In triangle ABC, AB= AC and DE ∥ BC. D lies on AB and E on AC. ∠BDE=(3x+91)∘ and ∠ABC=(2x+4)∘. The dashed line bisects ∠BAC. Find the marked half-angle y, in degrees.
Parallel segment in an isosceles triangleDiagram not to scaleShow worked answer
Answer: 52
∠BDE and ∠ABC sum to 180∘ because DE ∥ BC.
Thus 5x+95=180, giving x=17.
Each base angle is 38∘.
The apex is 180−2×38=104∘, and half is 52∘.
Example 2
The angles A,B and C of triangle ABC are in the ratio 2:3:4. The internal bisectors of A and B meet at I. Find the smaller angle between the two complete bisector lines at I, in degrees. Give an exact fraction if needed.
Intersecting internal angle bisectorsDiagram not to scaleShow worked answer
Answer: 50
Angle C=180×94=80∘.
In triangle AIB, angles A and B are halved
∠AIB=180−2180−C=90+2C.
The smaller angle between the complete lines is its supplement, 90−2C=50∘.
Example 3
In triangle ABC, AB= AC and DE ∥ BC. D lies on AB and E on AC. ∠BDE=(3x+130)∘ and ∠ABC=(2x+5)∘. The dashed line bisects ∠BAC. Find the marked half-angle y, in degrees.
Parallel segment in an isosceles triangleDiagram not to scaleShow worked answer
Answer: 67
∠BDE and ∠ABC sum to 180∘ because DE ∥ BC.
Thus 5x+135=180, giving x=9.
Each base angle is 23∘.
The apex is 180−2×23=134∘, and half is 67∘.
Combine parallel lines, isosceles triangles, ratios and bisectors practice | Year 10 | Ascent Arcade