Math Problem Statement

The diagram shows how a rhombus is made by joining two equilateral triangles.

The same rhombus can be made by joining two copies of an isosceles triangle.

Find the size of each angle of the isosceles triangle.

Solution

To solve this problem, we first need to analyze the properties of the rhombus and the relationship between the two equilateral triangles and the isosceles triangles.

Step 1: Properties of a Rhombus

A rhombus is a quadrilateral where all four sides are equal. The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles (90°). Since the rhombus in question is formed by joining two equilateral triangles, we can conclude that the rhombus is symmetric.

Step 2: Properties of the Equilateral Triangles

In an equilateral triangle, all three angles are equal to 6060^\circ, and all sides are equal in length. Two of these triangles form the rhombus, so their combined interior angles at the common vertex must be:

60+60=12060^\circ + 60^\circ = 120^\circ

Thus, one of the angles in the rhombus is 120120^\circ, and since opposite angles in a rhombus are equal, the other angle at the opposite vertex is also 120120^\circ.

Step 3: Other Angles of the Rhombus

Since the sum of all interior angles in any quadrilateral is 360360^\circ, and we already know that two of the angles in the rhombus are 120120^\circ each, the other two angles must sum up to 360(120+120)=120360^\circ - (120^\circ + 120^\circ) = 120^\circ.

Since these two angles are equal (opposite angles in a rhombus are equal), each of them must be:

1202=60\frac{120^\circ}{2} = 60^\circ

Step 4: The Isosceles Triangle

The rhombus can also be formed by joining two isosceles triangles. We know that the angle between the two equal sides of the rhombus is 120120^\circ (from the equilateral triangles). This angle must correspond to the vertex angle of the isosceles triangle.

The sum of the angles in any triangle is 180180^\circ. Therefore, the sum of the two base angles in the isosceles triangle is:

180120=60180^\circ - 120^\circ = 60^\circ

Since the base angles are equal, each base angle of the isosceles triangle is:

602=30\frac{60^\circ}{2} = 30^\circ

Conclusion:

Each isosceles triangle has:

  • One vertex angle of 120120^\circ,
  • Two base angles of 3030^\circ each.

Would you like further clarification on any step or details?

Related Questions:

  1. How do the properties of a rhombus influence the angles of the triangles forming it?
  2. What are the key differences between equilateral and isosceles triangles?
  3. How would the solution change if the rhombus was made using non-equilateral triangles?
  4. Can a rhombus always be split into two congruent isosceles triangles?
  5. How do the diagonals of a rhombus affect its internal angles?

Tip:

Always remember that the sum of the angles in any triangle is 180180^\circ, and this fundamental property is key to solving many geometric problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangles
Quadrilaterals
Angle Properties

Formulas

Sum of interior angles of a triangle: 180°
Sum of interior angles of a quadrilateral: 360°

Theorems

Properties of a rhombus
Angle sum property of a triangle
Symmetry in geometry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10