Basic Math

Angles | Tenth Grade

Angles - Tenth Grade Geometry

Introduction to Angles

Angle: Formed by two rays with a common endpoint
Vertex: The common endpoint of the two rays
Sides: The two rays that form the angle
Measure: Usually measured in degrees (°) or radians

1. Angle Vocabulary

Angle: The figure formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint
Vertex: The point where two rays meet
Sides/Rays: The two rays that form the angle
Interior: The region between the two rays
Exterior: The region outside the angle
Angle Notation:

Three ways to name an angle:

1. By vertex: $\angle B$
  Use when only one angle at that vertex

2. By three points: $\angle ABC$ or $\angle CBA$
  Vertex must be in the middle
  Order: point on one side, vertex, point on other side

3. By number: $\angle 1$, $\angle 2$
  Use when angles are labeled with numbers
Example 1: Name the angle

Given angle with vertex at B, sides through A and C:
• $\angle B$ (if it's the only angle at B)
• $\angle ABC$ (vertex B in middle)
• $\angle CBA$ (same angle, different order)

Note: $\angle BAC$ would be INCORRECT (B is not the vertex)

2. Angle Measures

Degree (°): Unit of angle measurement
Protractor: Tool used to measure angles
Full rotation: 360°
Straight angle: 180°
Right angle: 90°
Classification of Angles by Measure:

Acute Angle: $0° < \theta < 90°$
• Smaller than a right angle
• Example: 45°, 60°

Right Angle: $\theta = 90°$
• Forms a perfect "L" shape
• Marked with a small square

Obtuse Angle: $90° < \theta < 180°$
• Larger than right angle but less than straight
• Example: 120°, 150°

Straight Angle: $\theta = 180°$
• Forms a straight line
• Also called a "linear angle"

Reflex Angle: $180° < \theta < 360°$
• Larger than a straight angle
• Example: 270°, 300°

Full Rotation: $\theta = 360°$
• Complete circle
Example 1: Classify angles

Angle of 35°: Acute (less than 90°)
Angle of 90°: Right angle
Angle of 125°: Obtuse (between 90° and 180°)
Angle of 180°: Straight angle
Angle of 270°: Reflex (between 180° and 360°)

3. Identify Complementary, Supplementary, Vertical, Adjacent, and Congruent Angles

Complementary Angles

Complementary Angles: Two angles whose measures add up to 90°
Key Point: Can be adjacent or non-adjacent
Each is called the "complement" of the other
Complementary Angles Formula:

$$\angle A + \angle B = 90°$$

To find complement:
$$\text{Complement of } \theta = 90° - \theta$$

Properties:
• Both angles must be acute (less than 90°)
• If one angle is $x°$, the other is $(90-x)°$
Example 1: Complementary angles

If $\angle A = 35°$, find its complement.

Complement $= 90° - 35° = 55°$

Check: $35° + 55° = 90°$ ✓

Supplementary Angles

Supplementary Angles: Two angles whose measures add up to 180°
Linear Pair: Adjacent supplementary angles that form a straight line
Each is called the "supplement" of the other
Supplementary Angles Formula:

$$\angle A + \angle B = 180°$$

To find supplement:
$$\text{Supplement of } \theta = 180° - \theta$$

Properties:
• Can be two acute, two right, or one acute and one obtuse
• If one angle is $x°$, the other is $(180-x)°$
Example 2: Supplementary angles

If $\angle C = 110°$, find its supplement.

Supplement $= 180° - 110° = 70°$

Check: $110° + 70° = 180°$ ✓

Vertical Angles

Vertical Angles: Opposite angles formed when two lines intersect
Key Property: Vertical angles are ALWAYS congruent
Also called: Vertically opposite angles
Vertical Angles Theorem:

When two lines intersect, vertical angles are congruent.

$$\angle 1 \cong \angle 3$$
$$\angle 2 \cong \angle 4$$

In terms of measures:
$$m\angle 1 = m\angle 3$$
$$m\angle 2 = m\angle 4$$
Example 3: Vertical angles

Two lines intersect. If $\angle 1 = 65°$, find $\angle 3$ (vertical to $\angle 1$).

