TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 5

5.0 Introduction
You have been introduced to triangles in your previous class. Look at the figures given below.
Which of these are triangles?

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Discuss with your friends why you consider only some of these as triangles.
A triangle is a closed figure made up of three line segments.
In ∆PQR, the: P

(i) Three sides are PQ, QR, RP

(ii) Three angles are ∠PQR, ∠QRP, ∠RPQ Q R

(iii) Three vertices are P, Q, R

The side opposite to vertex P is QR Can you name the sides which are opposite to vertices Q and R?

Likewise, the side opposite to ∠QPR is QR . Can you name the side which is opposite to ∠PQR

Try This
Uma felt that a triangle can be formed with three collinear points. Do you agree? Why?
Draw diagrams to justify your answer.
[If three more points lie on the same line, then they are called collinear points]

Note: LM = Length of Line segment of LM ; LM = Line segment LM

! " !
LM = Ray LM ; LM = Line LM
88 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 94 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 5.1 Classification of triangles
Triangles can be classified according to properties of their sides and angles.
Based on the sides, triangles are of three types:
• A triangle having all three sides of equal length is called an Equilateral Triangle.
• A triangle having two sides of equal length is called an Isosceles Triangle.
• If all the three sides of a triangle are of different length, the triangle is called a Scalene Triangle.
Based on the angles, triangles are again of three types:
• A triangle whose all angles are acute is called an acute-angled triangle.
• A triangle whose one angle is obtuse is called an obtuse-angled triangle.
• A triangle whose one angle is a right angle is called a right-angled triangle.

Triangles

Based on sides Based on angles

m o
40o
3c 50
3cm

3cm

o
30
m

3c

4c
3c

110o 30
o

3cm 5cm 5cm o

60 70 o
o
90 60o

Equilateral Isosceles Scalene triangle Acute-angled Right-angled Obtuse-angled

triangle triangle triangle triangle triangle

Do This
1. Classify the following triangles according to their (i) sides and (ii) angles.
T
L
A
cm

8c
8 cm

m
7 cm
m

10
5c

B 8 cm C N 6 cm E M 7 cm N

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 89

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 95 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 F P

cm

5.2

6 cm

6
cm
7c
5.2

cm
m

5c
m
S 5 cm T Q 6 cm R
G H
5.2 cm
(2) Write the six elements (i.e. the 3 sides and 3 angles) of ∆ABC.
(3) Write the side opposite to vertex Q in ∆PQR.
(4) Write the angle opposite to side LM in ∆ LMN.

(5) Write the vertex opposite to side RT in ∆RST.

If we consider triangles in terms of both sides and angles we can have the following types of
triangles:
Type of Triangle Equilaterial Isosceles Scalene

Acute-angled

Right-angled

Obtuse-angled

Try This
1. Make paper-cut models of the various types of triangles discussed above.
Compare your models with those of your friends.
2. Rashmi claims that no triangle can have more than one right angle. Do you agree
with her. Why?
3. Kamal claims that no triangle can have more than two acute angles. Do you
agree with him. Why?

90 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 96 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 5.2 Relationship between the sides of a triangle

5.2.1 Sum of the lengths of two sides of a triangle

Draw any three triangles say ∆ABC, ∆PQR and ∆XYZ as given below:
P
A Z

B C Q R X Y

Use your ruler to find the lengths of their sides and tabulate your results as follows:
Name of ∆ Sides of ∆ Sum of two sides Is this true? Yes/No
∆ABC AB = AB + BC = AB + BC > CA

BC = BC + CA = BC + CA > AB

CA = CA + AB = CA + AB > BC

∆PQR PQ = PQ + QR = PQ + QR > RP

QR = QR + RP = QR + RP > PQ

RP = RP + PQ = RP + PQ > QR
∆XYZ XY = XY + YZ = XY + YZ > ZX

YZ = YZ + ZX = YZ + ZX > XY

ZX ZX + XY = ZX + XY > YZ

We can see that in all the above examples, the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is
greater than the length of the third side.

For eg. In ∆ABC, AB + BC > CA

BC + CA > AB

CA + AB > BC

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 91

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 97 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 5.2.2 Difference between the lengths of two sides of a triangle

Take the same triangles as in the above example and tabulate your results as follows:
Name of ∆ Length of sides Difference between two sides Is this true? Yes/No
∆ABC AB = BC–CA = BC – AB <AC
BC = CA–AB = CA – AB <BC
CA= AB–BC = AB – BC <CA
∆PQR PQ = QR–RP = QR – RP <PQ
QR = RP–PQ = RP – PQ <QR
RP = PQ–QR = PQ – QR <RP
∆XYZ XY= YZ–ZX = YZ – ZX <XY
YZ = ZX–XY = ZX – XY <YZ
ZX = XY–YZ = XY – YZ <ZX

From these observations we can conclude that the difference between the lengths of any two sides
of a triangle is less than the length of the third side.
For eg. In ∆ABC, AB – BC < CA ; BC – AB < CA
BC – CA < AB ; CA – BC < AB
CA – AB < BC ; AB – CA < BC

Try This
The lengths of two sides of a triangle are 6 cm and 9 cm. Write all the possible lengths
of the third side.

Example 1: Can a triangle have sides with lengths 6 cm, 5 cm and 8 cm?
Solution : Let the sides of the triangle be AB = 6 cm
BC = 5 cm
CA = 8 cm
Sum of any two sides i.e, AB + BC = 6 + 5 = 11 > 8
BC + CA = 5 + 8 = 13 > 6
CA + AB = 8 + 6 = 14 > 5
Since, the sum of the lengths of any two sides is greater than the lenght of the
third side. The triangle is possible.
92 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 98 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 Exerciese - 1

1. Is it possible to have a triangle with the following sides?

(i) 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm. (ii) 6 cm, 6 cm and 6 cm.
(iii) 4 cm, 4 cm and 8 cm. (iv) 3 cm, 5 cm and 7 cm.

5.3 Altitudes of a triangle

In your daily life you might have come across the word 'height' in different situations. How will you
measure the height of different figures given below:

h h h h

You will measure it from the top point of the object to its base as shown in the figures. Let us use
this creteria to measure the height for a triangle. A
In a given ∆ ABC, the height is the distance from vertex A to the
base BC . However, you can think of many line segments from A
B D C
to BC . Which among them will represent the height?
The height is given by lenght of the line segment that starts from A and is perpendicular to BC .
Thus, the line segment AD is the altitude of the triangle and its length is height. An altitude can be
drawn from each vertex.
Try This
1. (i) Draw altitudes from P to QR for the following triangles. Also, draw altitudes
from the other two vertices.( you can use a set squares if needed)
P P P

Q R Q R Q R
Obtuse-angled Right-angled Acute-angled
(ii) Will an altitude always lie in the interior of a triangle?
(iii) Can you think of a triangle in which the two altitudes of a triangle are two of its
sides?

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 93

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 99 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 5.4 Medians of a triangle
A
Make a paper cut out of ∆ABC.
Now fold the triangle in such a way that the vertex B falls on
vertex C. The line along which the triangle has been folded will B C
intersect side BC as shown in Figure 1. The point of intersection is the mid-point of side BC
which we call D. Draw a line joining vertex A to this mid-point
A D (as can be seen in Figure 2).
A

B C B D C

Figure 1 Figure 2
Similarly, fold the triangle in such a way that the vertex A falls on vertex C. The line along which the
triangle has been folded will intersect side AC . The point of intersection is the mid-point of side

AC . Draw a line joining vertex B to this mid-point, which we call E.

Lastly, fold the triangle in such a way that the vertex A falls on vertex B. The line along which the
triangle has been folded will intersect side AB . The point of intersection is the mid-point of side
A
AB . Draw a line joining vertex C to this mid-point, which we call F. Centroid
F E
Line segments AD , BE and CF join the vertices of the triangle G
to the mid-points of the opposite sides. They are called the me- B C
D
dians of the triangle.
You will observe that the three medians intersect each other at a point in the interior of the triangle.
This point of intersection is called the Centroid.
Thus, line segments which join the vertex of the triangle to the mid-point of the opposite side are
called medians of the triangle. Their point of intersection is called the Centroid.
Try This
Take paper cut outs of right-angled triangles and obtuse-angled triangles and find
their centroid.

Exercise - 2

1. In ∆ABC, D is the midpoint of BC . A

(i) AD is the ____________________

(ii) AE is the ____________________

B E D C

94 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 100 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 2. Name the triangle in which the two altitudes of the triangle are two of its sides.
3. Does a median always lie in the interior of the triangle?
4. Does an altitude always lie in the interior of a triangle?
5. (i) Write the side opposite to vertex Y in ∆XYZ.
(ii) Write the angle opposite to side PQ in ∆PQR.

(iii) Write the vertex opposite to side AC in ∆ABC.

5.5 Properties of triangles
5.5.1 Angle-sum property of a triangle
Let us learn about this property through the following four activities
Activity 1
1. On a white sheet of paper, draw a triangle ABC. Using colour pencils mark its angles as
shown. C
2. Using a scissors, cut out the three angular regions.
3. Draw a line XY and mark a point 'O' on it.
A B
X O Y
4. Paste the three angular cut outs adjacent to each other to form one angle at 'O' as shown in the
figure below.
X O Y
You will find that three angles now constitute a straight angle. Thus, the sum of the measures of
angles of a triangle is equal to 180o.
Activity 2
Take a piece of paper and cut out a triangle, say ABC.
Make the altitude AM by folding ∆ABC.
Now, fold the three corners such that all the vertices A,B and C touch at M as shown in the
following figures.

(i) (ii) (iii)

You will see that all the three angles A, B and C form a straight line and thus
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o.

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 95

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 101 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 Activity 3
Take three copies of any triangle, say ABC. Mark its angles as 1,2 and 3 as shown below:

Arrange the triangular cut-outs as shown in the above and in the following figures.

What do you observe about ∠1+ ∠2 + ∠3 at the point ‘O’?

You will observe that three angles form a straight line and so measure 180o.
Activity 4
Draw any three triangles, say ∆ABC, ∆PQR and ∆XYZ in your note book. Use your protractor
and measure each of the angles of these triangles.
Name of the Measure of angles Sum of the measures of the three angles
Triangle
∆ABC ∠A =....., ∠B =....., ∠C =....., ∠A + ∠B + ∠C =
∆PQR ∠P =....., ∠Q =....., ∠R =....., ∠P + ∠Q + ∠R =
∆XYZ ∠X =....., ∠Y =....., ∠Z =....., ∠X + ∠Y + ∠Z =

Allowing marginal errors in measurements, you will find that the sum of the three angles of a triangle
is 180o.
You are now ready to give a formal justification of your assertion that the sum of the angles of a
triangle is equal to 180o through logical argumentation.
Proof of angle-sum property of a triangle P A Q
5 4
Statement : The sum of the angles of a triangle is 180o 1

Given : A triangle ABC

To prove : ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o B
2 3
C
" !
Construction : Through A draw a line segment PQ parallel to BC.

96 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 102 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 Proof :
Mark the angles as indicated in the figure:
∠2 = ∠5 (alternate interior angles)
∠3 = ∠4 (alternate interior angles)
∠2 + ∠3 = ∠5 + ∠4 (adding (1) and (2))
∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 = ∠1 + ∠5 + ∠4 (adding ∠1 to both sides)
∠1 + ∠5 + ∠4 = 180o (angles forming a straight line)
Therefore, ∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 = 180o
∴
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o.
Thus, the sum of the angles of a triangle is 180o.

Example 1: In ∆ABC, ∠A = 30o, ∠B = 45o, find ∠C.

Solution : In ∆ABC, ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)
30o + 45o + ∠C = 180o (substituting given values in question)
75o + ∠C = 180o
∠C = 180o – 75o
Therefore, ∠C = 105o

Example 2 : In ∆ABC, if ∠A = 3 ∠B and ∠C = 2 ∠B. Find all the three angles of ∆ABC.
Solution : ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o [angle-sum property of a triangle]
3 ∠B + ∠B + 2 ∠B = 180o [∠A = 3 ∠B, ∠C = 2 ∠B]
6 ∠B = 180o
Therefore, ∠B = 30o
Thus, ∠A = 3 ∠B = 3 × 30o = 90o B

∠C = 2 ∠B = 2 × 30o = 60o
Example 3 : ∆ABC is right angled at C and CD⊥AB, ∠A = 55o D
Find (i) ∠ACD (ii) ∠BCD (iii) ∠ABC
55o
A C
Solution : In ∆ACD,
∠CAD + ∠ADC + ∠ACD = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)
55o + 90o + ∠ACD = 180o (substituing values given in question)

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 97

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 103 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 145o + ∠ACD = 180o

∠ACD = 180o – 145o = 35o

Therefore, ∠ACD = 35o

(ii) In ∆ABC,
∠ACB = 90o

Therefore, ∠ACD + ∠BCD = 90o (from the figure ∠ACB = ∠ACD + ∠BCD)

35o + ∠BCD = 90o (from (i), ∠ACD = 35o )

∠BCD = 90o – 35o = 55o

(iii) In ∆ABC,

∠ABC + ∠BCA + ∠CAB = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)

∠ABC + 90o + 55o = 180o (given)

∠ABC + 145o = 180o

∠ABC = 180o – 145o

Therefore, ∠ABC = 35o

Example 4 : The angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2 : 3 : 4. Find the angles.

Solution : The given ratio between the angles of the triangle = 2 : 3 : 4

Sum of the terms of the ratio = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9

Sum of the angles of a triangle = 180o

2
Therefore, 1st angle = × 180o = 40o
9

3
2nd angle = × 180o = 60o
9

4
3rd angle = × 180o = 80o
9

Thus, the angles of the triangle are 40o, 60o and 80o.

98 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 104 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 Example 5 : Find the value of angle ‘x’ in the figure. A

Solution : ∠ECD = ∠ΑBC = 73o

(Since AB CD these two are alternate angles) C

In ∆ECD, E
x
o

o
73
∠CED + ∠EDC + ∠DCE = 180o
B
(angle-sum property of a triangle) 40
o

xo + 40o + 73o = 180o (substituing given values in the question) D

o o o
x + 113 = 180
xo = 180o – 113o
xo = 67o
Example 6 : One angle of ∆ABC is 40o and the other two angles are equal. Find the measure
(value) of each equal angle.
Solution : Let ∠C= 40o and ∠A = ∠B = xo
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)
xo + xo + 40o = 180o (substituing values given in the question)
C
2xo + 40o = 180o
40o
2x = 180o – 40o
2x = 140o
xo = 70o
Thus, each angle is 70o xo xo
A B
Example 7 : In the figure, D and E are the points on sides AB and AC of ∆ABC such that
DE BC. If ∠B= 30o and ∠A = 40o, find (i) x (ii) y (iii) z
Solution : (i) ∠ΑDE = ∠ABC (corresponding angle as DE BC)
C
Therefore, xo = 30o
E yo
(ii) In ∆ABC, zo
o
40 xo 30o
A D B
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180 o
(angle sum property of a triangle)
40o + 30o + yo = 180o (substituting values given inthe question)
70o + yo = 180o
Therefore, yo = 180o – 70o = 110o
Triangle and Its
Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 99

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 105 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 o o o
(iii) y = z = 110
corresponding angles since DE || BC

Exercise - 3
1. Find the value of the unknown ‘x’ in the following triangles.

A X
P Q
x
o
30o 30o
Y
o
110
o
xo
50 60 o
xo
B C R
(i) (ii) (iii) Z

2. Find the values of the unknowns ‘x’ and ‘y’ in the following diagrams.

o
80
P R M
o o
x x 50o

50o yo 120o 50
o o
y xo y
o
60o
Q R S T N A

(i) (ii) (iii)

90o x
o

A E L
y o
yo
30o xo
B C 60o E T
xo xo xo xo
F G
(iv) (v) (vi)
3. Find the measure of the third angle of triangles whose two angles are given below:
(i) 38o, 102o (ii) 116o, 30o (iii) 40o, 80o
4. In a right-angled triangle, one acute angle is 30o. Find the other acute angle.

100 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 106 06-09-2012 12:48:34

 5. State true or false for each of the following statements.
(i) A triangle can have two right angles.
(ii) A triangle can have two acute angles.
(iii) A triangle can have two obtuse angles.
(iv) Each angle of a triangle can be less than 60o.
6. The angles of a triangle are in the ratio 1 : 2 : 3. Find the angles.
A

30o
7. In the figure, DE || BC , ∠A = 30o and ∠B = 50o. Find the
values of x, y and z. yo xo
D E

50o zo
B C
8. In the figure, ∠ABD = 3 ∠DAB and ∠BDC = 96o. Find ∠ABD.
B

o
96
A C
D
9. In ∆PQR ∠P= 2 ∠Q and 2 ∠R = 3 ∠Q , calculate the angles of ∆PQR.
10. If the angles of a triangle are in the ratio 1 : 4 : 5, find the angles.
11. The acute angles of a right triangle are in the ratio 2 : 3. Find the angles of the triangle.

12. In the figure, ∆PQR is right angled at Q, ML || RQ and P

∠LMR = 130o. Find ∠LPM, ∠PML and ∠PRQ.

M L
o
130
13. In Figure ABCDE, find ∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 + ∠4 + ∠5.
A R Q
1

B 2 E
5

3 4
C D
Triangle and Its
Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 101

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 107 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 5.5.2 Exterior angle of a triangle A

Draw ∆ABC and produce one of its sides say BC as shown

in the Figure 1. Observe the ∠ACD formed at point C. This
angle lies in the exterior of ∆ABC. We call it the exterior angle
of ∆ABC formed at vertex C. B D
C
Figure 1
Clearly ∠BCA is an adjacent angle to ∠ACD. The remaining two angles of the triangle namely
∠BAC or ∠A and ∠CBA or ∠B are called the two interior A
opposite angles of ∠ACD. Now cut out (or make trace cop-
ies of) ∠A and ∠B and place them adjacent to each other as
shown in the Figure 2.
Do these two pieces together entirely cover ∠ACD?
B D
C
Can you say that ∠ACD = ∠A + ∠B ?
Figure 2
From the above activity, we can say that an exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of two
interior opposite angles.
Do This
Draw ∆ABC and form an exterior ∠ACD. Now take a protractor
and measure ∠ACD, ∠A and ∠B.
Find the sum ∠A + ∠B and compare it with the measure ∠ACD.
Do you observe that ∠ACD is equal (or nearly equal) to ∠A + ∠B?

A logical step- by- step argument can further confirm that the exterior angle of a triangle is equal to
the sum of the interior opposite angles.
Statement : An exterior angle of triangle is equal to the sum of its interior opposite angles.
Given : ∆ABC with ∠ACD as exterior angle A
E
To prove : ∠ACD = ∠A + ∠B 1

Construction : Through C draw CE parallel to BA

o
x o
Justification 2 y
B D
C
∠1 = ∠x ( BA # CE and AC is transversal therefore, alternate angles are equal)

∠2 = ∠y ( BA # CE and BD is transversal therefore, corresponding angles are equal)

∠1 + ∠2 = ∠x + ∠y
Therefore , ∠ACD = ∠1 + ∠2 (from the figure ∠x + ∠y = ∠ACD)
102 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 108 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 Thus, the exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the interior opposite angles. This
property is called the exterior-angle property of a triangle.

Do This
Copy each of the following triangles. In each case verify that an exterior
angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the two interior opposite angles.
P Y
A

B C R S O X
Q Z

Example 8 : In the figure, find the value x and y. A

o
x
Solution : ∠ACD = ∠ABC + ∠BAC
( exterior angle property) o

65o y 135
B C D
135o = 65o + xo
135o – 65o = xo
Therefore, xo = 70o

∠ABC + ∠BAC + ∠BCA = 180o ( angle-sum property of a triangle)

65o + 70o + yo = 180o
135o + yo = 180o
yo = 180o – 135o
Therefore, yo = 45o
Example 9 : One of the exterior angles of a triangle is 120o and the interior opposite angles are
in the ratio 1 : 5. Find the angles of the triangle. A

Solution : ∠ACD = 120o (from the question)

o
120
B C D
∠ACD = ∠A + ∠B (exterior angle property)
∠A + ∠B = 120o

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 103

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 109 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 ∠B : ∠A = 1:5

1
∠B = × 120o = 20o
6

5
∠A = × 120o = 100o
6
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)
100o + 20o + ∠C = 180o P

Therefore, ∠C = 180o – 120o = 60o 35

o

Example 10 : In the adjacent figure, find T

(i) ∠PRS (ii) ∠PTS (iii) ∠STR (iv) ∠PRQ

50o 45
o

Q R S
Solution : (i) In ∆PQR, ∠PRS is the exterior angle
and ∠RQP and ∠QPR are the interior opposite angles.
∴ ∠PRS = ∠RQP + ∠QPR (exterior angle property)
∠PRS = 50o + 35o = 85o
(ii) In ∆RST, ∠PTS is the exterior angle and ∠SRT and ∠RST are the
interior opposite angles.
Therefore, ∠PTS = ∠SRT + ∠RST
∠PTS = 85o + 45o (∠SRT = ∠PRS = 85o)
∠PTS = 130o
(iii) In ∆ RST we have
∠STR + ∠RST + ∠SRT = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)
∠STR + 45o + 85o = 180o
∠STR + 130o = 180o
Therefore, ∠STR = 180o – 130o = 50o
(iv) ∠PRQ + ∠PRS = 180o (liner pair property)
∠PRQ + 85o = 180o
∠PRQ = 180o – 85o
∠PRQ = 95o
104 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 110 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 Example 11 : Show that the sum of the exterior angles of ∆ABC is 360o.
D
Solution : ∠2 + ∠4 = 180o (linear pair)
2 A
∠3 + ∠5 = 180o (linear pair) 4

∠6 + ∠1 = 180o (linear pair) 5 6 1

B
3 C F
Adding the angles on both sides, we get- E
∠2 + ∠4 + ∠3 + ∠5 + ∠6 + ∠1 = 180o + 180o + 180o
(∠4 + ∠5 + ∠6) + (∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3) = 540o
We know that, ∠4 + ∠5 + ∠6 = 180o (angle-sum property of a triangle)
Therefore, 180o + ∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 = 540o
∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 = 540o – 180o
∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 = 360o
Thus, the sum of the exterior angles of a triangle is 360o.
Example 12 : Find the angles x and y in the following figures.
E F
A
P o
92
o
(i) x (ii) C

50o yo 120o o
y
Q A xo
B R
C D B D

Solution : (i) ∠ΒAC + ∠ABC = ∠ACD (exterior angle property)

xo + 50o = 120o
xo = 120o – 50o = 70o
∠ACB + ∠ACD = 180o (linear pair)
yo + 120o = 180o
yo = 180o - 120o = 60o
(ii) ∠ACB = ∠ECF = 92o (vertically opposite angles)
∠CAB = ∠CBA (opposite angles of equal sides)
In ∆ABC , ∠BAC + ∠CBA + ∠ACB = 180o (angle-sum property)
xo + xo + 92o = 180o
2x = 180o – 92o = 88o

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 105

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 111 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 88
Therefore, xo = = 44o
2

Also ∠ABC + yo = 180o (linear pair)

yo = 180o – xo
Therefore., yo = 180o – 44o = 136o
Example 13 : Find the value of ∠A + ∠B + ∠C + ∠D + ∠E of the following figure.
D C
Solution : Name the angles as shown in the figure.
In ∆GHC ∠3 + ∠6 + ∠7 = 180o .......(1)
(angle-sum property of triangle)
In ∆EHB, ∠6 = ∠5 + ∠2 .......(2) E B

