The angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2 ∶ 3 ∶ 4. What is the largest angle of the triangle?
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.
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.
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:
$\text{Angle 1} + \text{Angle 2} + \text{Angle 3} = 180^\circ$
$2x + 3x + 4x = 180^\circ$
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:
$x = \frac{180^\circ}{9}$
$x = 20^\circ$
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:
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.
| Angle Ratio | Angle Expression | Calculated Angle |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $2x$ | $40^\circ$ |
| 3 | $3x$ | $60^\circ$ |
| 4 | $4x$ | $80^\circ$ |
The largest angle is $80^\circ$.
| 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 $40^\circ, 60^\circ, 80^\circ$. |
Triangles are classified based on their angles and sides. Understanding angle properties is key to solving many geometry problems. Here are some related concepts:
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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