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Question

If angles of a triangle are in the ration of 2 : 3 : 4, then the measure of the smallest angle is:

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

40°

Solving for Triangle Angles Given Ratio

The question provides the ratio of the angles of a triangle as \(2 : 3 : 4\). We need to find the measure of the smallest angle.

Understanding Triangle Angle Properties

A fundamental property of any triangle is that the sum of its interior angles is always \(180^\circ\). This property is key to solving this problem.

Representing the Angles

Since the angles are in the ratio \(2 : 3 : 4\), we can represent the angles as \(2x\), \(3x\), and \(4x\), where \(x\) is a common multiplier.

Setting Up the Equation

Using the property that the sum of angles in a triangle is \(180^\circ\), we can write the equation:

\[2x + 3x + 4x = 180^\circ\]

Solving for x

Combine the terms on the left side of the equation:

\[(2 + 3 + 4)x = 180^\circ\]

\[9x = 180^\circ\]

Now, divide both sides by 9 to find the value of \(x\):

\[x = \frac{180^\circ}{9}\]

\[x = 20^\circ\]

Calculating the Measure of Each Angle

Now that we have the value of \(x\), we can find the measure of each angle:

  • First angle = \(2x = 2 \times 20^\circ = 40^\circ\)
  • Second angle = \(3x = 3 \times 20^\circ = 60^\circ\)
  • Third angle = \(4x = 4 \times 20^\circ = 80^\circ\)

Identifying the Smallest Angle

Comparing the three angle measures \(40^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(80^\circ\), the smallest angle is \(40^\circ\).

Summary of Angles

Ratio Part Expression Angle Measure
2 \(2x\) \(40^\circ\)
3 \(3x\) \(60^\circ\)
4 \(4x\) \(80^\circ\)

The sum of these angles is \(40^\circ + 60^\circ + 80^\circ = 180^\circ\), which confirms our calculation is correct.

Conclusion

The measure of the smallest angle in the triangle is \(40^\circ\).

Revision Table: Triangle Angles Ratio

Concept Key Idea Application in Problem
Sum of angles in a triangle Always \(180^\circ\) Used to form the equation \(2x + 3x + 4x = 180^\circ\)
Angles in ratio Represent angles as multiples of a variable (e.g., \(2x, 3x, 4x\)) Used to set up terms for the equation
Solving linear equation Find the value of the unknown variable \(x\) Calculated \(x = 20^\circ\)
Finding angle measures Substitute the value of \(x\) back into angle expressions Calculated angles as \(40^\circ, 60^\circ, 80^\circ\)

Additional Information: Types of Triangles by Angles

Triangles can be classified based on their angle measures:

  • Acute Triangle: All three angles are less than \(90^\circ\). The triangle in this problem (angles \(40^\circ, 60^\circ, 80^\circ\)) is an acute triangle.
  • Right Triangle: One angle is exactly \(90^\circ\). The other two angles must be acute.
  • Obtuse Triangle: One angle is greater than \(90^\circ\). The other two angles must be acute.

Understanding the sum of angles and how to work with ratios is fundamental in solving various geometry problems related to triangles.

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Important Questions from Lines and Angles

  1. Two parallel lines are intersected by a transversal, the corresponding angles are:

  2. If l, m, n are lines such that, l is parallel to n and m is parallel to n, then, ______

  3. There are three points P, Q and R on a straight line such that PQ : QR = 3 : 5. If n is the number of possible values of PQ : PR, then what is n equal to ?

  4. Two cars start from a point at the same time and travel on two different roads at right angles to each other. Their speed is 18 km/h and 72 km/h respectively. What will be the distance between them after 6 seconds?

  5. If the angles of a triangle are in the ratio of 2 : 3 : 5, then find the ratio of the greatest angle to the smallest angle.

    A. 7 : 2

    B. 5 : 2

    C. 5 : 3

    D. 3 : 5

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