Quadrilateral Angles — Ratio to Actual Measure: Angles of a quadrilateral are in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5 : 8. Find the smallest angle (in degrees).
Aptitude
Area
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A54°
-
B40°
-
C36°
-
D18°
-
E72°
Answer
Correct Answer: 54°
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The interior angles of any quadrilateral sum to 360°. When a ratio is given, convert the ratio to parts, find the value per part, and multiply by each term to get actual angles. This checks comfort with ratio scaling and polygon-angle sums.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Angle ratio: 3 : 4 : 5 : 8
- Sum of interior angles of quadrilateral = 360°
Concept / Approach:Total parts = 3 + 4 + 5 + 8 = 20. One part equals 360° / 20 = 18°. The smallest angle corresponds to the smallest ratio term, which is 3 parts. Multiply to obtain the measure.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute one part: 360° / 20 = 18°.Smallest angle = 3 * 18° = 54°.Verification / Alternative check:
Other angles: 4*18° = 72°, 5*18° = 90°, 8*18° = 144°; sum = 54 + 72 + 90 + 144 = 360°.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 40°, 36°, 18° do not match 3 parts at 18° each.
- 72° is the second-smallest (4 parts), not the smallest.
Common Pitfalls:
- Using triangle sum (180°) instead of quadrilateral sum (360°).
Final Answer:54°.