Calculate Angle B in Triangle ABC: Given Obtuse Angle and A = 20°

Triangle Angles with Insufficient Information

Given the triangle ABC.

Given B>90° ∢B>90° , A=20° ∢A=20°

Is it possible to calculate B ∢B ?

If so, find how much the angle is equal to.

AAABBBCCC20°

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 If possible, find B
00:05 The sum of angles in a triangle equals 180
00:11 Let's substitute appropriate values according to the given data
00:27 Let's group terms and isolate B
00:45 It seems we don't have enough data to determine
00:54 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

Given the triangle ABC.

Given B>90° ∢B>90° , A=20° ∢A=20°

Is it possible to calculate B ∢B ?

If so, find how much the angle is equal to.

AAABBBCCC20°

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine the angle B \angle B in triangle ABC with given A=20 \angle A = 20^\circ and B>90 \angle B > 90^\circ , consider these facts:

The sum of all angles in any triangle is 180 180^\circ .

With A=20 \angle A = 20^\circ , and knowing that B \angle B should be greater than 90 90^\circ , mathematically, the sum of B \angle B and C \angle C should be 160 160^\circ . However, without specific value for C \angle C , multiple combinations of B \angle B and C \angle C that satisfy this condition exist.

To determine a unique value for B \angle B , more information about C \angle C or any other angles or conditions is needed.

Thus, with the current information, it is not possible to calculate an exact measure for B \angle B . Hence, the answer is No.

3

Final Answer

No

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Sum of triangle angles always equals 180° 180°
  • Technique: With A=20° ∠A = 20° and B>90° ∠B > 90° , need B+C=160° ∠B + ∠C = 160°
  • Check: Without knowing C ∠C , multiple values of B ∠B work ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming you can find angle B with only partial information
    Don't assume B has a unique value just because it's obtuse = multiple answers exist! Without knowing angle C or having additional constraints, infinitely many obtuse angles work. Always check if you have enough information before solving.

Practice Quiz

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just use 180° - 20° = 160° to find angle B?

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Because 160° 160° is the sum of angles B and C together, not just angle B! You need to know one more angle to find the exact value of B.

What does 'angle B > 90°' actually tell us?

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It tells us that B is an obtuse angle, which means it's between 90° 90° and 180° 180° . But this still leaves many possible values!

Could angle B be 100°? What about 120°?

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Both could work! If B = 100°, then C = 60°. If B = 120°, then C = 40°. As long as B+C=160° B + C = 160° and B>90° B > 90° , it's valid.

What additional information would I need to solve this?

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You'd need one more piece of information like:

  • The exact value of angle C
  • A relationship between B and C
  • Side lengths to use trigonometry

Is this a trick question?

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Not a trick - it's testing whether you understand that some problems don't have enough information to find a unique answer. This is an important mathematical skill!

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