In the triangle in the figure below, what is a in terms of b? (A) b +

Answer = (B) 94 – b

Sum of all angles of triangle = 180

60+b+a+26 = 180

a = 94 - b

OFFICIAL SOLUTION:

Knowing that the two unlabeled angles in each triangle are supplementary (add up to 180 degrees) helps you solve for “a in terms of b,” as does knowing that the three angles of a triangle always add up to 180 degrees.

Solving for “a in terms of b” means that you find out what a equals without finding a definitive value for b.

The value of the unlabeled angle in the left triangle is equal to 180 – 60 – a, or 120 – a. The value of the unlabeled angle in the right triangle is 180 – 26 – b, or 154 – b. Set up an equation that adds the two values to equal 180 and solve for “a in terms of b”:

(120 – a) + (154 – b) = 180
274 – a – b = 180
94 – a – b = 0
94 – b = a

The answer is B.

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