Question 36·Hard·Lines, Angles, and Triangles
In the figure, and intersect at point . The segments satisfy and . The measure of is , and the measure of is . Which choice is the measure, in degrees, of ?
When a quadrilateral’s diagonals intersect and you are given equal segments from the intersection point, try forming triangles that use one segment from each diagonal and a vertical angle at the intersection. Proving those triangles congruent often lets you “move” a known angle to a new location. Then check for an isosceles triangle (from equal sides like ) to compute missing base angles, and finally add or subtract angles that meet at the vertex you are asked about.
Hints
Look for vertical angles at the intersection
Angles formed by and at come in vertical pairs. Identify a pair that belongs to triangles you can compare.
Use the tick marks as side equalities
You are given two pairs of equal segments: and . Try to use them with a vertical angle to prove two triangles congruent (SAS).
Split using the diagonal
Point lies on . Think of as the sum of the angle from to and the angle from to .
Desmos Guide
Store the given angles
Enter a=40 and b=30 to represent and .
Compute the base angle in the isosceles triangle
Enter (180-a)/2 to compute the base angle of isosceles triangle (this is ).
Add the two pieces at vertex
Enter b+(180-a)/2. The value displayed is the measure of .
Step-by-step Explanation
Prove a triangle congruence at
Consider triangles and .
- (given)
- (given)
- because they are vertical angles formed by lines and .
So by SAS.
Transfer the given angle to vertex
From , corresponding angles are equal. The angle at in corresponds to the angle at in , so
Given , it follows that .
Use the isosceles triangle
In , , so the base angles at and are equal.
The vertex angle is , so the two base angles sum to . Each base angle is
Combine the two angles at
At vertex , ray lies on diagonal , splitting into and .
So,
Therefore, the correct answer is .