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 64 quizzes

Determine the size of angle ABC?

DBC = 100°

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

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Determine the type of angle given.

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll examine the image presented for the angle type:

  • Step 1: Identify the angle based on the visual input provided in the graphical representation.
  • Step 2: Classify it using the standard angle types: acute, obtuse, or straight based on their definitions.
  • Step 3: Select the appropriate choice based on this classification.

Now, let's apply these steps:

Step 1: Analyzing the provided diagram, observe that there is an angle formed among the segments.

Step 2: The angle is depicted with a measure that appears greater than a right angle (greater than 9090^\circ). It is wider than an acute angle.

Step 3: Given the definition of an obtuse angle (greater than 9090^\circ but less than 180180^\circ), the graphic clearly shows an obtuse angle.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Obtuse.

Answer:

Obtuse

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Indicates which angle is greater

Step-by-Step Solution

Note that in drawing B, the two lines form a right angle, which is an angle of 90 degrees:

While the angle in drawing A is greater than 90 degrees:

Therefore, the angle in drawing A is larger.

Answer:

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Indicates which angle is greater

Step-by-Step Solution

In drawing A, we can see that the angle is an obtuse angle, meaning it is larger than 90 degrees:

While in drawing B, the angle is a right angle, meaning it equals 90 degrees:

Therefore, the larger angle appears in drawing A.

Answer:

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Which angle is greater?

Step-by-Step Solution

The angle in diagram (a) is more acute, meaning it is smaller:

Conversely, the angle in diagram (b) is more obtuse, making it larger.

Answer:

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Indicates which angle is greater

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer B is correct because the more closed the angle is, the more acute it is (less than 90 degrees), meaning it's smaller.

The more open the angle is, the more obtuse it is (greater than 90 degrees), meaning it's larger.

Answer:

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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