16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryEasy–MediumValue of x from a pair of vertical angles

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

Two straight lines cross. One of the pairs of vertical angles they form measures (3x + 10)° and (5x − 30)°. What is the value of x?

Answer: 20

Vertical angles are equal: 3x + 10 = 5x − 30, so 2x = 40 and x = 20.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 10
10 solves 3x + 10 = 5x − 10.
If you answered 25
25 sets the two angles' sum to 180, treating them as a linear pair.
If you answered 70
70 is the measure of each angle, not x.

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