# Another Isosceles Triangle Problem

1. Feb 22, 2012

### Bashyboy

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
In isosceles triangle RST, RS = RT. Which side of the triangle is the base? Which angle is the vertex angle?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
I believe the base is RT, and the vertex angle is S. I don't know the proper notation to name the line segment and the angle, though. How would you write the answer properly?

2. Feb 22, 2012

### Dick

Why do you think that? Draw a triangle and label the vertices R, S and T. RS is the segment connecting R and S. RT is the segment connecting R and T. What's the segment that is the base?

3. Feb 23, 2012

### Bashyboy

My goodness, I have made a few good blunders in these past two posts. It should actually be RS = ST

4. Feb 23, 2012

### Dick

Ok, then I'll agree with you. Base is RT and the vertex angle is the angle at vertex S. Sometimes you'll see that written as $\angle RST$.

5. Feb 23, 2012

### Bashyboy

Thank you so much. Sorry for all of the posts--I have a great geometry textbook I found, but no answer key to accompany it.