In triangle ΔABC, ∠C is a right angle and

CD

is the altitude to

AB

. Find the measures of the angles of the ΔCBD and ΔCAD if:

m∠A = 20°

Step-by-step explanation:

Refer to the figure shown below.

Given:

m∠C = 90°, because ∠C is a right angle.

m∠D = 90°, because CD is the height to AB.

m∠A = α

Because the sum of angles in a triangle is 180°, therefore

m∠DBC + 90° + α = 180°

m∠DBC = 90° - α

Again, for the same reason,

m∠DCB + m∠DBC + 90° = 180°

m∠DCB + 90° - α + 90° = 180°

m∠DCB = α

For the same reason,

m∠ACD + 90° + α = 180°

m∠ACD = 90° - α

m∠ADC = 90° (by definition)

m∠CDB = 90° (by definition)

m∠DBC = 90° - α

m∠DCB = α

m∠CDB = 90°

m∠ACD = 90° - α

m∠ADC = 90°