Math Problem Statement

In the diagram below, BE ≅ EC, m∠BEC = 48° and m∠A = 40°. Find m∠AEB.

Solution

We are given that:

  • BEECBE \cong EC (so triangle BECBEC is isosceles),
  • mBEC=48m\angle BEC = 48^\circ,
  • mA=40m\angle A = 40^\circ,
  • and we need to find mAEBm\angle AEB.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Isosceles Triangle Property: Since BEECBE \cong EC, triangle BECBEC is isosceles, which means that the base angles EBC\angle EBC and ECB\angle ECB are congruent. Let these angles be denoted as xx.

  2. Sum of Angles in Triangle: The sum of the angles in triangle BECBEC must equal 180180^\circ. So, we can write the equation: mBEC+mEBC+mECB=180m\angle BEC + m\angle EBC + m\angle ECB = 180^\circ Substituting the known values: 48+x+x=18048^\circ + x + x = 180^\circ Simplifying: 48+2x=18048^\circ + 2x = 180^\circ 2x=1322x = 132^\circ x=66x = 66^\circ Therefore, mEBC=mECB=66m\angle EBC = m\angle ECB = 66^\circ.

  3. Finding mAEBm\angle AEB: Now consider triangle ABEABE. We know two of its angles:

    • mA=40m\angle A = 40^\circ,
    • mABE=66m\angle ABE = 66^\circ (since ABE=EBC\angle ABE = \angle EBC).

    The sum of the angles in triangle ABEABE is also 180180^\circ, so: mA+mABE+mAEB=180m\angle A + m\angle ABE + m\angle AEB = 180^\circ Substituting the known values: 40+66+mAEB=18040^\circ + 66^\circ + m\angle AEB = 180^\circ Simplifying: 106+mAEB=180106^\circ + m\angle AEB = 180^\circ mAEB=74m\angle AEB = 74^\circ

Thus, the measure of AEB\angle AEB is 7474^\circ.

Let me know if you would like further clarification or details!

Related Questions:

  1. What are the properties of an isosceles triangle?
  2. How can you use the angle sum property in any triangle?
  3. How does knowing the base angles in an isosceles triangle help solve for unknown angles?
  4. What is the significance of congruent sides in triangle problems?
  5. Can you solve for the missing angle if only two angles are known?

Tip:

In isosceles triangles, the base angles are always equal, which is often the key to solving for unknown angles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Isosceles Triangles
Angle Sum Property

Formulas

Sum of angles in a triangle: m∠A + m∠B + m∠C = 180°

Theorems

Isosceles Triangle Theorem: In an isosceles triangle, the angles opposite the equal sides are congruent.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11