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EXTERIOR ANGLE

Exterior Angle

Definition Of Exterior Angle

An Exterior Angle of a polygon is the angle formed when one side is extended beyond its adjacent sides.

When two lines are cut by a third line (transversal), then the angles formed outside the lines are called Exterior Angle.

More About Exterior Angle

The number of exterior angles in a polygon = The number of sides of the polygon
The exterior angle is supplemental to the adjoining interior angle.
Thesum of the measures of exterior angles of a convex polygon is 360°.
Measure of the exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of its two remote angles.

Video Examples: Angles in polygons- exterior angles
 

Example of Exterior Angle

 example of  Exterior Angle

∠1, ∠2, and ∠3 are the exterior angles.

                       example of  Exterior Angle
∠4, ∠5, ∠6, and ∠ 7 are the exterior angles.

Solved Example on Exterior Angle

Ques: Identify the pair of exterior angles in the figure.

Choices:

A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 4
C. 1 and 3
D. 3 and 4
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: An Exterior Angle of a polygon is the angle formed when one side is extended to its adjacent sides. 
Step 2: From the figure, the angles 1 and 3 are exterior because one side is extended to its adjacent sides.
Step 3: So, 1 and 3 is a pair of exterior angles.

Quick Summary

  • The number of exterior angles in a polygon equals the number of sides of the polygon.
  • An exterior angle is supplemental to the adjoining interior angle.
  • The sum of the measures of exterior angles of a convex polygon is 360°.
  • The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of its two remote interior angles.
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🍎 Teacher Insights

Use visual aids and real-world examples to demonstrate the concept of exterior angles. Emphasize the relationship between exterior and interior angles, and provide ample practice problems to reinforce the calculations.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Interior Angles
  • Polygons
  • Supplementary Angles
  • Linear Pairs

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: Which of the following statements is true regarding the exterior angles of a convex polygon?

Q2: If an interior angle of a polygon measures 120 degrees, what is the measure of its corresponding exterior angle?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the relationship between an exterior angle and its adjacent interior angle?
A: They are supplementary, meaning they add up to 180 degrees.

Q: Does every polygon have exterior angles?
A: Yes, every polygon has exterior angles, one at each vertex.

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