Is Triangle PQR Isosceles Based on Angle Equality?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter woof123
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In summary, the conversation discusses how to find the value of angle PQR in a given triangle using the theorem on isosceles triangles. The final conclusion is that angle PQR is equal to the exterior angle formed when a side of a triangle is produced, and this implies that the sides PQ and PR are equal.
  • #1
woof123
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I can't figure this one out...(I may not have drawn it exactly how it was drawn in the book)

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  • #2
woof123 said:
I can't figure this one out...(I may not have drawn it exactly how it was drawn in the book)
angle PRQ = 180 - 2x by supplementary angles.

Thus angle PQR = 180 - (x) - (180 - 2x) = x. What does this tell you?

-Dan
 
  • #3
OK, I get x, meaning the sides opposite to the x angles are equal.

Thanks so much
 
  • #4
Okay, let's label the unknown angles:

\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw[blue,thick] (0,0) -- (12,0);
\draw[blue,thick] (12,0) -- (8,4);
\draw[blue,thick] (8,4) -- (0,0);
\draw[blue,thick] (8,4) -- (6,0);
\node[left=5pt of {(0,0)}] {\large P};
\node[above=5pt of {(8,4)}] {\large Q};
\node[below=5pt of {(6,0)}] {\large R};
\node[right=5pt of {(12,0)}] {\large S};
\node[right=15pt of {(0,0)},yshift=5pt] {\large $x$};
\node[right=5pt of {(6,0)},yshift=7pt] {\large $2x$};
\node[left=5pt of {(8,4)},yshift=-13pt] {\large $\alpha$};
\node[below=3pt of {(8,4)}] {\large $\beta$};
\node[left=10pt of {(12,0)},yshift=7pt] {\large $\delta$};
\node[above=0pt of {(6,0)},xshift=-3pt] {\large $\gamma$};
\end{tikzpicture}

Now, we know the following:

\(\displaystyle 2x+\gamma=180^{\circ}\)

\(\displaystyle x+\alpha+\gamma=180^{\circ}\)

\(\displaystyle 2x+\beta+\delta=180^{\circ}\)

\(\displaystyle x+\alpha+\beta+\delta=180^{\circ}\)

We need to show that:

\(\displaystyle x=\alpha\)

Look at the first two equations above, and we see that:

\(\displaystyle 180^{\circ}-\gamma=2x=x+\alpha\)

What does this imply?
 
  • #5
I would like to express my opinion here ;)

Theorem: The exterior angle formed when a side of a triangle is produced
is equal to the sum of the two interior opposite angles.

Now using this theorem,

$2x=x+\angle PQR$
$2x-x= \angle PQR$
$x= \angle PQR$

Then we may recall the theorem,

Theorem (Converse of the theorem on isosceles triangles):
The sides opposite equal angles of a triangle are equal

Now since we have proved that $ \angle PQR =\angle QPR$ what can be said about the sides PQ and PR ?
 

FAQ: Is Triangle PQR Isosceles Based on Angle Equality?

How do you prove that PQR is isosceles?

To prove that PQR is isosceles, we can use the triangle congruence theorem. If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then the angles opposite those sides are also congruent. Thus, by showing that two sides of PQR are congruent, we can prove that it is isosceles.

What is the definition of an isosceles triangle?

An isosceles triangle is a triangle with at least two sides that are equal in length. This means that the two angles opposite those sides are also equal.

Can you prove that PQR is isosceles without using the triangle congruence theorem?

Yes, there are other methods to prove that a triangle is isosceles. One way is to use the properties of parallel lines and transversals. If the base angles of a triangle are equal, then the triangle is isosceles.

Why is it important to prove that PQR is isosceles?

Proving that PQR is isosceles can help us understand the properties and relationships of triangles. It also allows us to make accurate mathematical calculations and solve real-world problems involving triangles.

Are there any real-life examples of isosceles triangles?

Yes, there are many real-life examples of isosceles triangles. Some common examples include the roof of a house, the shape of a traffic sign, and the wings of an airplane. Isosceles triangles also appear in nature, such as in the shape of a butterfly's wings or the petals of a flower.

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