Math Problem Statement

Refer to the figure shown to the right, which includes an isosceles triangle with AB = BC. What is the measure of ∠BCD if ∠B measures 46°?

Solution

We are given an isosceles triangle ABC\triangle ABC with AB=BCAB = BC and angle B\angle B measuring 46°. The task is to find the measure of angle BCD\angle BCD.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Identify the isosceles triangle: Since AB=BCAB = BC, ABC\triangle ABC is isosceles, meaning that angles A\angle A and C\angle C are equal.

  2. Sum of angles in triangle: The sum of the interior angles of any triangle is 180°. Therefore, for ABC\triangle ABC, A+B+C=180\angle A + \angle B + \angle C = 180^\circ Since A=C\angle A = \angle C, we can rewrite this as: 2A+B=1802\angle A + \angle B = 180^\circ Plug in B=46\angle B = 46^\circ: 2A+46=1802\angle A + 46^\circ = 180^\circ Solve for A\angle A: 2A=18046=1342\angle A = 180^\circ - 46^\circ = 134^\circ A=1342=67\angle A = \frac{134^\circ}{2} = 67^\circ So, A=C=67\angle A = \angle C = 67^\circ.

  3. Angle BCD\angle BCD: Since CDCD is a straight line, BCD\angle BCD is an exterior angle to ABC\triangle ABC, and it is supplementary to C\angle C. Therefore, BCD+C=180\angle BCD + \angle C = 180^\circ Substituting C=67\angle C = 67^\circ: BCD+67=180\angle BCD + 67^\circ = 180^\circ Solving for BCD\angle BCD: BCD=18067=113\angle BCD = 180^\circ - 67^\circ = 113^\circ

Final Answer:

The measure of BCD\angle BCD is 113\boxed{113^\circ}.


Do you want more details on any part of this explanation? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you prove that the sum of angles in a triangle is 180°?
  2. Can you explain why exterior angles are supplementary to interior angles?
  3. What are the properties of an isosceles triangle?
  4. How do you calculate angles in other types of triangles?
  5. How would the solution change if the angle B\angle B were different?

Tip: Always double-check whether angles form a straight line or a full circle to avoid mistakes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Isosceles Triangle
Exterior Angle Theorem

Formulas

Sum of angles in a triangle = 180°
Exterior angle = 180° - Interior angle

Theorems

Isosceles Triangle Theorem
Supplementary Angle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10