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Question

The angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2 ∶ 3 ∶ 4. What is the largest angle of the triangle?

The correct answer is

80 degree

This question asks us to find the largest angle in a triangle where the angles are given in a specific ratio. To solve this, we need to use the fundamental property of triangles regarding the sum of their internal angles.

Understanding Triangle Angles and Ratios

The problem states that the angles of a triangle are in the ratio of 2:3:4. This means that if we represent the angles using a common multiple, let's say 'x' degrees, the angles can be written as $2x$, $3x$, and $4x$. The ratio 2:3:4 tells us the proportion of each angle relative to the others.

Key Property: Sum of Angles in a Triangle

A crucial geometric property is that the sum of the interior angles of any triangle is always 180 degrees. We can use this property to find the value of 'x'.

So, we can set up an equation:

$\text{Angle 1} + \text{Angle 2} + \text{Angle 3} = 180^\circ$

$2x + 3x + 4x = 180^\circ$

Solving for the Common Multiple 'x'

Now, we solve the equation for 'x':

Combine the terms on the left side:

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

$9x = 180^\circ$

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 by substituting x back into our expressions for the angles:

  • 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 Largest Angle

The three angles of the triangle are $40^\circ$, $60^\circ$, and $80^\circ$. To find the largest angle, we simply compare these three values.

Comparing $40^\circ$, $60^\circ$, and $80^\circ$, the largest value is $80^\circ$.

Let's verify if these angles sum up to $180^\circ$: $40^\circ + 60^\circ + 80^\circ = 180^\circ$. The sum is correct.

Thus, the largest angle of the triangle is $80^\circ$. This matches one of the provided options.

Summary of Angle Calculation

Angle Ratio Angle Expression Calculated Angle
2 $2x$ $40^\circ$
3 $3x$ $60^\circ$
4 $4x$ $80^\circ$

The largest angle is $80^\circ$.

Revision Table: Triangle Angle Ratio Problem

Concept Description Application in this problem
Angle Ratio Proportional relationship between angle measures. Angles are $2x, 3x, 4x$.
Sum of Triangle Angles Always $180^\circ$ for a Euclidean triangle. $2x + 3x + 4x = 180^\circ$.
Solving Linear Equation Finding the value of an unknown variable. Solving $9x = 180^\circ$ for $x$.
Substitution Replacing a variable with its found value. Substituting $x = 20^\circ$ to find angle measures.
Identifying Maximum Value Comparing quantities to find the largest. Comparing $40^\circ, 60^\circ, 80^\circ$.

Additional Information on Triangle Angles

Triangles are classified based on their angles and sides. Understanding angle properties is key to solving many geometry problems. Here are some related concepts:

  • Types of Triangles based on Angles:
    • Acute Triangle: All three angles are less than $90^\circ$. (Our calculated triangle with angles $40^\circ, 60^\circ, 80^\circ$ is an acute triangle).
    • Right Triangle: One angle is exactly $90^\circ$. The other two angles must sum up to $90^\circ$.
    • Obtuse Triangle: One angle is greater than $90^\circ$. The other two angles must be acute.
  • Exterior Angles: An exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the two opposite interior angles. The sum of an interior angle and its adjacent exterior angle is $180^\circ$.
  • Angles and Sides Relationship: In any triangle, the side opposite the largest angle is the longest side, and the side opposite the smallest angle is the shortest side.

Problems involving angle ratios often require setting up an equation based on the sum of angles property. Always ensure your calculated angles sum up to $180^\circ$ as a check.

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Important Questions from Triangles

  1. What is the circumcenter of the triangle ABC?

  2. What is the centroid of the triangle ABC?

  3. What is the foot of the altitude from the vertex A of the triangle ABC?

  4. In ΔABC, D is a point on BC such that ∠ADB = 2∠DAC, ∠BAC = 70° and ∠B = 56°. What is the measure of ∠ADC?

  5. In ΔABC, ∠A = 66° and ∠B = 50 °. If the bisectors of ∠B and ∠C meet at P, then ∠BPC – ∠PCA = ?

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