Math Problem Statement

In rectangle $EFGH$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{EF}$, and let $X$ be a point such that $MH = MX$, as shown below. If $\angle EFH = 32^\circ$ and $\angle MHX = 68^\circ,$ then find $\angle XGH,$ in degrees.

[asy] unitsize(1 cm);

pair A, B, C, D, M, X;

A = (0,3); B = (4,3); C = (4,0); D = (0,0); M = (A + B)/2; X = rotate(26,M)*(D);

draw(A--B--C--D--cycle); draw(D--M--X--cycle); draw(C--X); draw(B--D);

label("$E$", A, NW); label("$F$", B, NE); label("$G$", C, SE); label("$H$", D, SW); label("$M$", M, N); label("$X$", X, S); [/asy]

Solution

We are given a rectangle EFGHEFGH, with MM as the midpoint of side EFEF, and a point XX such that MH=MXMH = MX. Additionally, we are provided the following angles:

  • EFH=32\angle EFH = 32^\circ,
  • MHX=68\angle MHX = 68^\circ.

We are tasked with finding XGH\angle XGH.

Step 1: Analyze the Geometry of the Rectangle

In a rectangle, opposite sides are parallel and equal in length, and all angles are right angles. We focus on triangle EFHEFH first.

Since EFH=32\angle EFH = 32^\circ, and EFH\triangle EFH is a right triangle (because EHF=90\angle EHF = 90^\circ as EFGHEFGH is a rectangle), we can find the third angle in this triangle:

EHF=9032=58.\angle EHF = 90^\circ - 32^\circ = 58^\circ.

Step 2: Symmetry and Properties of MHX\triangle MHX

We are given that MH=MXMH = MX, meaning triangle MHXMHX is isosceles. Also, we know that MHX=68\angle MHX = 68^\circ. In an isosceles triangle, the base angles are equal. Let HMX=MXH=θ\angle HMX = \angle MXH = \theta. Using the fact that the sum of angles in a triangle is 180180^\circ, we have:

HMX+MXH+MHX=180,\angle HMX + \angle MXH + \angle MHX = 180^\circ, 2θ+68=180,2\theta + 68^\circ = 180^\circ, 2θ=112,2\theta = 112^\circ, θ=56.\theta = 56^\circ.

Thus, both HMX\angle HMX and MXH\angle MXH are 5656^\circ.

Step 3: Relationship Between XX, GG, and HH

We need to find XGH\angle XGH. Since XX, GG, and HH form a triangle, we focus on triangle XGHXGH. Notice that:

  • HGM=EHF=58\angle HGM = \angle EHF = 58^\circ (as GMHF\overline{GM} \parallel \overline{HF}),
  • HXM=56\angle HXM = 56^\circ (from the isosceles triangle MHXMHX).

To find XGH\angle XGH, observe that:

XGH=HGM+HXM=58+56=114.\angle XGH = \angle HGM + \angle HXM = 58^\circ + 56^\circ = 114^\circ.

Final Answer:

The measure of XGH\angle XGH is 46\boxed{46^\circ}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Rectangles
Isosceles Triangles

Formulas

Sum of angles in a triangle = 180^\circ

Theorems

Properties of Rectangles
Isosceles Triangle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10