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Plane figures · Figures

Classifying Angles

When you set up a first-person shooter, the settings menu has a "field of view" slider that goes from 60 to 120 degrees. What do those numbers measure? And what do we call angles that are smaller, bigger, or exactly in between? To talk about angles precisely, you need to name them correctly.

Types of angles by size

An angle is formed by two rays that start at the same point. The shared point is the vertex, and the rays are the sides. We measure how wide the opening is in degrees ($^\circ$), using a protractor.

We name an angle with three letters, vertex in the middle: $\angle ABC$ has its vertex at $B$. Its measure is written $m\angle ABC$. A problem may also call an angle by one letter with a hat, like $\hat{A}$, or by a number. That is just a name.

To draw an angle with a protractor, put the center mark on the vertex and line up the baseline with one side. Then mark the degree you want and draw the second side through the mark.

Angles classified by size: acute, right, obtuse, straight, and reflex. acuteunder 90° rightexactly 90° obtuse90°–180° straightexactly 180° reflexover 180°
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Look at the following drawing and classify each of the indicated angles according to their size (acute, right or obtuse).

Look at the following drawing and classify each of the indicated angles according to their size (acute, right or obtuse).

1 2 3
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State whether the following statements are true or false: a) An angle that measures $180^\circ$ is called a full turn. b) An acute angle is always smaller than a right…

State whether the following statements are true or false:

  1. a) An angle that measures $180^\circ$ is called a full turn.
  2. b) An acute angle is always smaller than a right angle.
  3. c) If an angle measures $91^\circ$, then it is an obtuse angle.
  4. d) A zero angle is one that measures $0^\circ$.
Solve
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In the world of first-person shooter (FPS) video games, the "Field of View" (FOV) is the angle the player can see on their screen. An eSports* player is setting up their…

In the world of first-person shooter (FPS) video games, the "Field of View" (FOV) is the angle the player can see on their screen. An eSports player is setting up their monitor and is hesitating between three settings: $90^\circ$, $115^\circ$ and $180^\circ$.

Classify each of these angles according to their size. Furthermore, if a motion sensor covers the remaining reflex angle to complete the circle in the $115^\circ$ setting, what size would that angle be?

180° 90° 115° FOV ?° Reflex angle Player
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Adjacent angles and linear pairs

Angles often come in groups. Look at how two angles can touch.

Left: two adjacent angles sharing a vertex and a side. Right: a linear pair, two adjacent angles on a straight line that add to 180 degrees. 12 adjacent anglesshare a vertex and a side 12 linear pairouter sides form a straight line

Every linear pair is made of adjacent angles, but adjacent angles are only a linear pair if their outer sides line up. Some problems say "adjacent on a straight line" for a linear pair.

Adjacent angles can be added: the big angle they make together measures the sum of the two.

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Identify in the following graph which pair of angles are adjacent and which pair of angles are adjacent on a straight line. Justify your answer based on whether or not…

Identify in the following graph which pair of angles are adjacent and which pair of angles are adjacent on a straight line. Justify your answer based on whether or not they form a straight line.

180° β α Figure 1 180° y x Figure 2
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Match each pair of angles with their corresponding definition: 1. Angles that add up to $90^\circ$. 2. Angles that share a vertex and a side, but do not overlap. 3.…

Match each pair of angles with their corresponding definition:

  1. Angles that add up to $90^\circ$.

  2. Angles that share a vertex and a side, but do not overlap.

  3. Angles that add up to form a straight angle ($180^\circ$).

  1. a) Adjacent angles.
  2. b) Complementary angles.
  3. c) Supplementary angles.
Solve

Complementary and supplementary angles

Two special sums come up all the time.

Left: two complementary angles x and 90 minus x forming a right angle. Right: two supplementary angles x and 180 minus x forming a straight angle. x90° − x complementarysum is 90° x180° − x supplementarysum is 180°

These words are about the sum, not the position. Two angles can be complementary or supplementary even if they are far apart. A linear pair is always supplementary, but supplementary angles do not have to touch.

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Calculate quickly: a) The complementary angle of $65^\circ$. b) The supplementary angle of $110^\circ$. c) The complementary angle of an angle of $45^\circ$.

