how to find degrees of a triangle with two variables

J

Johnson220

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Feb 27, 2008
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How would you solve this problem:

A triangle has three sides: 4x+10, one unknown and one with an exterior angle this one is x-2 and the extended exterior angle is 3y. I know x-2 + 3y = 180, but how do I solve for x and y ?
 
Johnson220 said:
A triangle has three sides: 4x+10, one unknown and one with an exterior angle this one is x-2 and the extended exterior angle is 3y. I know x-2 + 3y = 180, but how do I solve for x and y ?
Click to expand...
Is the variable "x" measuring degrees or some sort of linear units? (It would be very unusual for x to be used both for side lengths and for angle measures!)

Is your triangle something like the following?

Code: 
                . C
               / \
             /    \
           /       \
D        /          \
*------*-------------*
       A             B
...with the measure of angle CAB being x - 2 degrees, the measure of angle DAC being 3y degrees, the length of AB (or of BC) being 4x + 10 units (inches or whatever), and the length of BC (or of AB) being unknown.

Please reply with correction or confirmation. Thank you! :D

Eliz.
 
Johnson220 said:
Yes, You are right in the way you created the triangle.
Click to expand...
In that case, I see no way to solve for x or y. :shock:

You know that x - 2 = 3y, but that's the only possible equation you can form. You have no way of relating either of the angles to the one side-length expression, nor any way of doing anything with the sides of the triangle. Having only one equation in two variables, the values of those variables cannot be determined. Sorry! :oops:

Please consult with your instructor regarding any additional information which might allow for a solution. Thank you! :D

Eliz.
 
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