Question

what is the value of a?

a = \square^\circ
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Explanation:

Step1: Apply exterior angle theorem

The exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles, so:
$17a + 1 = (a + 33) + (18a - 48)$

Step2: Simplify right-hand side

Combine like terms on the right:
$17a + 1 = 19a - 15$

Step3: Rearrange to isolate $a$

Subtract $17a$ and add 15 to both sides:
$1 + 15 = 19a - 17a$
$16 = 2a$

Step4: Solve for $a$

Divide both sides by 2:
$a = \frac{16}{2}$

Answer:

$8$