Calculate Angle A: Intriguing Relations in an Obtuse Triangle

Triangle Angle Relationships with Algebraic Expressions

ABC is an obtuse triangle.

C=12A ∢C=\frac{1}{2}∢A

B=3A ∢B=3∢A

Is it possible to calculate A ∢A ?

If so, then what is it?

AAABBBCCC

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 If possible, find angle A
00:03 Let's mark the value of angle A with the letter A
00:13 We'll substitute this value in the expression of angles C,B
00:27 The sum of angles in a triangle equals 180
00:33 We'll group terms and isolate A
00:50 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

ABC is an obtuse triangle.

C=12A ∢C=\frac{1}{2}∢A

B=3A ∢B=3∢A

Is it possible to calculate A ∢A ?

If so, then what is it?

AAABBBCCC

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve for A \angle A in triangle ABC \triangle ABC , we proceed as follows:

  • First, note that the sum of angles in any triangle is 180 180^\circ . Therefore, A+B+C=180 \angle A + \angle B + \angle C = 180^\circ .
  • We know that B=3A \angle B = 3 \angle A and C=12A \angle C = \frac{1}{2} \angle A .
  • Substitute these expressions into the triangle sum equation: A+3A+12A=180 \angle A + 3\angle A + \frac{1}{2}\angle A = 180^\circ .
  • Combine like terms: A+3A+12A=4A+12A=92A \angle A + 3\angle A + \frac{1}{2}\angle A = 4\angle A + \frac{1}{2}\angle A = \frac{9}{2}\angle A .
  • The equation becomes 92A=180 \frac{9}{2} \angle A = 180^\circ .
  • To solve for A \angle A , multiply both sides by 29 \frac{2}{9} :
  • A=29×180=40\angle A = \frac{2}{9} \times 180^\circ = 40^\circ.
  • Check consistency: A=40 \angle A = 40^\circ leads to B=120 \angle B = 120^\circ and C=20 \angle C = 20^\circ .
  • Verify that ABC\triangle ABC is consistent with being obtuse: Indeed, the triangle has B=120\angle B = 120^\circ which is greater than 9090^\circ, confirming the triangle is obtuse.

Therefore, it is possible to calculate A \angle A , and the solution is A=40\angle A = 40^\circ.

3

Final Answer

Yes, 40°.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Sum of all angles in any triangle equals 180°
  • Technique: Substitute B=3A \angle B = 3\angle A and C=12A \angle C = \frac{1}{2}\angle A into angle sum
  • Check: Verify 40° + 120° + 20° = 180° and angle B > 90° ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to check if triangle is actually obtuse
    Don't just solve 92A=180° \frac{9}{2}\angle A = 180° and stop there = missing verification step! You could get a valid angle sum but wrong triangle type. Always check that one angle exceeds 90° to confirm the triangle is obtuse as stated.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which angle should be obtuse?

+

Look at the relationships given! Since B=3A \angle B = 3\angle A , angle B will be the largest angle. With A=40° \angle A = 40° , we get B=120° \angle B = 120° , which is greater than 90°.

What if I get a negative angle or an angle over 180°?

+

That means no solution exists! Triangle angles must be positive and less than 180°. If your algebra gives impossible values, the given conditions cannot form a real triangle.

Can I solve this without setting up the equation?

+

Not easily! While you might guess and check, setting up A+3A+12A=180° \angle A + 3\angle A + \frac{1}{2}\angle A = 180° gives you the exact answer in just a few steps.

Why do we need to combine the fractions?

+

Combining 1+3+12=92 1 + 3 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{2} simplifies our equation to 92A=180° \frac{9}{2}\angle A = 180° . This makes solving for A \angle A much cleaner!

What if the triangle wasn't obtuse?

+

The same algebraic method works! You'd still get A=40° \angle A = 40° , but then you'd need to verify that the resulting triangle matches the given type (acute, right, or obtuse).

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Angles questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations