How to Prove the Angle Sum Property of a Triangle

Angle Sum Property of a Triangle

Theorem 1:
Prove that sum of all three angles is 180° or 2 right angles.
Given: ∆ABC
To prove: ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180°
Construction: Draw PQ || BC, passes through point A.
Angle-Sum-Property-of-a-Triangle-theorem-1
Proof: ∠1 = ∠B   and  ∠3 = ∠C         ……. (i)
[∵ alternate angles ∵ PQ || BC]
∵ PAQ is a line
∴∠1 + ∠2 + ∠3 = 180°     (linear pair application)
∠B + ∠2 + ∠C = 180°
∠B + ∠CAB + ∠C = 180°
= 2 right angles.
Proved.

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Theorem 2:
If one side of a triangle is produced then the exterior angle so formed is equal to the sum of two interior opposite angles.
Angle-Sum-Property-of-a-Triangle-theorem-2
Means ∠4 = ∠1 + ∠2
Proof : ∠3 = 180° – (∠1 + ∠2)      ….(1)
(by angle sum property)
and BCD is a line
∴ ∠3 + ∠4 = 180°      (linear pair)
or ∠3 = 180° – ∠4           …..(2)
by (1) & (2)
180° – (∠1 + ∠2) = 180° – ∠4
⇒ ∠1 + ∠2 = ∠4 Proved.

Note :

  1. Each angle of an equilateral triangle measures 60º.
  2. The angles opposite to equal sides of an isosceles triangle are equal.
  3. A scalene triangle has all angles unequal.
  4. A triangle cannot have more than one right angle.
  5. A triangle cannot have more than one obtuse angle.
  6. In a right triangle, the sum of two acute angles is 90º.
  7. The sum of the lengths of the sides of a triangle is called perimeter of triangle.

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