To find ∠P, we need to understand the properties of angle bisectors and the relationships between internal and external angles in a triangle.
Given: Two angle bisectors, one of the ∠Q (internal angle) and another of the ∠R (external angle), meet at point M, creating ∠QMR = 40°.
We know that the angle formed by the internal bisector and external bisector is half the difference of the internal angle and external angle:
\[ \angle QMR = \frac{1}{2}(\angle Q - \angle R) \]
Rearrange to find the difference between ∠Q and ∠R:
\[ \angle Q - \angle R = 2 \times 40^\circ = 80^\circ \]
In triangle PQR, the sum of internal angles = 180°. Use the relationships:
\( \angle R_{\text{internal}} + \angle R_{\text{external}} = 180^\circ \)
Therefore,\( \angle Q + \angle R = 180^\circ \)
Substitute the calculated difference \( \angle Q - \angle R = 80^\circ \) into the system of equations:
Add the two expressions:
\( (\angle Q + \angle R) + (\angle Q - \angle R) = 180^\circ - \angle P + 80^\circ \)
\( 2\angle Q = 260^\circ - \angle P \)
\( \angle Q = 130^\circ - \frac{\angle P}{2} \)
Now substitute in the equation:\( \angle Q + 180^\circ - \angle Q = 180^\circ - \angle P \)
\( \angle R = 130^\circ - \frac{\angle P}{2} \)
\( \angle P + \angle Q + \angle R = 180^\circ \)
Plugging in the expression for \(\angle Q\) and \(\angle R\),\
\( \angle P + (130^\circ - \frac{\angle P}{2}) + (50^\circ + \frac{\angle P}{2}) = 180^\circ \)
Solving the above gives us:
\( \angle P = 80^\circ \)
Thus, ∠P is 80°.