Understanding Obtuse Angles | Definition, Properties, and Examples

obtuse angle

An obtuse angle is an angle that measures greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees

An obtuse angle is an angle that measures greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In other words, it is an angle that is wider or “more open” than a right angle but narrower than a straight angle.

To visualize an obtuse angle, imagine a clock where the minute hand is pointing between 9 and 10. The angle formed between the hour hand and the minute hand would be an obtuse angle.

Another way to recognize an obtuse angle is by looking at its outward appearance. It has a “bulging” shape, with its sides extending away from each other rather than meeting like the sides of a right angle or being consistent like the sides of an acute angle.

In geometry, an obtuse angle can be named using three points: the vertex (the point where the two sides of the angle meet) and any two other points on the two sides. For example, if point A, B, and C lie on the sides of the angle, we can denote the obtuse angle as ∠ABC or ∠CBA.

It’s important to note that an obtuse angle is different from a reflex angle, which measures greater than 180 degrees.

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