Math Problem Statement

The measures of the three angles of a triangle are given by 18x – 7, 12x + 9, and 4x. What is the measure of the largest angle?

A 5.2°

B 21°

C 71.9°

D 87.3°

Solution

The sum of the angles in any triangle is always 180°. So, we can write an equation for the three angles:

(18x7)+(12x+9)+4x=180(18x - 7) + (12x + 9) + 4x = 180

Simplify and solve for xx:

18x7+12x+9+4x=18018x - 7 + 12x + 9 + 4x = 180 (18x+12x+4x)+(7+9)=180(18x + 12x + 4x) + (-7 + 9) = 180 34x+2=18034x + 2 = 180 34x=180234x = 180 - 2 34x=17834x = 178 x=17834=5.24x = \frac{178}{34} = 5.24

Now, substitute x=5.24x = 5.24 back into the expressions for the angles:

  1. First angle: 18x7=18(5.24)7=94.327=87.3218x - 7 = 18(5.24) - 7 = 94.32 - 7 = 87.32^\circ
  2. Second angle: 12x+9=12(5.24)+9=62.88+9=71.8812x + 9 = 12(5.24) + 9 = 62.88 + 9 = 71.88^\circ
  3. Third angle: 4x=4(5.24)=20.964x = 4(5.24) = 20.96^\circ

The largest angle is 87.32°, which rounds to 87.3°.

Answer: D) 87.3°

Would you like more details on this process? Or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How can you check that the sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180°?
  2. What would happen if the sum of the angles in a triangle didn't add up to 180°?
  3. How can the Law of Sines or Law of Cosines be used to find angles in non-right triangles?
  4. What other properties of triangles should be kept in mind when solving angle problems?
  5. How do you solve angle problems with unknowns in trigonometric equations?

Tip: When solving angle problems, always check that the sum of the angles is consistent with the fundamental properties of triangles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Angles in Triangles

Formulas

Sum of angles in a triangle = 180°
Linear equation solving (ax + b = c)

Theorems

Triangle Angle Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8