By Vertical Angles Theorem:
$\angle 3 = \angle 1 = 65°$

Answer: $\angle 3 = 65°$

Adjacent Angles

Adjacent Angles: Two angles that share a common vertex and a common side, but have no interior points in common
Requirements: Same vertex, common side, non-overlapping
Note: Adjacent angles do NOT have to be congruent
Characteristics of Adjacent Angles:

1. Share a vertex: Same corner point
2. Share a side: Common ray between them
3. Non-overlapping: No interior points in common
4. Side-by-side: Next to each other

Linear Pair: Special adjacent angles that are supplementary
Example 4: Adjacent angles

$\angle ABD$ and $\angle DBC$ share vertex B and side BD.
They are adjacent angles.

If $\angle ABD = 40°$ and $\angle DBC = 50°$:
$\angle ABC = \angle ABD + \angle DBC = 40° + 50° = 90°$

Congruent Angles

Congruent Angles: Angles with equal measures
Symbol: $\cong$ (is congruent to)
Note: Shape doesn't matter, only the measure
Congruent Angles Definition:

$$\angle A \cong \angle B \iff m\angle A = m\angle B$$

Properties:
Reflexive: $\angle A \cong \angle A$
Symmetric: If $\angle A \cong \angle B$, then $\angle B \cong \angle A$
Transitive: If $\angle A \cong \angle B$ and $\angle B \cong \angle C$, then $\angle A \cong \angle C$
Example 5: Congruent angles

If $m\angle X = 75°$ and $m\angle Y = 75°$:
Then $\angle X \cong \angle Y$

Note: Even if angles look different in size on paper, if they have the same measure, they are congruent.

4. Find Measures of Complementary, Supplementary, Vertical, and Adjacent Angles

Example 1: Complementary angles

Two angles are complementary. One angle is 3 times the other. Find both angles.

Let smaller angle = $x$
Then larger angle = $3x$

$x + 3x = 90°$
$4x = 90°$
$x = 22.5°$

Smaller angle: $22.5°$
Larger angle: $3(22.5°) = 67.5°$

Check: $22.5° + 67.5° = 90°$ ✓
Example 2: Supplementary angles

Two supplementary angles differ by 40°. Find both angles.

Let smaller angle = $x$
Then larger angle = $x + 40$

$x + (x + 40) = 180°$
$2x + 40 = 180°$
$2x = 140°$
$x = 70°$

Smaller angle: $70°$
Larger angle: $110°$

Check: $70° + 110° = 180°$ ✓ and $110° - 70° = 40°$ ✓
Example 3: Vertical and adjacent angles

Two lines intersect. $\angle 1 = (2x + 10)°$ and $\angle 3 = (3x - 15)°$ are vertical. Find $x$ and the angle measures.

Vertical angles are congruent:
$2x + 10 = 3x - 15$
$10 + 15 = 3x - 2x$
$25 = x$

$\angle 1 = 2(25) + 10 = 60°$
$\angle 3 = 3(25) - 15 = 60°$ ✓

Adjacent angles $\angle 2$:
$\angle 1 + \angle 2 = 180°$ (linear pair)
$60° + \angle 2 = 180°$
$\angle 2 = 120°$
Example 4: Linear pair

$\angle ABC$ and $\angle CBD$ form a linear pair. If $m\angle ABC = (5x - 20)°$ and $m\angle CBD = (3x + 40)°$, find $x$ and both angle measures.

Linear pair means supplementary:
$(5x - 20) + (3x + 40) = 180$
$8x + 20 = 180$
$8x = 160$
$x = 20$

$m\angle ABC = 5(20) - 20 = 80°$
$m\angle CBD = 3(20) + 40 = 100°$

Check: $80° + 100° = 180°$ ✓

5. Angle Diagrams: Solve for the Variable

Steps to Solve Angle Diagram Problems:

Step 1: Identify the angle relationship (complementary, supplementary, vertical, linear pair)
Step 2: Write an equation based on the relationship
Step 3: Solve for the variable
Step 4: Substitute back to find angle measures
Step 5: Check that your answer makes sense
Example 1: Complementary angles in diagram

Two complementary angles: $\angle A = (2x + 15)°$ and $\angle B = (3x - 5)°$

$(2x + 15) + (3x - 5) = 90$
$5x + 10 = 90$
$5x = 80$
$x = 16$

$\angle A = 2(16) + 15 = 47°$
$\angle B = 3(16) - 5 = 43°$

Answer: $x = 16$, $\angle A = 47°$, $\angle B = 43°$
Example 2: Three angles on a line

