Confused by Geometry Problem - Can You Help?

In summary, the conversation is about a geometry problem where m<S is 20 more than four times its supplement. The person tries to solve it by setting m<S as x and finding the supplement of m<S, which is x-180. They then work out the equation x=4(x-180)+20 and get the solution x=233.333... which doesn't make sense. They ask for help and realize their mistake, that the supplement should be 180-x instead of x-180.
  • #1
Imparcticle
573
4
I was doing my geometry homework earlier and came across a problem:

Find m<S if m<S is 20 more than four times its supplement.

What I did:
m<S= x
supplement of m<S: x = (x-180)

how I worked it out:
x=4(x-180) + 20
x=4x-700
700=3x
233.333... = x

My answer for x is obviously wrong because when I try to find m<S, I get 233.33... again:
x=4(2.333...-180) +20
4(53.33...)= 213.333... + 20 = 233.3333...

This evidently does not make any sense at all. The problem said "supplement", and 233.333... is most certainly not an angle measure which agree with the definition of supplement, I believe.

Please help.
 
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  • #2
180-x .
 
  • #3
okay. That does not make a difference.
 
  • #4
yes .
 
  • #5
Imparcticle said:
okay. That does not make a difference.

my mistake. It does make a difference.
 

1. What is the best approach to solving a geometry problem?

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Improving your geometry problem-solving skills takes practice and patience. It is important to understand the fundamental concepts and theorems of geometry and to continuously practice solving problems. Additionally, seeking help from a tutor or teacher can also greatly improve your skills.

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