Proof that exterior angles of a triangle sum to 360

In summary, the problem states that for a triangle with external angles ##a##, ##b##, and ##c##, their sum is always equal to 360 degrees. However, since there are two possible external angles at each vertex, there are actually 6 possible external angles for the triangle. To get a sum of 360 degrees, it is possible to choose 3 external angles and subtract them from 1080 degrees, or to subtract the sum of the internal angles from 540 degrees.
  • #1
Mr Davis 97
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So I am working on this simple proof, but am confused about the term "external angle." The problem says that if ##a##, ##b##, and ##c## are external angles to a triangle, then ##a + b + c = 360##. However, is seems that the vertex of each triangle has two possible external angles, since there are two line segments that converge to that point (the vertex). So this would mean that there are 6 possible external angles for the triangle. So when it says to sum 3 of them, I'm not sure which ones, or how.
 
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  • #2
triangle.png


Here we have ##a+b+c= 180°## as it is always the case with planar triangles.
Therefore ##3\cdot 360° = 1080°## and ##1080° -180° = 900° = a' + b' +c'##.

The only chance I see to get ##360°## by somehow external angles would be this:

triangle1.png


Now we have ##a'+b'+c' = \frac{1}{2} (3 \cdot 360° - (2a+2b+2c)) = 540° - (a+b+c) = 540° - 180° = 360°##
or ##a'+b'+c' = 3\cdot 180° - (a+b+c) = 2 \cdot 180° = 360°##
 

What is the concept of exterior angles of a triangle?

The exterior angles of a triangle are the angles formed by extending one side of a triangle to intersect with the other two sides. They are located outside the triangle and are adjacent to the interior angles.

Why is it important to prove that the exterior angles of a triangle sum to 360 degrees?

Proving that the exterior angles of a triangle sum to 360 degrees is important because it is a fundamental property of triangles. It helps to understand the relationship between the interior and exterior angles of a triangle and can be applied to solve various mathematical and real-world problems.

How can you prove that the exterior angles of a triangle sum to 360 degrees?

The most common method to prove this is by using the Exterior Angle Theorem, which states that the measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles. By applying this theorem to all three exterior angles, we can see that they add up to 360 degrees.

Can this proof be applied to all types of triangles?

Yes, this proof applies to all types of triangles - equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. It is a fundamental property of triangles and can be applied to any triangle regardless of its size or shape.

What are some real-world applications of this proof?

The proof that exterior angles of a triangle sum to 360 degrees has various real-world applications. It is used in navigation and surveying to measure angles and distances. It is also used in architecture and construction to ensure the accuracy of angles in building structures. Additionally, this proof is used in trigonometry and geometry to solve problems involving triangles and angles.

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