Math Problem Statement

What is the length of AB in an isosceles triangle where angles at A and C are both 65°, and the sides AB = 6x and BC = 3x + 9?

Solution

The problem involves an isosceles triangle ABC\triangle ABC, where angles A\angle A and C\angle C are given as 6565^\circ, and sides AB=6xAB = 6x and BC=3x+9BC = 3x + 9. We are asked to find the length of side ABAB.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Since the triangle is isosceles, sides ABAB and BCBC are equal. Therefore, we can set the expressions for these sides equal: 6x=3x+96x = 3x + 9

  2. Solve for xx: 6x3x=96x - 3x = 9 3x=93x = 9 x=3x = 3

  3. Substitute x=3x = 3 back into the expression for ABAB to find the length of ABAB: AB=6x=6(3)=18AB = 6x = 6(3) = 18

Thus, the length of side ABAB is 1818.

The correct answer is C. 18.


Do you have any questions, or would you like more details on any of the steps?

Here are five related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How can we determine if a triangle is isosceles using only its angles?
  2. What is the sum of the internal angles of any triangle?
  3. How do you solve for unknown variables in other types of triangles (e.g., scalene, equilateral)?
  4. How can the Pythagorean theorem be applied in right triangles?
  5. What are the properties of equilateral triangles, and how do they differ from isosceles triangles?

Tip: Always look for symmetry in problems involving isosceles triangles, as it helps simplify equations and relationships between sides and angles.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Isosceles Triangles
Algebra
Geometric Properties

Formulas

Equation setup: AB = BC
6x = 3x + 9

Theorems

Isosceles Triangle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10