# Math Help - similar triangles

1. ## similar triangles

ok so im not really getting this problem. when i first did the problem i got 180 as an answer. i tried to use the idea that the opposite angles were equal. im sure im saying it wrong, but that approach was wrong. this is what i do know, no matter what x + y + z plus the other 3 angles must add up to 180 degrees

2. ## Re: similar triangles

similar triangles have equal angles ... a = 70

(x+y+z) + 3(40) = 360

3. ## Re: similar triangles

wait the book says 240 degrees

4. ## Re: similar triangles

ok i got it....thx

5. ## Re: similar triangles

Since the two angles in the bottommost triangle are 70, the third angle would be 180 - 2(70)
Multiply this angle by three since this angle is the same for all three triangles.

Then Subtract this value from 360 and you get x + y + z = 240

6. ## Re: similar triangles

Originally Posted by cosmonavt
Since the two angles in the bottommost triangle are 70, the third angle would be 180 - 2(70)
Multiply this angle by three since this angle is the same for all three triangles.

Then Subtract this value from 360 and you get x + y + z = 240
... as was stated in post #2.