Understanding Right Angles | Definition, Properties, and Practical Applications

right angle

A right angle is a type of angle that measures exactly 90 degrees

A right angle is a type of angle that measures exactly 90 degrees. It is formed when two lines intersect and create a square corner or a perpendicular intersection. In a right angle, the two sides or arms are perpendicular to each other, meaning they form a 90-degree angle.

Right angles are commonly found in shapes such as squares and rectangles, where the corners are all right angles. They are also crucial in geometry and trigonometry, as they help define and measure other types of angles and shapes.

Some properties of right angles include:

– The sum of the angles in a triangle is 180 degrees. Therefore, if one of the angles in a triangle is a right angle, the other two angles must be acute angles (less than 90 degrees).
– Two lines that are perpendicular to each other form four right angles at their intersection.
– The diagonals of a square or rectangle are perpendicular to each other, forming right angles.

Right angles have practical applications in various fields. For example, in construction and engineering, right angles are essential for ensuring accurate measurements and proper alignment of structures. They are also used in navigation and map-making, as they help accurately determine directions and distances.

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