Question

A student writes an incorrect step while checking if the sum of the measures of the two remote interior angles of triangle ABC below is equal to the measure of the exterior angle.

Step 1: m∠x + m∠y + m∠z = 180 degrees (sum of angles of a triangle)
Step 2: m∠w − m∠z = 90 degrees (corresponding angles)
Step 3: Therefore, m∠x + m∠y + m∠z = m∠w + m∠z
Step 4: So, m∠x + m∠y = m∠w

In which step did the student first make a mistake and how can it be corrected? (5 points)


Step 1; it should be m∠x + m∠y + m∠z = 180 degrees (sum of corresponding angles)

Step 2; it should be m∠w + m∠z = 180 degrees (supplementary angles)

Step 1; it should be m∠x + m∠y + m∠z = 90 degrees (corresponding angles)

Step 2; it should be m∠w + m∠z = 90 degrees (alternate exterior angle)

Answer 1

Step 2; it should be m∠w + m∠z = 180 degrees (supplementary angles)

Explanation:

Step 1: m∠x + m∠y + m∠z = 180 degrees (sum of angles of a triangle)

Step 2: m∠w − m∠z = 90 degrees (corresponding angles)

We are adding the angles to form a straight line which is 180 degrees

Step 3: Therefore, m∠x + m∠y + m∠z = m∠w + m∠z

Step 4: So, m∠x + m∠y = m∠w