Triangles

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ACT Math › Triangles

Questions 1 - 10
1

In right triangle DEF, angle D is the right angle. If side DE = 3 and side DF = 4, what is the length of side EF?

5

6

7

8

Explanation

We need to find the length of hypotenuse EF in right triangle DEF. Since D is the right angle, sides DE and DF are the legs, and EF is the hypotenuse. Using the Pythagorean theorem: DE² + DF² = EF², so 3² + 4² = EF². Calculating: 9 + 16 = 25, therefore EF = √25 = 5.

2

In triangle ABC, angle A measures 90°. If angle B measures 45°, what is the measure of angle C?

30°

90°

60°

45°

Explanation

We need to find the measure of angle C in triangle ABC. Using the triangle angle sum theorem, the sum of all three angles in any triangle equals 180°. Setting up the equation: 90° + 45° + C = 180°, so 135° + C = 180°, which gives us C = 45°.

3

In triangle STU, if ST = TU = US, what type of triangle is triangle STU?

Right

Scalene

Isosceles

Equilateral

Explanation

We need to identify the type of triangle STU where ST = TU = US. When all three sides of a triangle are equal in length, it is called an equilateral triangle. This also means all three angles are equal, each measuring 60°. An isosceles triangle has only two equal sides.

4

In a right triangle, one leg measures 3 units and the other leg measures 4 units. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

5 units

8 units

7 units

6 units

Explanation

We need to find the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs measuring 3 and 4 units. Using the Pythagorean theorem, a² + b² = c² where c is the hypotenuse. Substituting: 3² + 4² = c², so 9 + 16 = 25, therefore c = √25 = 5. This is the classic 3-4-5 right triangle.

5

Triangle GHI is a 45-45-90 triangle with legs measuring 5 units each. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

7 units

5√2 units

10 units

5 units

Explanation

We need to find the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 triangle with legs of 5 units each. In a 45-45-90 triangle, the hypotenuse equals leg × √2. With legs of 5 units, the hypotenuse = 5√2 units. Choice B (10 units) would apply the incorrect formula of 2 × leg instead of leg × √2.

6

In triangle GHI, angle G measures 100° and angle H measures 40°. What is the measure of angle I?

40°

70°

50°

60°

Explanation

We need to find angle I in triangle GHI where angle G = 100° and angle H = 40°. Using the triangle angle sum theorem, all angles sum to 180°. So angle I = 180° - 100° - 40° = 40°. This triangle is obtuse (angle G > 90°) and isosceles (angles H and I are equal).

7

In triangle DEF, angle D measures 85°, angle E measures 45°. What is the measure of angle F?

60°

70°

80°

50°

Explanation

We need to find angle F in triangle DEF where angle D = 85° and angle E = 45°. Using the triangle angle sum theorem, all angles sum to 180°. So angle F = 180° - 85° - 45° = 50°. This triangle is a scalene triangle with all different angles.

8

In a 45-45-90 triangle, if the hypotenuse measures 10 units, what is the length of one leg?

10 units

$10\sqrt{2}$ units

5 units

$5\sqrt{2}$ units

Explanation

We need to find the leg length of a 45-45-90 triangle with $hypotenuse = 10$ units. In a 45-45-90 triangle, $hypotenuse = leg \times \sqrt{2}$, so $leg = \frac{hypotenuse}{\sqrt{2}}$. With hypotenuse = 10, each leg = $10 \div \sqrt{2} = \frac{10\sqrt{2}}{2} = 5\sqrt{2}$ units. Choice D (10 units) incorrectly uses the hypotenuse value.

9

In triangle MNO, angle M measures 120° and angle N measures 30°. What is the measure of angle O?

90°

30°

150°

60°

Explanation

We need to find angle O in triangle MNO where angle M = 120° and angle N = 30°. Using the triangle angle sum theorem, all angles sum to 180°. So angle O = 180° - 120° - 30° = 30°. This triangle has two 30° angles, making it isosceles.

10

In a right triangle, if one leg measures 9 units and the other leg measures 12 units, what is the length of the hypotenuse?

15 units

16 units

20 units

18 units

Explanation

We need to find the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs measuring 9 and 12 units. Using the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c². So 9² + 12² = c², which gives 81 + 144 = 225, therefore c = √225 = 15 units. This is the classic 3-4-5 triangle scaled up by 3.

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