<p>If the degree measures of the angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2:3:4, by how many degrees does the measure of the largest angle exceed the measure of the smallest angle?</p>
<p>a) 20
b) 30
c) 40
d) 50
e) 60</p>
<p>answer: c</p>
<p>please enlighten me on how to solve this</p>
<p>2:3:4 is the ratio of the angles. </p>
<p>2x + 3x +4x = 180</p>
<p>x = 20</p>
<p>20<em>4 - 20</em>2 = 40</p>
<p>Ratio of the angles is 40, 60, 80 btw, which is equivalent to 2,3,4</p>
<p>[edit] thanks dkdkdk</p>
<p>cjgone - “Ratio of the angles is 20, 60, 80 btw, which is equivalent to 2,3,4”</p>
<p>to clarify I think he means the angles are 40 degrees, 60 degrees, & 80 degrees respectively</p>
<p>When it comes to the SAT, it is important to keep an eye on often tested patterns and ratio. The moment one sees triangle … the number 180 should flash in front of your eyes. Then, look at the numbers 2-3-4 … takes a second to add them up to 9. </p>
<p>Now we have a clear “relation” 9 to 180. And since 180/9 = 20, all you need to do is looking at 4 minus 2 = 2 (given in problem) and multiply 2 by 20 for the answer 40. </p>
<p>As usual, the explanation takes a LOT longer than answering the problem. The lesson to remember here is to ALWAYS look for quick and simple patterns.</p>
<p>I just used the law of cosines twice… which takes like 10 secs if you have it in your calculator…</p>
<p>Xiggi - " When it comes to the SAT, it is important to keep an eye on often tested patterns and ratio. The moment one sees triangle … the number 180 should flash in front of your eyes. Then, look at the numbers 2-3-4 … takes a second to add them up to 9.</p>
<p>Now we have a clear “relation” 9 to 180. And since 180/9 = 20, all you need to do is looking at 4 minus 2 = 2 (given in problem) and multiply 2 by 20 for the answer 40.</p>
<p>As usual, the explanation takes a LOT longer than answering the problem. The lesson to remember here is to ALWAYS look for quick and simple patterns. "</p>
<p>this seems like making more work out of the problem, I just looked at the ratio 2,3,4 and immediately knew it would be 40, 60 , 80 due the total of 180 degrees thus the answer was clearly 40…</p>
<p>@dkdkdk xiggi’s just explaining the process behind your thinking.
it’s not as clear to everybody else</p>
<p>Ratio= 2,3,4</p>
<p>Angles in triangle= 180</p>
<p>2+3+4=9 parts in total</p>
<p>2/9 of 180= 40</p>
<p>4/9 of 180= 80</p>
<p>80-40= 40</p>
<p>Need further clarification?</p>