Triangle Angles Practice Problems - Sum Theorem Exercises

Master triangle angle calculations with step-by-step practice problems. Learn to find missing angles using the triangle sum theorem for all triangle types.

📚Master Triangle Angle Calculations with Interactive Practice
  • Apply the triangle sum theorem to find missing interior angles
  • Determine if three given angles can form a valid triangle
  • Calculate unknown angles in isosceles, equilateral, and scalene triangles
  • Solve complex angle problems involving parallel lines and triangles
  • Practice angle relationships in different triangle configurations
  • Build confidence with step-by-step solution methods

Understanding The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Triangle

Complete explanation with examples

The sum of the interior angles of a triangle is 180º 180º . If we add the three angles of any triangle we choose, the result will always be 180º 180º . This means that if we know the values of two angles of a triangle we can always calculate, with ease, the value of the third one: first we add the two angles we know and then we subtract from 180º 180º The result of this subtraction will give us the value of the third angle of the triangle.

For example, given a triangle with two known interior angles of 45º 45º and 60º 60º degrees, we are asked to discover the measure of the third angle. First we add 45º 45º plus 60º 60º resulting in 105º 105º degrees. Now we subtract 105º 105º from 180º 180º , yielding 75º 75º degrees. In other words, the third angle of the triangle equals 75º 75º degrees.

The above property is also called the triangle sum theorem, and can help us to solve problems involving the interior angles of a triangle, regardless of whether it is equilateral, isosceles or scalene.

Examples of different types of triangles and the sum of the interior angles in each

Detailed explanation

Practice The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Triangle

Test your knowledge with 65 quizzes

Determine the type of angle given.

Examples with solutions for The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Triangle

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

ABC is an isosceles triangle.

AD is the median.

What is the size of angle ADC ∢\text{ADC} ?

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Step-by-Step Solution

In an isosceles triangle, the median to the base is also the height to the base.

That is, side AD forms a 90° angle with side BC.

That is, two right triangles are created.

Therefore, angle ADC is equal to 90 degrees.

Answer:

90

Video Solution
Exercise #2

ABC is a triangle.

What is the median of the triangle?

AAABBBCCCEEEFFFDDD

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the problem of identifying the median of triangle ABC \triangle ABC , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Understand the Definition - A median of a triangle is a line segment that extends from a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.
  • Step 2: Identify Potential Medians - Examine segments from each vertex to the opposite side. The diagram labels these connections.
  • Step 3: Confirm the Median - Specifically check the segment EC in the context of the line segment from vertex E E to the side AC AC , and verify it reaches the midpoint of side AC AC .
  • Step 4: Verify Against Options - Given choices allow us to consider which point-to-point connection adheres to our criterion for a median. EC is given as one of the choices.

Observation shows: From point E E (assumed from the label and position) that line extends directly to point C C —a crucial diagonal opposite from considered midpoint indications, suggesting it cuts AC AC evenly, classifying it as a median.

Upon reviewing the given choices, we see that segment EC EC is listed. Confirming that EC EC indeed meets at C C , the midpoint of AC AC , validates that it is a true median.

Therefore, the correct median of ABC \triangle ABC is the segment EC EC .

Answer:

EC

Exercise #3

AB is a side in triangle ADB

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

Step-by-Step Solution

The problem asks us to confirm if AB is a side of triangle ADB.

Triangle ADB is defined by its vertices, A, D, and B. A triangle is formed when three vertices are connected by three sides.

  • Identify vertices: The vertices of the triangle are A, D, and B.
  • Identify sides: The triangle's sides should be AB, BD, and DA.
  • Observe: From the provided diagram, AB connects vertices A and B.

Therefore, based on the definition of a triangle and observing the connection between components, side AB indeed is a part of triangle ADB.

This confirms that the statement is True.

Answer:

True

Video Solution
Exercise #4

According to figure BC=CB?

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

Step-by-Step Solution

In geometry, the distance or length of a line segment between two points is the same, regardless of the direction in which it is measured. Consequently, the segments denoted by BC BC and CB CB refer to the same segment, both indicating the distance between points B and C.

Hence, the statement "BC = CB" is indeed True.

Answer:

True

Video Solution
Exercise #5

AD is the median in triangle ABC.

BD = 4

Find the length of DC.

AAABBBCCCDDD4

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, since AD AD is a median of triangle ABC ABC , the median divides the opposite side BC BC into two equal segments.

Given BD=4 BD = 4 , this means that DC DC must also be equal to 4.

Therefore, the length of DC DC is 4 4 .

Answer:

4

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you find a missing angle in a triangle?

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To find a missing angle in a triangle, add the two known angles and subtract the sum from 180°. For example, if two angles are 45° and 60°, the third angle is 180° - (45° + 60°) = 75°.

What is the triangle sum theorem?

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The triangle sum theorem states that the sum of all interior angles in any triangle always equals 180°. This applies to all triangles regardless of whether they are equilateral, isosceles, or scalene.

Can three angles of 90°, 60°, and 40° form a triangle?

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No, these angles cannot form a triangle because they sum to 190°, which exceeds the required 180°. For three angles to form a triangle, their sum must equal exactly 180°.

What are the angles in an equilateral triangle?

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In an equilateral triangle, all three angles are equal and measure 60° each. Since 60° + 60° + 60° = 180°, this satisfies the triangle sum theorem.

How do you solve triangle angle problems with parallel lines?

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When solving triangle problems with parallel lines, use properties like: 1) Corresponding angles are equal, 2) Alternate interior angles are equal, 3) Co-interior angles sum to 180°, then apply the triangle sum theorem.

What happens if triangle angles don't add up to 180°?

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If three angles don't add up to exactly 180°, they cannot form a valid triangle. The angles might be measurement errors or the figure might be a different polygon.

Are triangle angle problems the same for all triangle types?

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Yes, the triangle sum theorem applies equally to all triangle types - equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. However, some triangles have special angle relationships that can simplify calculations.

What's the easiest way to check triangle angle calculations?

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Always verify your answer by adding all three angles together. The sum should equal exactly 180°. If it doesn't, recheck your arithmetic or problem setup.

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