Isosceles Triangle Analysis: Comparing Angles B and C with Predominant Angle A

Triangle Properties with Predominant Angle Analysis

ABC is an isosceles triangle

(A ∢A is the predominant angle).

Which angle is larger,B ∢B orC ∢C ?

AAACCCBBB

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Which angle is larger - B\C?
00:03 The triangle is isosceles according to the given data
00:09 In an isosceles triangle, the base angles are equal
00:14 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 isosceles triangle

(A ∢A is the predominant angle).

Which angle is larger,B ∢B orC ∢C ?

AAACCCBBB

2

Step-by-step solution

In an isosceles triangle, two sides are equal, meaning the angles opposite those sides are equal. Given that A ∢A is the predominant (largest) angle, it follows that sides AB AB and AC AC are equal (assuming A ∢A is opposite these sides, based on typical isosceles configuration). Therefore, the angles opposite these sides, B ∢B and C ∢C , must be equal.

Applying the property of equal angles in an isosceles triangle:

  • The sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180°.
  • If A ∢A is the largest angle, then B+C=180°A ∢B + ∢C = 180° - ∢A .
  • Since B=C ∢B = ∢C in an isosceles triangle, we can state 2B=180°A 2∢B = 180° - ∢A leading to each angle B=C=180°A2 ∢B = ∢C = \frac{180° - ∢A}{2} .

Therefore, both angles B ∢B and C ∢C are equal.

The correct and final conclusion is: C=B ∢C=∢B .

3

Final Answer

C=B ∢C=∢B

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: In isosceles triangles, base angles are always equal
  • Technique: If A ∢A is predominant, then B=C=180°A2 ∢B = ∢C = \frac{180° - ∢A}{2}
  • Check: Sum all angles: A+B+C=180° ∢A + ∢B + ∢C = 180°

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming the predominant angle determines which base angles are unequal
    Don't think that having a 'predominant angle' means the other angles must be different sizes = wrong conclusion! The term 'predominant' only tells us which angle is largest, not that base angles are unequal. Always remember that isosceles triangles have exactly two equal angles regardless of which angle is largest.

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

What does 'predominant angle' actually mean?

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A predominant angle simply means the largest angle in the triangle. It doesn't change the fact that an isosceles triangle always has two equal angles!

How can I tell which sides are equal in this triangle?

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Since A ∢A is the predominant (largest) angle, the two sides forming angle A are equal. These are sides AB and AC, making B=C ∢B = ∢C .

Could angle A ever be smaller than angles B and C?

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No! The problem states that A ∢A is predominant, meaning it's the largest angle. In any triangle, the largest angle is opposite the longest side.

What if the triangle looked different - would the answer change?

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No matter how the triangle is drawn, if it's isosceles with A ∢A as the largest angle, then B=C ∢B = ∢C always! The visual doesn't change the mathematical properties.

How do I remember which angles are equal in an isosceles triangle?

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  • Equal sides create equal angles
  • The angles opposite the equal sides are equal
  • In this case: equal sides AB and AC mean B=C ∢B = ∢C

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