Question

Identify an algebraic equation you can use to find the measure of each angle based on the given description. Then find the measure of each angle.

The measure of an angle is 6° less than the measure of its complement.

Answer 1

• x+(x+6)=90
• 42°, 48°

Explanation:

Let x represent the angle of interest in degrees. Then its complement is 6° more, so its value is x+6. The sum of complementary angles is 90°, so we have ...

x + (x+6) = 90

The solution is found in the usual way

2x = 84

x = 42

The measure of the angle is 42°; its complement is 48°.