Question 145 of 480
The sum of the interior angles of a polygon is 20 right angles. How many sides does the polygon have?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
To determine the number of sides in a polygon given that the sum of its interior angles is 20 right angles, we can follow these steps:
### Step 1: Understand the Relationship Between Interior Angles and Sides
The formula for the sum of the interior angles \( S \) of a polygon with \( n \) sides is given by:
\[
S = (n - 2) \times 180^\circ
\]
This formula arises from the fact that a polygon can be divided into \( n - 2 \) triangles, and since each triangle has a sum of angles equal to \( 180^\circ \), we multiply the number of triangles by \( 180^\circ \).
### Step 2: Convert Right Angles to Degrees
Since the problem states that the sum of the interior angles is 20 right angles, we need to convert this into degrees. A right angle is \( 90^\circ \), so:
\[
20 \text{ right angles} = 20 \times 90^\circ = 1800^\circ
\]
### Step 3: Set Up the Equation
Now we can set the sum of the interior angles equal to \( 1800^\circ \):
\[
(n - 2) \times 180^\circ = 1800^\circ
\]
### Step 4: Solve for \( n \)
To find \( n \), we first divide both sides of the equation by \( 180^\circ \):
\[
n - 2 = \frac{1800^\circ}{180^\circ} = 10
\]
Next, we add 2 to both sides:
\[
n = 10 + 2 = 12
\]
### Conclusion
Thus, the polygon has **12 sides**. Therefore, the correct option is:
**A. 12**
### Step 5: Analyze Other Options
Now, let's examine the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
- **B. 20**: If we assume the polygon has 20 sides, the sum of the interior angles would be:
\[
(20 - 2) \times 180^\circ = 18 \times 180^\circ = 3240^\circ
\]
This is much greater than \( 1800^\circ \).
- **C. 40**: For a polygon with 40 sides, the sum of the interior angles would be:
\[
(40 - 2) \times 180^\circ = 38 \times 180^\circ = 6840^\circ
\]
Again, this is far greater than \( 1800^\circ \).
- **D. 10**: If the polygon has 10 sides, the sum of the interior angles would be:
\[
(10 - 2) \times 180^\circ = 8 \times 180^\circ = 1440^\circ
\]
This is still less than \( 1800^\circ \).
### Revision Summary
- The sum of the interior angles of a polygon is calculated using the formula \( S = (n - 2) \times 180^\circ \).
- 20 right angles convert to \( 1800^\circ \).
- Solving the equation \( (n - 2) \times 180^\circ = 1800^\circ \) gives \( n = 12 \).
- The correct answer is **A. 12**, while the other options do not satisfy the angle condition.