Calculate Angle D: Similar Triangles with 50° Angle and Isosceles Properties

Similar Triangles with Isosceles Properties

Triangle ADE is similar to isosceles triangle ABC.

Angle A is equal to 50°.

Calculate angle D.

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find angle D
00:03 The angle size according to the given data
00:06 Isosceles triangle according to the given data
00:11 In an isosceles triangle, base angles are equal, marked as A
00:16 The sum of angles in a triangle equals 180
00:23 Insert appropriate values and solve for A
00:35 This is angle A's size
00:38 The triangles are similar according to the given data
00:42 Angles are equal due to similarity
00:53 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

Triangle ADE is similar to isosceles triangle ABC.

Angle A is equal to 50°.

Calculate angle D.

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

2

Step-by-step solution

Triangle ABC is isosceles, therefore angle B is equal to angle C. We can calculate them since the sum of the angles of a triangle is 180:

18050=130 180-50=130

130:2=65 130:2=65

As the triangles are similar, DE is parallel to BC

Angles B and D are corresponding and, therefore, are equal.

B=D=65

3

Final Answer

65 65 °

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Isosceles Rule: Base angles are always equal in isosceles triangles
  • Similar Triangles: Corresponding angles equal, so D=B=65° \angle D = \angle B = 65°
  • Verification: Check angle sum: 50°+65°+65°=180° 50° + 65° + 65° = 180°

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming angle D equals angle A
    Don't think angle D = 50° just because triangles are similar! This ignores which angles actually correspond. Triangle ADE is similar to ABC means D corresponds to B, not A. Always identify corresponding angles correctly using parallel lines and position.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Find the measure of the angle \( \alpha \)

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which angles correspond in similar triangles?

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Look at the position and parallel lines! Since DE is parallel to BC, angle D is in the same position as angle B. The vertices are listed in corresponding order: A↔A, D↔B, E↔C.

Why are the base angles of triangle ABC equal?

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Isosceles triangles have two equal sides, which create two equal base angles. Since angle A = 50°, the remaining 130° is split equally: 130° ÷ 2 = 65° each.

What if I can't tell which triangle is isosceles?

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The problem states triangle ABC is isosceles. This means two of its sides are equal, making angles B and C equal (the base angles opposite the equal sides).

Do I need to use any special similar triangle ratios?

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No! For this problem, you only need the fact that corresponding angles are equal in similar triangles. The side ratios aren't needed to find angle measures.

How can I double-check my answer?

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Verify that all angles in triangle ADE sum to 180°: 50°+65°+65°=180° 50° + 65° + 65° = 180° . Also check that triangle ABC angles sum correctly with the same base angles.

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