Calculating Number of Sides in an n-gon with an Average Angle of 175°

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the number of sides in an n-gon given that the average interior angle measures 175 degrees. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding the properties of polygons, particularly focusing on whether the polygon is regular or irregular.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the formula for the average interior angle of a polygon, \(\frac{(n-2) \times 180^\circ}{n}\), to solve for \(n\).
  • Others argue that the question implies the polygon may not be regular and could potentially be irregular or non-convex, raising questions about the applicability of the average angle formula.
  • A later reply suggests that the term "average measure" indicates that the polygon is likely convex, though not necessarily regular, as the average angle can be invariant across different types of polygons.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of the term "average," suggesting it could lead to confusion regarding the regularity of the polygon.
  • Another participant notes that the term n-gon is often associated with regular polygons but acknowledges that the average angle could apply to convex polygons as well.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the polygon is regular or irregular. There are competing views regarding the implications of the term "average" in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved discussion about the definitions of regular versus irregular polygons and how they relate to the average angle calculation. The implications of the average angle being 175 degrees on the nature of the polygon remain unclear.

blahblah
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The interior angles of an n-gon have an average measure of 175 degrees. Calculate n.
 
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Hi blahblah,

Welcome to MHB!

If you have a polygon with $n$ sides then each angle can be expressed as [math]\frac{(n-2) \times 180^\circ}{n}[/math]. Can you use this formula and the given information to solve for $n$?

Jameson
 
Jameson said:
Hi blahblah,

Welcome to MHB!

If you have a polygon with $n$ sides then each angle can be expressed as [math]\frac{(n-2) \times 180^\circ}{n}[/math]. Can you use this formula and the given information to solve for $n$?

Jameson

The implication of the question is that the polygon is not necessarily regular (possibly not even convex) - though given the nature of the question the average of the interior angles of an n-gon is probably an invariant.

In fact it is trivial to show that your formula is the average interior angle for an arbitrary convex n-gon, so that is all-right then!

CB
 
Last edited:
CaptainBlack said:
The implication of the question is that the polygon is not necessarily regular (possibly not even convex)

CB

I don't see that but trust that you know this better than I do. From the level of the other thread the OP made here it seems more likely to me that this is a straightforward question, but I should consider irregular polygons in the future.

EDIT: Ah I think I see your point now. The word "average" could definite imply that the polygon isn't regular although I think it might just be badly worded.
 
Last edited:
I have often seen the word n-gon used to describe a regular polygon or isogon, i.e., a polygon with all sides and all angles equal.

However, when I saw the term "average measure" for the interior angles, I assumed then a convex polygon, not necessarily regular, as the same number of sides results either way.
 

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