Understanding Obtuse Angles | Definition, Properties, and Examples in Mathematics

obtuse

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

In mathematics, “obtuse” is a term used to describe an angle that measures greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. An obtuse angle is wider than a right angle, which measures exactly 90 degrees, but not as wide as a straight angle, which is a straight line and measures exactly 180 degrees.

To understand obtuse angles, it is helpful to have some background knowledge about angles. An angle is formed when two rays share a common endpoint, called the vertex. The two rays are usually referred to as the arms of the angle. Angles can be measured in degrees, where a full circle is 360 degrees.

Now, let’s focus on obtuse angles specifically. They are called “obtuse” because the term actually means “blunt” or “dull.” In the context of angles, this refers to the wider opening formed by the rays of the angle.

For example, imagine you have a line segment as one arm of the angle, and you extend another line segment from one of the endpoints of the first line segment to form the second arm. If the angle between these two line segments is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees, it is considered an obtuse angle.

To visualize, think of an obtuse angle as bending further away from being straight. It is not a sharp corner like a right angle, but rather a more open angle, leaning towards a straight angle.

In summary, “obtuse” in mathematics refers to an angle that measures greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. It is wider than a right angle and less wide than a straight angle.

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