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Hi All,

This question can be solved by TESTing THE ANSWERS.

We're told that, In a triangle, the ratio of two angles is 5:2, and the third angle is equal to the DIFFERENCE between the other two. We're asked for the number of degrees in the smallest angle.

Since the ratio of two of the angles is 5:2, the first angle will be some multiple of 5 and the second will be the equivalent multiple of 2. By extension, the third angle will be an equivalent multiple of 3. Since we're asked to find the measure of the smallest angle, and the answers are all numbers, we can TEST THE ANSWERS.

Let's TEST Answer D:

IF...
the smallest angle = 36
2(18) = 36
5(18) = 90
the largest angle = 90
90 - 36 = 54
the third angle = 54
36+54+90 = 180, so this is a triangle and this matches everything we were told. This MUST be the answer.

Final Answer:
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Bunuel
In a triangle, the ratio of two angles is 5:2, and the third angle is equal to the difference between the other two. What is the number of degrees in the smallest angle?

A. 18
B. 25 2⁄7
C. 25 5⁄7
D. 36
E. 54

Assume the angles to be 5x and 2x
We have been told that the remaining angle = 5x - 2x = 3x

Now we know that the sum of angles of a triangle = 180
Therefore 5 x + 2x + 3x + 180
10x = 180

Hence x = 18
Of 5x, 2x and 3x, 2x is the smallest.
Hence the smallest angle = 2*18 = 36 (Option D)
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