Is Triangle PQR Isosceles Based on Angle Equality?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether triangle PQR is isosceles based on the equality of angles. Participants explore geometric relationships and theorems related to angles and sides in triangles, with a focus on angle measures and their implications for side lengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the drawing of triangle PQR and its implications for angle measures.
  • Another participant calculates angle PRQ as 180 - 2x using supplementary angles, leading to the conclusion that angle PQR equals x.
  • A subsequent reply acknowledges that if angle PQR equals x, then the sides opposite these angles must be equal, suggesting an isosceles triangle.
  • A participant provides a diagram and sets up equations based on angle relationships, indicating that 2x + γ = 180° and x + α + γ = 180°, aiming to show that x = α.
  • Another participant introduces a theorem regarding exterior angles and relates it to the angles in triangle PQR, concluding that angle PQR equals angle QPR, which implies that sides PQ and PR are equal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants explore various angles and relationships, but there is no consensus on the final determination of whether triangle PQR is definitively isosceles. Multiple viewpoints and interpretations of theorems are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about angle measures and relies on theorems that may not be universally accepted or fully detailed. The implications of the derived equations and theorems are not conclusively resolved.

woof123
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I can't figure this one out...(I may not have drawn it exactly how it was drawn in the book)

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woof123 said:
I can't figure this one out...(I may not have drawn it exactly how it was drawn in the book)
angle PRQ = 180 - 2x by supplementary angles.

Thus angle PQR = 180 - (x) - (180 - 2x) = x. What does this tell you?

-Dan
 
OK, I get x, meaning the sides opposite to the x angles are equal.

Thanks so much
 
Okay, let's label the unknown angles:

\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw[blue,thick] (0,0) -- (12,0);
\draw[blue,thick] (12,0) -- (8,4);
\draw[blue,thick] (8,4) -- (0,0);
\draw[blue,thick] (8,4) -- (6,0);
\node[left=5pt of {(0,0)}] {\large P};
\node[above=5pt of {(8,4)}] {\large Q};
\node[below=5pt of {(6,0)}] {\large R};
\node[right=5pt of {(12,0)}] {\large S};
\node[right=15pt of {(0,0)},yshift=5pt] {\large $x$};
\node[right=5pt of {(6,0)},yshift=7pt] {\large $2x$};
\node[left=5pt of {(8,4)},yshift=-13pt] {\large $\alpha$};
\node[below=3pt of {(8,4)}] {\large $\beta$};
\node[left=10pt of {(12,0)},yshift=7pt] {\large $\delta$};
\node[above=0pt of {(6,0)},xshift=-3pt] {\large $\gamma$};
\end{tikzpicture}

Now, we know the following:

$$2x+\gamma=180^{\circ}$$

$$x+\alpha+\gamma=180^{\circ}$$

$$2x+\beta+\delta=180^{\circ}$$

$$x+\alpha+\beta+\delta=180^{\circ}$$

We need to show that:

$$x=\alpha$$

Look at the first two equations above, and we see that:

$$180^{\circ}-\gamma=2x=x+\alpha$$

What does this imply?
 
I would like to express my opinion here ;)

Theorem: The exterior angle formed when a side of a triangle is produced
is equal to the sum of the two interior opposite angles.

Now using this theorem,

$2x=x+\angle PQR$
$2x-x= \angle PQR$
$x= \angle PQR$

Then we may recall the theorem,

Theorem (Converse of the theorem on isosceles triangles):
The sides opposite equal angles of a triangle are equal

Now since we have proved that $ \angle PQR =\angle QPR$ what can be said about the sides PQ and PR ?
 

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