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I have been having a hard time with this question can someone please explain it to me?

How do i solve this?
Please explain?
Thanks

I have been having a hard time with this question can someone please explain it to-example-1

1 Answer

3 votes

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer:

a = 35

b = 25

Discussion:

From the topmost triangle:

90 + 55 + a = 180 =>

145 + a = 180 => subtract 145 from both sides

a = 180 - 145 = 35 (*)

From the bottom triangle we have

a + b + 120 = 180 => substitute a = 35 from above calculation

35 + b + 120 = 180 => 120 + 35 = 155

155 + b = 180 => subtract 155 from both sides

b = 180 - 155 = 25 (**)

Note the angle at the top of the bottom triangle is a vertical angle so equals "a"

Finally, from (*) and (**) we have a = 35 and b = 25

Thank you,

MrB

User FiftiN
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