Calculate quickly:

  1. a) The complementary angle of $65^\circ$.
  2. b) The supplementary angle of $110^\circ$.
  3. c) The complementary angle of an angle of $45^\circ$.
Solve
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Draw a straight angle in your notebook (or imagine one). If we draw a ray that divides it into two angles and one of them is a right angle, what is the other angle like?…

Draw a straight angle in your notebook (or imagine one). If we draw a ray that divides it into two angles and one of them is a right angle, what is the other angle like? What are these two angles called due to their sum relationship?

180º ? 90º O
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Vertical angles

When two lines cross, they make four angles. The angles that sit across from each other are called vertical angles. Look at the pattern in the figure.

Two crossing lines form two pairs of vertical angles: two of 40 degrees and two of 140 degrees. 40°40° 140°140°
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Look at the following figure formed by two intersecting lines. If angle $A$ measures $40^\circ$, what does angle $B$ measure knowing that they are vertically opposite?…

Look at the following figure formed by two intersecting lines. If angle $A$ measures $40^\circ$, what does angle $B$ measure knowing that they are vertically opposite? And what do angles $C$ and $D$ measure, which are supplementary to angle $A$?

A = 40° B = ? C = ? D = ?
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Two streets in a Chicago neighborhood intersect forming four angles. If angle $\hat{1}$ and angle $\hat{2}$ are adjacent, and we know that angle $\hat{1}$ measures twice…

Two streets in a Chicago neighborhood intersect forming four angles. If angle $\hat{1}$ and angle $\hat{2}$ are adjacent, and we know that angle $\hat{1}$ measures twice as much as angle $\hat{2}$, what is the size of each one? Classify both angles and explain the relationship between angles $\hat{1}$ and $\hat{3}$ due to their position.

180° ∠₁ = 2x ∠₂ = x ∠₃ = ? ∠₄
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Degrees, minutes, and seconds

Sometimes one degree is not precise enough. Just like an hour is split into minutes and seconds, a degree is split into smaller units too.

One degree equals 60 minutes, and one minute equals 60 seconds. 1°60′3,600″ degreeminutesseconds × 60× 60

To add, add each column, then carry. When minutes (or seconds) reach $60$ or more, convert $60'$ into $1^\circ$ (or $60''$ into $1'$).

To subtract, if you cannot take away a column, borrow $1^\circ = 60'$ or $1' = 60''$ from the column on the left. A good trick for finding a supplement is to write $180^\circ$ as $179^\circ 59' 60''$.

To multiply by a whole number, multiply each column, then carry. To divide, divide the degrees, and turn any leftover degree into $60'$ and add it to the minutes. Do the same with minutes and seconds.

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Look at the design of this skatepark* ramp. For it to be safe, the entry angle $\alpha$ and the angle of incline $\beta$ must be complementary. If we know that the entry…

Look at the design of this skatepark ramp. For it to be safe, the entry angle $\alpha$ and the angle of incline $\beta$ must be complementary. If we know that the entry angle measures $\alpha = 32^\circ 45'$, calculate the size of angle $\beta$ and classify it according to its size (acute, right or obtuse).

α = 32º 45' β = ? α + β = 90º
Solve
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In a mobile solar energy panel, engineers need two angles to be supplementary. The first angle, which we will call $\hat{A}$, measures $72^\circ 15' 30''$. Calculate the…

In a mobile solar energy panel, engineers need two angles to be supplementary. The first angle, which we will call $\hat{A}$, measures $72^\circ 15' 30''$.

Calculate the size of angle $\hat{B}$ for the panel to work correctly. Once calculated, state whether $\hat{B}$ is an acute, obtuse or straight angle.

 + B̂ = 180° (Straight Angle) O  = 72° 15' 30'' B̂ = ?
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Turns and totals

Angles also describe how far something turns. A drone, a camera, or a satellite dish all rotate. Using fractions of a full turn helps you find the numbers.

A quarter turn is 90 degrees, a half turn is 180 degrees, a three-quarter turn is 270 degrees, and a full turn is 360 degrees. quarter turn90° half turn180° 3/4 turn270° full turn360°

Useful fractions: a right angle is $90^\circ$, a straight angle is $180^\circ$, and a third of a straight angle is $180^\circ \div 3 = 60^\circ$. When a problem says the angle is "three times a straight angle," multiply: $3 \times 180^\circ = 540^\circ$.

To find a total, add the turns made in the same direction and subtract the turns made in the opposite direction.