Three angles form a straight line: $(x + 20)°$, $(2x)°$, and $(x - 10)°$

Sum must equal 180°:
$(x + 20) + 2x + (x - 10) = 180$
$4x + 10 = 180$
$4x = 170$
$x = 42.5$

Angles: $62.5°$, $85°$, $32.5°$

Check: $62.5 + 85 + 32.5 = 180$ ✓

6. Angle Bisectors

Angle Bisector: A ray that divides an angle into two congruent angles
Bisect: To divide into two equal parts
Result: Two angles with equal measures
Angle Bisector Properties:

If ray $\overrightarrow{BD}$ bisects $\angle ABC$, then:

$$\angle ABD \cong \angle DBC$$
$$m\angle ABD = m\angle DBC$$
$$m\angle ABD = m\angle DBC = \frac{1}{2}m\angle ABC$$
$$m\angle ABC = 2 \cdot m\angle ABD = 2 \cdot m\angle DBC$$
Example 1: Find angles with bisector

Ray BD bisects $\angle ABC$. If $m\angle ABC = 80°$, find $m\angle ABD$ and $m\angle DBC$.

Since BD bisects the angle:
$m\angle ABD = m\angle DBC = \frac{80°}{2} = 40°$

Answer: Both angles measure 40°
Example 2: Solve for variable with bisector

Ray QS bisects $\angle PQR$. If $m\angle PQS = (3x + 12)°$ and $m\angle SQR = (5x - 8)°$, find $x$ and $m\angle PQR$.

Since QS bisects the angle:
$3x + 12 = 5x - 8$
$12 + 8 = 5x - 3x$
$20 = 2x$
$x = 10$

$m\angle PQS = 3(10) + 12 = 42°$
$m\angle SQR = 5(10) - 8 = 42°$ ✓
$m\angle PQR = 42° + 42° = 84°$

Answer: $x = 10$, $m\angle PQR = 84°$

7. Construct an Angle Bisector

Construction: Drawing with compass and straightedge only
No measuring: Cannot use protractor or ruler measurements
Goal: Create ray that divides angle into two equal parts
Construction: Bisect Angle ABC

Step 1: Place compass point on vertex B
Step 2: Draw an arc that intersects both sides of the angle
  • Mark intersection points as D (on BA) and E (on BC)

Step 3: Place compass point on D
Step 4: Set compass width to more than half of DE
Step 5: Draw an arc in the interior of the angle

Step 6: Keep same compass width, place compass on E
Step 7: Draw an arc that intersects the first arc
  • Mark intersection point as F

Step 8: Draw ray from B through F
Result: Ray BF is the angle bisector of $\angle ABC$
Why This Works:
• Points D and E are equidistant from B (same arc radius)
• Point F is equidistant from both D and E (same compass width)
• By symmetry, ray BF divides the angle into two congruent parts
• Can be proven using triangle congruence (SSS)

8. Construct a Congruent Angle

Goal: Copy an angle to a new location
Result: New angle with same measure as original
Tools: Compass and straightedge only
Construction: Copy Angle ABC to Create Congruent Angle

Given: Angle ABC (original)
Goal: Create angle DEF congruent to angle ABC

Step 1: Draw a ray with endpoint D (this will be DE)

Step 2: Place compass on B (vertex of original angle)
Step 3: Draw an arc intersecting both sides of $\angle ABC$
  • Mark intersections as P and Q

Step 4: Keep same compass width, place compass on D
Step 5: Draw an arc intersecting ray DE
  • Mark intersection as E

Step 6: Measure distance PQ with compass
  • Place compass on P, adjust to reach Q

Step 7: Keep that compass width, place compass on E
Step 8: Draw an arc intersecting the first arc from Step 5
  • Mark intersection as F

Step 9: Draw ray DF
Result: $\angle EDF \cong \angle ABC$

9. Proofs Involving Angles

Proof: Logical argument that uses definitions, postulates, and theorems
Given: Information provided in the problem
Prove: Statement to be proven true
Two-column proof: Statements in left column, reasons in right column

Key Theorems for Angle Proofs

Angle Theorems and Postulates:

1. Vertical Angles Theorem:
Vertical angles are congruent

2. Linear Pair Postulate:
If two angles form a linear pair, they are supplementary

3. Congruent Supplements Theorem:
If two angles are supplementary to the same angle (or congruent angles), then they are congruent

