Understanding Obtuse Angles | Definition, Characteristics, and Measurement

obtuse angle

An obtuse angle is a type of angle that measures greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees

An obtuse angle is a type of angle that measures greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. In other words, it is an angle that is wider than a right angle (which measures exactly 90 degrees) but narrower than a straight angle (which measures exactly 180 degrees).

In geometrical terms, an obtuse angle can be identified by its characteristic shape, where the rays or sides of the angle extend away from each other. The angle itself appears to be “open” or wider than a right angle.

An obtuse angle can be formed by extending one side of a right angle beyond the perpendicular line. For example, if you take a paper and fold it at a right angle, then open it slightly more than 90 degrees, you will obtain an obtuse angle.

To measure an obtuse angle, you can use a protractor. Place the midpoint of the protractor along one side of the angle, align the baseline of the protractor with the other side, and read the measure where the other side intersects the protractor scale.

It’s worth mentioning that an obtuse angle is considered an “obtuse” angle because it is larger than a right angle. The term “obtuse” comes from the Latin word “obtusus” which means “dull” or “blunt,” referring to the wider and less sharp appearance of this angle in comparison to acute angles (which are smaller than 90 degrees).

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