Math Problem Statement

In the diagram below, segments AE and BD intersect at point C. Side DE is extended from point E to point F. It is known that AC and BC are congruent, m∠A = 70°, and m∠D = 80°. Find the measure of ∠CEF.

Solution

To solve the problem, let's analyze the geometry step-by-step.

Problem Overview:

We are tasked with finding the measure of CEF\angle CEF, given:

  1. AE\overline{AE} and BD\overline{BD} intersect at CC.
  2. DE\overline{DE} is extended from EE to FF.
  3. ACBC\overline{AC} \cong \overline{BC} (isosceles triangle ABC\triangle ABC).
  4. mA=70m\angle A = 70^\circ.
  5. mD=80m\angle D = 80^\circ.

Step 1: Solve ABC\triangle ABC

Since ABC\triangle ABC is isosceles with ACBC\overline{AC} \cong \overline{BC}, the base angles are congruent: mB=mA=70m\angle B = m\angle A = 70^\circ The third angle, ACB\angle ACB, can be calculated as: mACB=180mAmB=1807070=40m\angle ACB = 180^\circ - m\angle A - m\angle B = 180^\circ - 70^\circ - 70^\circ = 40^\circ

Step 2: Analyze CDE\triangle CDE

Given mD=80m\angle D = 80^\circ, and since CDE\triangle CDE is a triangle: mC+mD+mE=180m\angle C + m\angle D + m\angle E = 180^\circ Substitute mD=80m\angle D = 80^\circ and mC=ACB=40m\angle C = \angle ACB = 40^\circ: 40+80+mE=18040^\circ + 80^\circ + m\angle E = 180^\circ mE=60m\angle E = 60^\circ

Step 3: Determine CEF\angle CEF

DE\overline{DE} is extended to FF, making CEF\angle CEF an exterior angle of CDE\triangle CDE. The exterior angle theorem states: mCEF=mC+mDm\angle CEF = m\angle C + m\angle D Substitute mC=40m\angle C = 40^\circ and mD=80m\angle D = 80^\circ: mCEF=40+80=120m\angle CEF = 40^\circ + 80^\circ = 120^\circ

Final Answer:

mCEF=120m\angle CEF = 120^\circ

Would you like additional clarification or a step-by-step explanation of any part?


Here are 5 related questions for further understanding:

  1. How can the exterior angle theorem be applied to other triangles?
  2. What makes a triangle isosceles, and how do we identify congruent angles?
  3. What are the properties of exterior angles in polygons?
  4. Can you verify this solution by breaking down the problem further?
  5. How can extending a side of a triangle help in solving for unknown angles?

Tip: When working with isosceles triangles, always consider their base angles as equal—it simplifies many angle computations!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Isosceles Triangles
Exterior Angle Theorem
Triangle Angle Sum

Formulas

Sum of interior angles of a triangle: m∠A + m∠B + m∠C = 180°
Exterior angle theorem: An exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles

Theorems

Isosceles Triangle Theorem
Exterior Angle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10