Understanding Complementary Angles: Definition, Examples, and Applications

complementary angles

Complementary angles are a pair of angles that add up to 90 degrees

Complementary angles are a pair of angles that add up to 90 degrees. In other words, if you have two angles and their measures sum up to 90 degrees, then they are considered complementary.

To better understand complementary angles, let’s consider an example. Let’s say we have angle A and angle B. If angle A measures 30 degrees, we can determine the measure of angle B by subtracting the measure of angle A from 90 degrees since they are complementary.

90 degrees – 30 degrees = 60 degrees

Therefore, angle B measures 60 degrees. Angle A and angle B are complementary because they add up to 90 degrees.

Complementary angles can also be identified by their relationship to each other when they intersect. When two lines intersect, the angles that are formed on opposite sides of the intersection (also known as vertical angles) are complementary. For example, if angle A measures 40 degrees, then the angle opposite it will also measure 40 degrees, making them complementary.

Complementary angles are used in various mathematical concepts, such as trigonometry, where they can be used to solve for missing angles or evaluate trigonometric functions.

It is important to note that complementary angles do not have to be adjacent or next to each other. They can be placed in any position as long as their measures sum up to 90 degrees.

Overall, complementary angles are angles that when combined, form a right angle, or 90 degrees. They serve as an essential concept in geometry and have practical applications in various mathematical fields.

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