Math Problem Statement

Given the isosceles triangle below, find the value of x and then find the measure of angle C.

Given the isosceles triangle below, find the value of x and then find the measure of angle C.

Solution

To solve for xx and the measure of angle CC in this isosceles triangle, let's go through the problem step by step.

Step 1: Understanding the Triangle's Properties

  1. This is an isosceles triangle, which means two sides are equal, and hence the angles opposite these sides are also equal.
  2. Given:
    • A=80\angle A = 80^\circ,
    • Side AB=4y2AB = 4y - 2,
    • Side AC=2y+2AC = 2y + 2,
    • Angle C=(2x)\angle C = (2x)^\circ.

Since AB=ACAB = AC, we can use this information to find yy first.

Step 2: Set Up the Equation Using Equal Sides

Since AB=ACAB = AC, 4y2=2y+2.4y - 2 = 2y + 2.

Solve for yy:

4y2y=2+2,4y - 2y = 2 + 2, 2y=4,2y = 4, y=2.y = 2.

Step 3: Using y=2y = 2, Confirm Equal Sides

Substitute y=2y = 2 back into the expressions for ABAB and ACAC: AB=4(2)2=82=6,AB = 4(2) - 2 = 8 - 2 = 6, AC=2(2)+2=4+2=6.AC = 2(2) + 2 = 4 + 2 = 6. Thus, AB=ACAB = AC, confirming that the triangle is indeed isosceles.

Step 4: Use Angle Sum in a Triangle to Find xx

The sum of angles in any triangle is 180180^\circ. Therefore, A+B+C=180.\angle A + \angle B + \angle C = 180^\circ. Since B=C\angle B = \angle C (due to the isosceles property), let B=C=(2x)\angle B = \angle C = (2x)^\circ.

So, 80+2x+2x=180,80^\circ + 2x + 2x = 180^\circ, 80+4x=180.80^\circ + 4x = 180^\circ.

Solve for xx:

4x=18080,4x = 180^\circ - 80^\circ, 4x=100,4x = 100^\circ, x=25.x = 25^\circ.

Step 5: Find the Measure of Angle CC

Since C=(2x)\angle C = (2x)^\circ, C=225=50.\angle C = 2 \cdot 25^\circ = 50^\circ.

Final Answer

  • x=25x = 25^\circ.
  • The measure of angle C=50C = 50^\circ.

Would you like further clarification on any of the steps?


Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What are the steps to solve for yy if ABAB and ACAC had different expressions?
  2. How does the isosceles property help in solving this type of triangle problem?
  3. What would change if angle AA were different from 8080^\circ?
  4. How do we verify our answer by recalculating the angles?
  5. How would the solution differ if B\angle B and C\angle C were not equal?

Tip: Always double-check that all triangle angles add up to 180180^\circ to confirm the correctness of your solution.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Algebra
Properties of Isosceles Triangles
Angle Sum Property

Formulas

Sum of angles in a triangle: angle A + angle B + angle C = 180°
Isosceles triangle property: AB = AC implies angle B = angle C

Theorems

Isosceles Triangle Theorem
Angle Sum Property of Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10