KEY SKILL

137
Angles– Part V – Isosceles Triangles
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Recap: ∠𝐵𝐴𝐷 means the angle
between lines 𝐵𝐴 and 𝐴𝐷. Note
that the middle letter, 𝐴, is
where the angle is.
Prerequisites: Angles in a triangle
sum to 180°, angles on a straight Worked Example 1: Worked Example 2:
line sum to 180°. Determine 𝑥. 𝑨𝑩𝑪 is a straight line.
An isosceles triangle has Determine (a) ∠𝐵𝐴𝐷 (b) ∠𝐵𝐶𝐷.
two sides the same length. 𝐶
Suppose that these two 30° 𝐵
𝑥
sides are the same length.
We put a small mark on 70°
each to indicate this. 𝐴

180° − 30° = 150° Two of the

𝐷 angles in
150° Angles in triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐷
This side that’s the ‘odd one The two angles on 𝑥= = 75° triangle sum
2 ∠𝐵𝐴𝐷 = 180° − 2 × 70° = 40° are 70°
out’ length-wise is known the base are known to 180°.
as the base of the triangle. as the base angles. Determine ∠𝐶𝐵𝐷 = 180° − 70° = 110° Angles on a
what two
straight line
Key Theorem: Base angles of an The two angles on the left angles on the 180° − 110° sum to 180°.
are equal, so split equally. left sum to. ∠𝐵𝐶𝐷 = = 35°
isosceles triangle are equal. 2
Tip: To identify the base angles, put two fingers on
The two remaining angles
the marks, and slide your fingers away from each
in triangle 𝐵𝐶𝐷 are base
other until you reach two corners of the triangle.
angles, so shared equally.

Core Questions
Determine the value of the
3 46°
1 variable in each diagram.
𝑥 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is a straight line.
Determine the angle 𝑥.
a b 75° 240°
𝐴 72°
𝐵 𝐶
82° 𝑦
𝑥

c d 𝑥
Problem Solving
𝑧 25°
34° 𝐵
4
𝐴
𝐴𝐵𝐸 is an equilateral
e
40°
f triangle and 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 is a
square. Determine the
𝑦 𝑧 𝐸
angle (a) 𝐴𝐷𝐸 (b) 𝐵𝐷𝐸.
𝐷 𝐶
g h

𝑥
130° 𝑦

12°
5 The pictured star is
nicely symmetrical.
𝑥
40° Determine the angle 𝑥.
Determine the value of the
2 variable in each diagram.
a b
82° 62°
𝑥 𝑦
The difference between the smallest and
6 largest angle in an isosceles triangle is 12°.
What is the largest possible angle in the
triangle?
5. 230° 6. 68°
2(a) 164° (b) 121° 3. 19 4(a) 75° (b) 30° To practise random questions on this topic, simply go to
1(a) 16° (b) 30° (c) 112° (d) 130° (e) 70° (f) 45° (g) 25° (h) 84° www.drfrostmaths.com and enter the number at the top-right of this
Solutions: worksheet into the search bar.