AFOQT Practice Test

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Prepare for the AFOQT Test with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your AFOQT exam!

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How can a polygon be divided to calculate its angles?

By drawing lines from the centroid
By splitting it into triangles
By measuring each angle individually
By calculating external angles

The correct answer is: By splitting it into triangles

The method of splitting a polygon into triangles is effective for calculating the angles of the polygon. This approach is based on the property that the sum of the interior angles of a polygon can be derived from the sum of the angles in the triangles formed. A polygon with $ n $ sides can be divided into $ n - 2 $ triangles by drawing diagonals from one vertex to all non-adjacent vertices. Since the sum of the angles in each triangle is 180 degrees, the overall sum of the interior angles of the polygon can be calculated by multiplying the number of triangles $ (n - 2) $ by 180 degrees. This method is particularly useful because it simplifies the calculation by reducing a complex shape into a set of basic units (triangles) that are easier to analyze and comprehend. Using this triangulation approach effectively leverages geometric principles to ascertain the total angles in any polygon.