Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 1 (∠B + ∠C) 2
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Combining an internal angle bisector from A with a perpendicular from A to BC in an isosceles triangle creates familiar angle relations. Since ∠B = ∠C, many expressions reduce cleanly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In any triangle, ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180°. In the isosceles case with ∠B = ∠C, we have ∠A = 180° − 2∠B. The angle between AM (half of ∠A from side AB) and AN (perpendicular to BC) ends up equal to (∠B + ∠C)/2 by standard angle-chasing (or via constructing the circumcentre/median relations in isosceles geometry).
Step-by-Step Solution (Angle chase sketch):
Let ∠A be split by AM into two angles of size ∠A/2.Use right triangles with AN ⟂ BC to relate ∠BAN and ∠CAM to base angles ∠B and ∠C.Summing the contributions shows ∠MAN = (∠B + ∠C)/2.
Verification / Alternative check:
Because ∠B = ∠C, the expression collapses to ∠MAN = ∠B, which matches symmetric special cases in isosceles triangles.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(∠C − ∠B)/2 becomes 0 (not generally ∠MAN); ∠B + ∠C exceeds 90° typically; (∠B − ∠C)/2 again vanishes.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the altitude AN with a median; perpendicular from A is not necessarily a median unless the triangle is also isosceles about A.
Final Answer:
1 (∠B + ∠C) 2
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