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

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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

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Can a triangle have a right angle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which angle should be obtuse?

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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°?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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).

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