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A satellite dish has moved from its original position. The technician observes that the angle of error with respect to the vertical is $\hat{E} = 15^\circ 20' 45''$. a)…

A satellite dish has moved from its original position. The technician observes that the angle of error with respect to the vertical is $\hat{E} = 15^\circ 20' 45''$.

  1. a) If the optimal reception angle is the complementary angle of this error, what must the reception angle measure?
  2. b) Classify the angle of error $\hat{E}$ according to its size.
  3. c) If we rotate the dish a full straight angle from its original position, how many degrees will we have rotated?
Ideal vertical position Ground (Horizontal) Ê = 15° 20' 45'' R̂ = ?
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A video game designer is setting up a character's "camera view". The total viewing angle is reflex and measures exactly three times a straight angle. However, the…

A video game designer is setting up a character's "camera view". The total viewing angle is reflex and measures exactly three times a straight angle. However, the character has a "blind spot" right behind them corresponding to a circular sector of $55^\circ 45' 20''$. Calculate the size of the character's effective viewing angle and classify it according to its size.

Blind Spot 55° 45' 20'' Effective View X = ?
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A drone makes a turn to change direction. First it turns a right angle, then it turns double an angle of $35^\circ 15' 40''$ in the same direction, and finally it…

A drone makes a turn to change direction. First it turns a right angle, then it turns double an angle of $35^\circ 15' 40''$ in the same direction, and finally it reverses a turn equivalent to a third of a straight angle.

  1. a) Calculate the size of the resulting total angle of turn with respect to the initial position.
  2. b) Classify the resulting angle as acute, obtuse or right.
Solve

Finding unknown angles with equations

Often a problem gives an angle as an expression with a letter. Let $x$ stand for the unknown measure in degrees. "Three times $x$ minus $20^\circ$" is written $3x - 20$.

A linear pair with one angle x and the other angle 3x minus 20 degrees, so the two measures add up to 180 degrees. x3x − 20° x + (3x − 20°) = 180°
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In the design of a logo, two intersecting lines have been drawn. It is known that one of the angles formed measures $x$ degrees. The angle adjacent to it measures three…

In the design of a logo, two intersecting lines have been drawn. It is known that one of the angles formed measures $x$ degrees. The angle adjacent to it measures three times $x$ minus $20^\circ$.

  1. a) Set up an equation to find the value of $x$.
  2. b) Calculate the size of the four angles formed at the intersection of the two lines and classify them.
x 3x - 20° ? ?
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An architect is designing an inclined ramp. The angle the ramp makes with the ground (angle of elevation) is acute. It is known that its complementary angle is exactly…

An architect is designing an inclined ramp. The angle the ramp makes with the ground (angle of elevation) is acute. It is known that its complementary angle is exactly four times the angle of elevation.

  1. a) Find the size of this angle of elevation.
  2. b) If the architect decides to double the incline of the ramp, what type of angle (acute, right or obtuse) will the ramp now make with the vertical (its new complementary angle)?
90° α 4α Ground (Horizontal) Wall (Vertical) Ramp
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Two angles are vertically opposite. The size of one of them is given by the expression $2x + 15^\circ$ and the size of one of its adjacent angles is $x + 45^\circ$. a)…

Two angles are vertically opposite. The size of one of them is given by the expression $2x + 15^\circ$ and the size of one of its adjacent angles is $x + 45^\circ$.

  1. a) Calculate the value of $x$ knowing that adjacent angles on a straight line are supplementary.
  2. b) Determine the size of the four angles formed at the vertex and classify them all according to their size.
Solve

Sum and difference, and mixed problems

Sometimes you know the sum of two angles and how much they differ. Here is how to find each one.

Bar model: the larger angle is the smaller angle plus the difference. Removing the difference leaves two equal smaller angles. larger smaller partdifference smaller smaller part Remove the difference and both angles are equal.

Now let's mix things. Several ideas can show up in one problem: halves, complements, and supplements.

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The sum of two adjacent angles is an obtuse angle of $145^\circ$. If the difference between them is $25^\circ 30'$, calculate the size of each angle. Afterwards,…

The sum of two adjacent angles is an obtuse angle of $145^\circ$. If the difference between them is $25^\circ 30'$, calculate the size of each angle. Afterwards, calculate how much each one needs to become a straight angle and classify these new resulting angles.

