How to Determine if an Angle is Obtuse: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

obtuse

In mathematics, the term “obtuse” is used to describe an angle that is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees

In mathematics, the term “obtuse” is used to describe an angle that is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. In other words, an obtuse angle is wider and more open than a right angle (90 degrees), but not as wide as a straight angle (180 degrees).

To determine if an angle is obtuse, you need to measure its degree and compare it to 90 and 180 degrees. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a protractor to measure the angle: Place the center of the protractor at the vertex (common point) of the angle. Make sure one of the arms (rays) of the angle aligns with the protractor’s baseline.

2. Read the degree measurement: Look for the degree measure where the other arm of the angle intersects with the protractor. This will give you the degree of the angle.

3. Compare the degree measurement: If the degrees are greater than 90 but less than 180, then the angle is obtuse. If the degrees are exactly 90, it is a right angle. If the degrees are exactly 180, it is a straight angle.

For example, let’s say you measure an angle and find that it measures 130 degrees. Since 130 degrees is greater than 90 but less than 180, we can conclude that the angle is obtuse.

Remember, in geometry, angles can be classified into different categories based on their degrees. Obtuse angles are just one of the classifications, along with acute angles (less than 90 degrees) and right angles (exactly 90 degrees), among others.

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