Math Problem Statement

The diagram shows two congruent regular polygons joined together. Work out the number of sides of each polygon, given that the exterior angle is 72°.

Solution

The problem shows two congruent regular polygons joined at a vertex, with an exterior angle of 72°. To solve for the number of sides of each polygon, we use the formula for the exterior angle of a regular polygon:

Exterior angle=360n\text{Exterior angle} = \frac{360^\circ}{n}

where nn is the number of sides.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. From the diagram, the exterior angle is given as 7272^\circ.
  2. Using the exterior angle formula:

72=360n72^\circ = \frac{360^\circ}{n}

  1. Solving for nn:

n=36072=5n = \frac{360^\circ}{72^\circ} = 5

Thus, each polygon is a regular pentagon with 5 sides.

Would you like a further breakdown or have any questions?


Here are five related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. What is the sum of the interior angles of a regular pentagon?
  2. How do you calculate the interior angle of any regular polygon?
  3. If the exterior angle were 60°, how many sides would the polygon have?
  4. What is the relationship between exterior and interior angles in regular polygons?
  5. How does the number of sides affect the size of the exterior angles of a polygon?

Tip: Remember that the sum of exterior angles for any polygon always adds up to 360°, no matter how many sides!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Regular Polygons
Angles

Formulas

Exterior angle of regular polygon = 360° / n

Theorems

Sum of exterior angles of any polygon equals 360°

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10