Finding angle of a reflected isosceles triangle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angle of a reflected isosceles triangle, specifically identifying the angle marked in red as 2θ. The participant initially calculated the angle as π - 2θ, but clarification was provided that the apex angle of the blue triangle, formed by the tangents to the circles, leads to the conclusion that the desired angle is indeed 2θ. The symmetry of the triangle and the relationships between the angles were key to resolving the confusion.

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Homework Statement


I am trying to find the following (marked in red) angle, I know that the radii to the points of contact make an angle θ with the horizontal.

2me5pw0.jpg



Homework Equations


all angles of a triangle add up to 180 degrees.
isosceles triangle, has two equivalent sides


The Attempt at a Solution


5l0yv8.png


I tried using symmetry and found the part in red is \pi - 2\theta
but according to the text, the angle is 2\theta. I am confused on why is is 2\theta
 
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The sides of the inverted triangle are tangents to each circle.
The base of your blue triangle is 2R.
The angles on either side of the base must be ##\theta##.

The blue-triangle apex angle must be ##\pi-2\theta## ... which is where you've got up to.

The apex of the blue triangle forms a diamond shape with the inverted triangle.
The bottom of the diamond is the angle you want.
The left-hand angle is the same as the right-hand angle - you actually know what these angles are!

What do the angles in the diamond add up to?
What do the left hand and right hand angles add up to?
 

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