Math Problem Statement

The measures of the angles of a triangle are shown in the figure below. Solve for x.

Solution

The image shows a triangle with three angle measures expressed in terms of xx:

  • (2x+6)(2x + 6)^\circ
  • (5x+1)(5x + 1)^\circ
  • (2x7)(2x - 7)^\circ

Since the sum of the interior angles of a triangle is always 180180^\circ, we can write the equation as follows:

(2x+6)+(5x+1)+(2x7)=180(2x + 6) + (5x + 1) + (2x - 7) = 180

Now, let's simplify the left-hand side:

2x+5x+2x+6+17=1802x + 5x + 2x + 6 + 1 - 7 = 180

9x=1809x = 180

Now, solve for xx:

x=1809=20x = \frac{180}{9} = 20

So, x=20x = 20.

Verifying the solution:

Now substitute x=20x = 20 into the expressions for the angles:

  • First angle: 2(20)+6=40+6=462(20) + 6 = 40 + 6 = 46^\circ
  • Second angle: 5(20)+1=100+1=1015(20) + 1 = 100 + 1 = 101^\circ
  • Third angle: 2(20)7=407=332(20) - 7 = 40 - 7 = 33^\circ

Finally, check the sum: 46+101+33=18046^\circ + 101^\circ + 33^\circ = 180^\circ

Since the angles sum to 180°, the solution is correct.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related problems for further practice:

  1. What are the general properties of the interior angles of any polygon?
  2. How would you solve for xx if the angles were exterior angles instead?
  3. If one of the angles was missing, how could you solve for it given the other two?
  4. How can you prove the angle sum property of a triangle using geometry?
  5. What happens to the angles of a triangle if the triangle is isosceles or equilateral?

Tip: Always check your work by verifying that the sum of the angles meets the known geometric property—like 180° for a triangle!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Algebra

Formulas

Sum of interior angles of a triangle: a + b + c = 180°

Theorems

Triangle Angle Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10