Question

Angles α and β are the two acute angles in a right triangle, where α = 5x 3 + 20 and β = 2x 3 + 14. Find α. A) 24° B) 30° C) 60° D) 66°

Answer 1

C) 60°

Explanation:

The sum of the acute angles in a right triangle is 90°, so we have ...

α + β = 90

(5x³ +20) +(2x³ +14) = 90

7x³ = 56 . . . . . . subtract 34, collect terms

x³ = 8 . . . . . . . . divide by 7

Using this value in the expression for α, we find its measure to be ...

α = 5·8 +20 = 60

α = 60°