SOLUTION: I have a word problem that I am stuck on. In a triangle, the measure of the largest angle is 17 degrees more than twice the measure of the middle angle. The smallest angle is 5

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Question 320636: I have a word problem that I am stuck on.
In a triangle, the measure of the largest angle is 17 degrees more than twice the measure of the middle angle. The smallest angle is 5 degrees less than the measure of the middle angle. What are the measurments of the three angles?
I cannot figure out how to write the equation and solve.
Thanks!
Ashleigh
Found 2 solutions by nerdybill, unlockmath:
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In a triangle, the measure of the largest angle is 17 degrees more than twice the measure of the middle angle. The smallest angle is 5 degrees less than the measure of the middle angle. What are the measurments of the three angles?
.
Let x = measure of middle angle
then
x-5 = smallest angle
2x+17 = largest angle
.
x + (x-5) + (2x+17) = 180
x + x-5 + 2x+17 = 180
4x + 12 = 180
4x = 168
x = 42 degrees (middle angle)
.
smallest angle
x-5 = 42-5 = 37 degrees
.
Largest angle:
2x+17 = 2(42)+17 = 84+17 = 101 degrees

Answer by unlockmath(1688) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi,
First let's represent the middle angle as x. The other angles will be 2x+17 and x-5. We know the total degrees of all triangles is 180 degrees, therefore:
x+x-5+2x+17=180
Combine like terms to get:
4x+12=180
Subtract 12 from both sides and divide by 4 to get:
x=42 degrees for the middle angle
Now I'll let you figure the other 2 angles.
Make sense?
RJ
www.math-unlock.com