ^2 = 13 \(

Taking the square root of both sides:

\( XZ = \sqrt{13} \(

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