Triangle Angle Calculation: Solving for Angle C Using 1:3 Ratio

Triangle Angle Sum with Ratio Relationships

The triangle ABC is shown below.

angle A=70° ∢A=70° .

BC=13 \frac{∢B}{∢C}=\frac{1}{3}

Calculate angle C ∢C .

AAABBBCCC70°

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Calculate angle C
00:03 Angle ratio according to the given data
00:05 Isolate angle C
00:21 Let's mark angle B's value as A
00:31 Substitute the angle expressions in the triangle
00:40 Sum of angles in a triangle equals 180
00:45 Group terms and isolate the value of angle A
01:11 This is the value of angle A, now let's substitute in the expression for angle C
01:20 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

The triangle ABC is shown below.

angle A=70° ∢A=70° .

BC=13 \frac{∢B}{∢C}=\frac{1}{3}

Calculate angle C ∢C .

AAABBBCCC70°

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll use the properties of a triangle and given ratio:

  • Step 1: Let B=x ∢B = x and C=3x ∢C = 3x as per the given ratio BC=13 \frac{∢B}{∢C} = \frac{1}{3} .
  • Step 2: Use the triangle sum property: A+B+C=180 ∢A + ∢B + ∢C = 180^\circ .
  • Step 3: Substitute known values: 70+x+3x=180 70^\circ + x + 3x = 180^\circ .
  • Step 4: Simplify: 4x+70=180 4x + 70^\circ = 180^\circ .
  • Step 5: Solve for x x : 4x=110 4x = 110^\circ .
  • Step 6: Determine x x : x=27.5 x = 27.5^\circ .
  • Step 7: Calculate C ∢C : C=3x=3×27.5=82.5 ∢C = 3x = 3 \times 27.5^\circ = 82.5^\circ .

Therefore, the measure of angle C ∢C is 82.5 82.5^\circ .

3

Final Answer

82.5°

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Triangle Sum Rule: All three interior angles always equal 180°
  • Ratio Technique: If ∢B:∢C = 1:3, then ∢B = x and ∢C = 3x
  • Verification: Check that 70° + 27.5° + 82.5° = 180° ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Setting up the ratio incorrectly
    Don't write ∢B = 3x and ∢C = x when the ratio is 1:3 = wrong angle assignments! This reverses which angle is larger. Always match the first number in the ratio to the first letter: ∢B/∢C = 1/3 means ∢B = x and ∢C = 3x.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Indicates which angle is greater

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I set up variables when given an angle ratio?

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When you see BC=13 \frac{∢B}{∢C} = \frac{1}{3} , this means ∢B is 1 part and ∢C is 3 parts. Set ∢B = x (the smaller part) and ∢C = 3x (the larger part).

Why is angle C larger than angle B in this problem?

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Because the ratio tells us that ∢C is 3 times larger than ∢B. When we have 1:3, the second number (3) corresponds to the larger angle, which is ∢C.

What if I get a decimal answer for an angle?

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Decimal angles like 82.5° are perfectly valid! Many geometry problems result in non-whole number angles. Just make sure your decimals add up correctly with the other angles.

Can I solve this without using variables?

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Using variables like x is the most reliable method because it keeps track of the ratio relationship. Without variables, it's easy to lose track of which angle should be 3 times the other.

How do I check if my ratio is correct in the final answer?

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Divide the angles: 27.5°82.5°=13 \frac{27.5°}{82.5°} = \frac{1}{3} . If this matches your original ratio, you solved it correctly!

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