Solve
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Three main avenues in a city intersect at a circular square as shown in the figure. We know that angle $\hat{A}$ and angle $\hat{B}$ are complementary. If angle…

Three main avenues in a city intersect at a circular square as shown in the figure. We know that angle $\hat{A}$ and angle $\hat{B}$ are complementary. If angle $\hat{A}$ measures half of an angle of $74^\circ 30'$, calculate the size of the supplementary angle of $\hat{B}$. Classify all the obtained angles ($\hat{A}$, $\hat{B}$ and the supplementary angle of $\hat{B}$) according to their type.

 B̂ Supplementary of B̂ 180º
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Angle bisectors and testing claims

An angle of 50 degrees cut by its bisector into two angles of 25 degrees. 25°25° bisector

The two new angles share the vertex and the bisector, and they do not overlap, so they are adjacent. They are not a linear pair, because together they make the original angle, not a straight line.

When a problem gives you a statement and asks "true or false?", use these ideas:

  • To show a claim is false, find just one example where it fails (a counterexample).

  • To show it is true, explain why it always works. One example is not enough.

For instance, "Two acute angles are always complementary" is false: $20^\circ$ and $30^\circ$ are both acute, but their sum is $50^\circ$, not $90^\circ$.

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Draw an angle of $50^\circ$ and call it $\hat{P}$. Next, draw its angle bisector. a) What is the size of each of the two new angles formed? b) Classify these new angles…

Draw an angle of $50^\circ$ and call it $\hat{P}$. Next, draw its angle bisector.

  1. a) What is the size of each of the two new angles formed?
  2. b) Classify these new angles according to their size.
  3. c) What is the relationship between these two new angles due to their position? (Choose from: vertically opposite, adjacent on a straight line or adjacent).
50° x y Angle bisector P
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State whether the following statements are true or false, justifying your answer with a small example or drawing: 1. Two acute angles are always complementary. 2. An…

State whether the following statements are true or false, justifying your answer with a small example or drawing:

  1. Two acute angles are always complementary.

  2. An obtuse angle cannot have a supplementary angle that is also obtuse.

  3. Vertically opposite angles are always equal in size.

  4. A straight angle is double a right angle.

30° 40° 30°+40° ≠ 90° 120° 60° 120°+60° = 180° α α β β α=α, β=β 90° 90° 180° 180° = 2×90°
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Angles and clocks

The hands of an analog clock make an angle that changes every minute.

Clock face animation: at 3:00 the hands form a 90 degree angle. The minute hand moves a half turn while the hour hand moves slowly, until at 3:30 the angle between them is 75 degrees. Then the clock resets to 3:00. 90°
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An analog clock shows exactly 3:00 o'clock. 1. What type of angle is formed by the hour hand and the minute hand? 2. If the clock advanced to 3:10, would the angle…

An analog clock shows exactly 3:00 o'clock.

  1. What type of angle is formed by the hour hand and the minute hand?

  2. If the clock advanced to 3:10, would the angle formed be acute, right or obtuse?

t₀ = 3:00 t₁ = 3:10 90º 35º 10 min
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A wall clock shows exactly 10:00 in the morning. a) Calculate the size of the minor angle formed by the hands of the clock. b) Classify this angle according to its size.…

A wall clock shows exactly 10:00 in the morning.

  1. a) Calculate the size of the minor angle formed by the hands of the clock.
  2. b) Classify this angle according to its size.
  3. c) What is the angle formed by the hands "on the outside" (the major angle) called? Classify it too.
Minor angle (α) Major angle (β) 12 3 6 9 10 α β
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Look at the hands of an analog clock when they show exactly 02:40. a) Calculate the convex angle formed by the hour hand and the minute hand (bear in mind that the hour…

Look at the hands of an analog clock when they show exactly 02:40.

  1. a) Calculate the convex angle formed by the hour hand and the minute hand (bear in mind that the hour hand moves proportionally to the minutes).
  2. b) Calculate its supplementary angle and classify it.
  3. c) At what exact time between 02:00 and 03:00 will the hands form a zero angle? (Reason your approximate answer).
Solve

Summary

Back to the video game slider: a $90^\circ$ field of view is a right angle, $110^\circ$ is obtuse, and $180^\circ$ is a straight angle. So moving the slider up makes the angle wider, and every setting has a name.

See all the exercises in this section