Understanding Adjacent Angles | Definitions, Classification, and Examples

Adjacent Angles

Adjacent angles are a pair of angles that share a common vertex and a common side

Adjacent angles are a pair of angles that share a common vertex and a common side. In simple terms, they are angles that are side by side, with one side in common.

To understand adjacent angles better, imagine two lines intersecting each other at a point. At the point of intersection, there are four angles formed. The two angles that share a common vertex and a common side are termed as adjacent angles.

We can classify adjacent angles based on their relationship. They can either be adjacent supplementary angles or adjacent complementary angles.

1. Adjacent Supplementary Angles: When the sum of two adjacent angles is 180 degrees, they are called adjacent supplementary angles. This means that when you add the measures of these two angles, the result will be a straight angle (a straight line). For example, if one angle measures 80 degrees, the other angle must measure 100 degrees, since 80 + 100 = 180.

2. Adjacent Complementary Angles: When the sum of two adjacent angles is 90 degrees, they are called adjacent complementary angles. This means that when you add the measures of these two angles, the result will be a right angle. For example, if one angle measures 40 degrees, the other angle must measure 50 degrees, since 40 + 50 = 90.

It’s important to note that adjacent angles do not overlap or intersect. They are always beside each other, with a common vertex and side. Adjacent angles can be found in various geometric shapes, such as polygons, triangles, and quadrilaterals. Understanding adjacent angles helps us analyze and solve problems involving angles and geometrical relationships.

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