Math Problem Statement

Solve for the variables x and y in the trapezoid with the following angles: 2y°, 4x°, (2x + 12)°, and (y + 6)°.

Solution

The image shows a trapezoid with labeled angles. Let's define the trapezoid and solve for the variables xx and yy, given the angles in terms of these variables.

Observations:

  • The top left angle is 2y2y^\circ.
  • The top right angle is 4x4x^\circ.
  • The bottom left angle is (2x+12)(2x + 12)^\circ.
  • The bottom right angle is (y+6)(y + 6)^\circ.

Key Property of Trapezoids:

In a trapezoid, consecutive angles along the non-parallel sides are supplementary (i.e., they sum to 180180^\circ).

Step 1: Set up equations based on supplementary angles.

  1. Top left and bottom left angles (along one non-parallel side): 2y+(2x+12)=1802y + (2x + 12) = 180 Simplifying: 2y + 2x + 12 = 180 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 2y + 2x = 168 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y + x = 84 \tag{1}

  2. Top right and bottom right angles (along the other non-parallel side): 4x+(y+6)=1804x + (y + 6) = 180 Simplifying: 4x + y + 6 = 180 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 4x + y = 174 \tag{2}

Step 2: Solve the system of equations.

We now have two equations: y+x=84(Equation 1)y + x = 84 \quad \text{(Equation 1)} 4x+y=174(Equation 2)4x + y = 174 \quad \text{(Equation 2)}

We can solve this system using substitution or elimination. Let me solve it.The solution to the system of equations is:

  • x=30x = 30^\circ
  • y=54y = 54^\circ

Thus, the values for the variables xx and yy are 3030^\circ and 5454^\circ respectively.

Would you like further clarification on any steps? Here are some related questions you might want to explore:

  1. How can we verify these values by substituting them back into the original angles?
  2. What are the specific angle measures for each corner of the trapezoid?
  3. Can we apply the same logic for trapezoids with different angle expressions?
  4. How does the property of supplementary angles help in solving trapezoids?
  5. Can you explain why consecutive angles along non-parallel sides must sum to 180180^\circ?

Tip: Always check your solutions by plugging them back into the original expressions to verify their correctness.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Geometry
Trapezoid Properties

Formulas

Supplementary angles: consecutive angles along non-parallel sides of a trapezoid sum to 180°

Theorems

Supplementary Angle Theorem for trapezoids

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10