In ∆AGD, ∠7 = ∠1 + ∠4 .......(3) A
C
(exterior angle property of a triangle)
D 3
Substituting (2) and (3) in (1) 4 H 6
7
⇒ ∠3 + ∠5 + ∠1 + ∠2 + ∠4 = 180 o
I G

⇒ ∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 + ∠4 + ∠5 = 180o 2 B
5 F
E J
1
Therefore, ∠A + ∠B + ∠C + ∠D + ∠E = 180o
A

Exercise - 4

1. In ∆ABC, name all the interior and exterior angles of the triangle.

Y
A

B
C Z
X

2. For ∆ABC, find the measure of ∠ACD. A

66o

45o
B C D
106 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 112 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 3. Find the measure of angles x and y.
C
30o

yo xo 65o
A D
B

4. In the following figures, find the values of x and y.

E

C y
o
A o
107 x 65
o o

xo 57o 40o 107

o

B C A B
D
5. In the figure ∠BAD = 3 ∠DBA, find ∠CDB, ∠DBC and ∠ABC.
A

104
o
D

o
65
B C
6. Find the values of x and y in the following figures.

70o xo o
x

o
o
30
x o
50
(i) (ii) (iii)
yo
80o
o
30

o
yo 110 yo
xo xo

(iv) (v) (vi)

Triangle and Its
Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 107

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 113 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 7. One of the exterior angles of a triangle is 125o and the interior opposite angles are in the
ratio 2 : 3. Find the angles of the triangle.
8. The exterior ∠PRS of ∆PQR is 105o. If Q = 70o, find ∠P. Is ∠PRS >∠P ?
9. If an exterior angle of a triangle is 130o and one of the interior opposite angle is 60o. Find
the other interior opposite angle.
10. One of the exterior angle of a triangle is 105o and the interior opposite angles are in the
ratio 2 : 5. Find the angles of the triangle.
11. In the figure find the values of x and y.
C

o
30
o
x

50o o
y 55
o

A B D

Looking Back
1 (i) A triangle is a simple closed figure made up of three line segments.
(ii) Based on the sides, triangles are of three types
• A triangle having all three sides of same length is called an Equilateral
Triangle.
• A triangle having at least two sides of equal length is called an Isosceles
Triangle.
• If all the three sides of a triangle are of different length, the triangle is called a
Scalene Triangle.
(iii) Based on the angles, triangles are of three types
• A triangle whose all angles are acute is called an acute-angled triangle.
• A triangle whose one angle is obtuse is called an obtuse-angled triangle.
• A triangle whose one angle is a right angle is called a right-angled triangle.
2. The six elements of a triangle are its three angles and the three sides.
3. Properties of the lengths of the sides of a triangle:

108 VII CLASS MATHEMATICS

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 114 06-09-2012 12:48:35

 (i) The sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is greater than the length
of the third side.
(ii) The difference between the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is smaller
than the length of the third side.
4. The line segment joining a vertex of a triangle to the mid-point of its
opposite side is called a median of the triangle. A triangle has 3 medians.
5. The perpendicular line segment from a vertex of a triangle to its opposite
side is called the altitude of the triangle.
6. The total measure of the three angles of a triangle is 180o. This is called the
angle sum property of a triangle.
7. The measure of any exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of its
interior opposite angles. This is called the exterior angle property of the
triangle.
8. Representation of line, line segment and ray

LM = Lenght of Line segment of LM ; LM = Line segment LM

! " !
LM = Ray LM ; LM = Line LM

Fun with Card board shapes

Take square card board sheet.

Mark the mid points of sides and
draw lines as shown in the figure.
Cut the square into four parts and
rearrange them to get a triangle

Triangle and Its

Free distribution by Properties
A.P. Government TRIANGLE AND ITS PROPERTIES 109

7th Maths EM Final 6.9.12.pdf 115 06-09-2012 12:48:35