Triangle XYZ is inscribed inside a circle with diameter XZ and the inscribed angle at Y. The angle measure at X is 59°. Using what you know about inscribed angles, find the arc measure of XY. (1 point)

What is the degrees

1 answer

In a circle, an inscribed angle is half the measure of the arc that it intercepts. In this case, triangle XYZ is inscribed in a circle with diameter XZ, and thus the angle at Y is an inscribed angle.

Given that angle X measures 59°, we can find the measure of angle Z using the fact that the sum of the angles in a triangle is 180°.

Let’s denote the measure of angle Z as \( z \). Therefore:

\[ \angle X + \angle Y + \angle Z = 180° \] \[ 59° + \angle Y + z = 180° \]

We can rearrange this to find \( \angle Y + z \):

\[ \angle Y + z = 180° - 59° \] \[ \angle Y + z = 121° \]

Now, knowing that angle Y is an inscribed angle that intercepts arc XY, we can also state a relationship between angle Z and arc YZ. The inscribed angle opposite an arc measures half of the arc measure:

Since angle Y and angle Z are opposite to arcs XY and XZ respectively, we know that arc XZ is equal to the central angle at point X, which is twice angle X:

\[ \text{Arc } XZ = 2 \times 59° = 118° \]

Now, the arc measure from point X to point Z in the circle (which goes through point Y) is also the sum of arcs XY and YZ.

Since the entire circle is 360°, the measure of arc XY can be found by subtracting the measure of arc YZ from arc XZ. Therefore:

\[ \text{Arc } XY + \text{Arc } YZ = \text{Arc } XZ = 118° \]

Since angles Y and Z add up to 121° and the inscribed angle at Y is half of arc YZ, we can find the measure of YZ: \[ \angle Z = 180° - 121° - \angle Y \]

The relationship will give us: \[ \text{Arc } YZ = 2 \times z \]

Given Z's relationship to Y, we might not need it directly to express XY, but rather:

Finding Y directly, remember by inscribed angles, the same reasoning as above yields: \[ \angle Y = 180° - (59° + z) \]

Where \( z \) also satisfies overall relationships.

Thus, we conclude looking for relationships—

  1. By \( z \) adjustment to X, and via \( Y+Z = 121°\).
  2. Via full circle properties.

However, if we fairly assume triangle draws on and through, the answer remains checked,

Now, via half arcs of 118° previously cited, recasting for confirmation, confirming the actual arcs measure seeks coherent checking through halves,

Final reflections of segment seek lead us to confirm arc XY:

\[ \text{Arc } XY = 118° - 121° \]

Finishing circle tracing and angles yields through applicable either half or on through segment routes.

Thus our ending arc will yield precisely:

\(\text{Arc } XY = 59°\).

So the arc measure of arc XY is:

59°.