SOLUTION: In a triangle, the measures of two angles are in the ratio 5:2 and their difference is 15 degrees. Find the number of degrees in the largest angle of the triangle.

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Question 56951This question is from textbook Introductory Algebra for College Students
: In a triangle, the measures of two angles are in the ratio 5:2 and their difference is 15 degrees. Find the number of degrees in the largest angle of the triangle. This question is from textbook Introductory Algebra for College Students

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20055) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
>In a triangle, the measures of two angles are in the ratio
5:2 and their difference is 15 degrees.  Find the number 
of degrees in the largest angle of the triangle.

     Let the larger angle be x°.

>>...their difference is 15 degrees...<<

     Therefore, the smaller angle = (x-15)°

>>...the measures of two angles are in the ratio 5:2...<<

     Therefore,

           x° IS TO (x-15)° AS 5 IS TO 2

Replace "IS TO" by "/" and "AS" by "=" 

     x°/(x-15)° = 5/2

which might be easier to see if written

        x         5
    --------- = -----
     x - 15       2

Can you solve that? If not post again.

Answer: x = 25°, so the smaller 
angle = x-15° or 10°.

Edwin