4. Congruent Complements Theorem:
If two angles are complementary to the same angle (or congruent angles), then they are congruent

5. Angle Addition Postulate:
If point D is in the interior of $\angle ABC$, then $m\angle ABD + m\angle DBC = m\angle ABC$

6. Right Angle Congruence Theorem:
All right angles are congruent
Example 1: Two-column proof

Given: $\angle 1 \cong \angle 2$, $\angle 2 \cong \angle 3$
Prove: $\angle 1 \cong \angle 3$

StatementsReasons
1. $\angle 1 \cong \angle 2$1. Given
2. $\angle 2 \cong \angle 3$2. Given
3. $\angle 1 \cong \angle 3$3. Transitive Property of Congruence
Example 2: Proof using supplementary angles

Given: $\angle 1$ and $\angle 2$ are supplementary, $\angle 3$ and $\angle 2$ are supplementary
Prove: $\angle 1 \cong \angle 3$

StatementsReasons
1. $\angle 1$ and $\angle 2$ are supplementary1. Given
2. $\angle 3$ and $\angle 2$ are supplementary2. Given
3. $\angle 1 \cong \angle 3$3. Congruent Supplements Theorem
Example 3: Proof using vertical angles

Given: Lines AB and CD intersect at E
Prove: $\angle AEC \cong \angle BED$

StatementsReasons
1. Lines AB and CD intersect at E1. Given
2. $\angle AEC$ and $\angle BED$ are vertical angles2. Definition of vertical angles
3. $\angle AEC \cong \angle BED$3. Vertical Angles Theorem

Angle Classifications Summary

Angle TypeMeasure RangeExampleVisual Description
Acute$0° < \theta < 90°$45°, 30°, 60°Sharp, less than right angle
Right$\theta = 90°$90°Perfect "L" shape, square corner
Obtuse$90° < \theta < 180°$120°, 135°, 150°Wide, more than right angle
Straight$\theta = 180°$180°Straight line
Reflex$180° < \theta < 360°$270°, 300°More than straight, less than full

Angle Pairs Summary

Angle PairDefinitionSum FormulaKey Property
ComplementaryTwo angles that add to 90°$\angle A + \angle B = 90°$Both must be acute
SupplementaryTwo angles that add to 180°$\angle A + \angle B = 180°$Can be any combination
VerticalOpposite angles when lines intersectN/AAlways congruent
AdjacentShare vertex and side, non-overlappingN/A (can vary)Side by side
Linear PairAdjacent angles on straight line$\angle A + \angle B = 180°$Adjacent AND supplementary
CongruentAngles with equal measuresN/A$m\angle A = m\angle B$

Formulas Quick Reference

ConceptFormulaUse
Complement$90° - \theta$Find complementary angle
Supplement$180° - \theta$Find supplementary angle
Angle Bisector$\frac{1}{2}\angle ABC$Each half angle measure
Vertical Angles$\angle 1 = \angle 3$Opposite angles are equal
Linear Pair$\angle 1 + \angle 2 = 180°$Adjacent angles on line
Angle Addition$m\angle ABC = m\angle ABD + m\angle DBC$When D is in interior

Key Theorems for Proofs

Theorem/PostulateStatement
Vertical Angles TheoremVertical angles are congruent
Linear Pair PostulateLinear pairs are supplementary
Congruent Supplements TheoremAngles supplementary to same angle are congruent
Congruent Complements TheoremAngles complementary to same angle are congruent
Right Angle CongruenceAll right angles are congruent
Angle Addition Postulate$m\angle ABD + m\angle DBC = m\angle ABC$ (if D in interior)
Success Tips for Angles:
✓ Complementary angles add to 90°; Supplementary angles add to 180°
✓ Vertical angles are ALWAYS congruent (equal measures)
✓ Adjacent angles share a vertex and a side but don't overlap
✓ Linear pair = Adjacent + Supplementary
✓ Angle bisector creates TWO congruent angles
✓ To find complement: 90° - angle; To find supplement: 180° - angle
✓ In proofs, always state reasons for each statement
✓ Use variables to set up equations for unknown angles
✓ Check your answer: Do the angles add up correctly?
✓ Practice constructions to understand angle relationships!
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