Compare Angles A and B in an Obtuse Triangle: Vertex Angle Analysis

Angle Comparison with Obtuse Triangle Properties

Triangle ABC is an obtuse triangle.

Which angle is larger, B ∢B or A ∢A ?

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Which angle is larger - A or B?
00:03 The triangle is obtuse according to the given information
00:08 The sum of angles in a triangle equals 180
00:14 We want to isolate angle A
00:26 Since angle B is obtuse, this difference is less than 90
00:36 Therefore this sum is less than 90
00:41 Which means that angle A must be less than 90
00:46 And if angle A is less than 90, it must be smaller than angle B
00:50 And that's the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Triangle ABC is an obtuse triangle.

Which angle is larger, B ∢B or A ∢A ?

AAABBBCCC

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to compare B \angle B and A \angle A in an obtuse triangle ABC.

A triangle is classified as obtuse when one of its angles is greater than 9090^\circ. In such a triangle, the largest angle is the obtuse angle.

Without loss of generality, if we consider any angle of the triangle, say C \angle C , to be the obtuse angle, it must be that C>90 \angle C > 90^\circ. This makes C \angle C the largest angle.

Given the angle sum property of triangles (A+B+C=180 \angle A + \angle B + \angle C = 180^\circ ), the sum of the two non-obtuse angles (A \angle A and B \angle B ) must be less than 9090^\circ, hence ensuring C \angle C remains the largest.

Since B \angle B and A \angle A must both be less than 9090^\circ, and the problem requires determining which is larger without any specific constraints on C \angle C , we observe:

  • If C \angle C is indeed obtuse, then A \angle A and B \angle B must add up to less than 9090^\circ, leading to B\angle B generally being greater than A \angle A under typical conditions unless otherwise specified.
  • This result denotes that B \angle B being comparably larger than A \angle A unless specified otherwise by additional conditions, which are absent here.

Therefore, B>A \angle B > \angle A .

Hence, in the context of the problem's provided choices and lacking other conditions, the solution is B>A\angle B > \angle A.

Thus, the larger angle is B>A\angle B > \angle A.

3

Final Answer

B>A ∢B>∢A

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: In obtuse triangles, the largest angle exceeds 90°
  • Technique: Use angle sum property: A+B+C=180° \angle A + \angle B + \angle C = 180°
  • Check: Two acute angles must sum to less than 90° ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming any angle can be the largest without analyzing the triangle type
    Don't randomly pick which angle is larger without considering triangle properties = wrong comparisons! In an obtuse triangle, there's always one angle greater than 90°, and the other two must be acute. Always identify which angle is obtuse first, then compare the remaining acute angles using the given information or diagram.

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

How do I know which angle is obtuse in triangle ABC?

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Look at the diagram carefully! The obtuse angle appears as the widest opening. In this triangle, C \angle C looks like the obtuse angle since it's the largest opening between sides AC and BC.

If angle C is obtuse, why is angle B larger than angle A?

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From the diagram, you can see that side AC is longer than side AB. In triangles, the larger angle is always opposite the longer side. Since AC > AB, then B>A \angle B > \angle A .

What if I can't tell which side is longer from the diagram?

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Use the angle-side relationship! The side opposite the largest angle is the longest side. If C \angle C is obtuse, then side AB (opposite to C) is the longest side in the triangle.

Can two angles in an obtuse triangle be equal?

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Yes! An obtuse triangle can have two equal acute angles, making it an obtuse isosceles triangle. However, from this diagram, angles A and B appear different in size.

How do I verify my angle comparison is correct?

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  • Check that one angle looks obtuse (> 90°)
  • Identify which sides appear longer or shorter
  • Remember: Larger angle is opposite longer side ✓

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