Understanding Complementary Angles: Definition, Example, and Equation

Complementary angles

Complementary angles are a specific type of angle relationship in geometry

Complementary angles are a specific type of angle relationship in geometry. When two angles are complementary, the sum of their measures is equal to 90 degrees.

To better understand this concept, let’s consider an example. Let angle A be 30 degrees. To find its complementary angle, we need to determine the angle that, when added to angle A, will result in a sum of 90 degrees.

Since the sum of the two angles is 90 degrees, we can set up the equation:

Angle A + Complementary Angle = 90 degrees

Substituting the value of angle A:

30 degrees + Complementary Angle = 90 degrees

To isolate the Complementary Angle, we need to subtract 30 degrees from both sides of the equation:

Complementary Angle = 90 degrees – 30 degrees

Simplifying the equation:

Complementary Angle = 60 degrees

Therefore, if angle A is 30 degrees, its complementary angle is 60 degrees. These two angles together form a right angle, as their sum is equal to 90 degrees.

It is important to note that complementary angles do not have to be adjacent to each other or even lie on the same line. As long as the sum of their measures is 90 degrees, they are considered complementary.

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