Can Thales' Theorem Help Me Solve My Trapezoid Equation?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lornick
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Trapezoid
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving angle calculations in a cyclic trapezoid using Thales' theorem. The user has determined the angles A, B, C, and D as 70°, 110°, 120°, and 60° respectively. It is established that angles E and F must sum to 60° due to the properties of cyclic quadrilaterals. The user realizes that the confusion arose from misinterpreting the angles as acute and obtuse, while Thales' theorem clarifies the relationship between these angles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cyclic quadrilaterals
  • Knowledge of Thales' theorem
  • Basic angle calculations in geometry
  • Familiarity with isosceles trapezoids
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of cyclic quadrilaterals
  • Learn how to apply Thales' theorem in various geometric contexts
  • Explore angle relationships in isosceles trapezoids
  • Practice solving problems involving angle calculations in trapezoids
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in solving geometric problems involving trapezoids and cyclic figures.

lornick
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I have the above equation to try and complete and I have no idea how to do it I have worked out all the angles for A, B, C, and D accept the ones within the diagonal line E and F. Any hints?
 

Attachments

  • trapzoid.jpg
    trapzoid.jpg
    10.6 KB · Views: 138
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I don't see an equation you are trying to complete, but what do we know about the opposite interior angles of a cyclic quadrilateral?
 
Sorry don't have an equation, my wording mistake, just trying to calculate the angle of E and F. What I have worked out is the angles of A, B, C, and D. A=70 B=110 C=120 D=60. But have no idea how to calculate E and F. If I turn C and D into a right angle on the outside of the trapezoid I get 30 and if I turn B and A into a right angle on the outside of the trapezoid I get 20. But not sure how to compute this into my E and F. Also I forgot to mention that A and D are parallel lines to B and C. Forgot to draw in the arrows on the line.Thank you for any help in solving this.
 
Since $\overline{AD}\parallel\overline{BC}$, and the trapezoid is cyclic, we know it must be isosceles. So we know $\angle A=60^{\circ}$, if $\measuredangle C=120^{\circ}$.

Thus, we know:

$$\angle E+\angle F=60^{\circ}$$

If we label the two angles at vertex $B$ as $G$ and $H$, we then know:

$$\angle G+\angle H=120^{\circ}$$

Can you find two more equations involving these 4 angles? Hint: add the interior angles of the two triangles making up the trapezoid...:D

Also, to simplify matters, $G$ and $H$ must share a special relationship to $E$ and $F$. ;)
 
[QUOTE Since $\overline{AD}\parallel\overline{BC}$, and the trapezoid is cyclic, we know it must be isosceles. So we know $\angle A=60^{\circ}$, if $\measuredangle C=120^{\circ}$.

I had changed the original degrees and didn't realize I had changed the triangles to equal sides. My triangles are not level only the horizontal lines are level, which leaves me with one obtuse angle and one acute angle. :S so sorry I confused matters, but I didn't want to get into trouble for my question from my teachers. Or am I confused lol.
 
Last edited:
Hi lornick! Welcome to MHB! :)

Thales' theorem may help you.
200px-Thales%27_Theorem_Simple.svg.png

Thales' theorem: if AC is a diameter, then the angle at B is a right angle.
 
I like Serena said:
Hi lornick! Welcome to MHB! :)

Thales' theorem may help you.

Thales' theorem: if AC is a diameter, then the angle at B is a right angle.

Oh nooo I can't believe it was that simple, I have been trying to calculate it as a acute and obtuse angle (hence my issues). The time when you are doing maths and you start to bash your head against a brick wall, only to realize that the answer was right in front of you lol. Thank you sooooooooo much!
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
535
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
548
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K