Question

The measure of an angle is 17 times the measure of its complementary angle what is the measure of each angle

Answer 1

First, write an equation system for the problem

For example, x represents the first angle and y represents the second angle

An equation for "the measure of an angle is seventeen times the measure of a complementary angle" is

∴ x = 17y

The sum of complementary angle is 90°. It can be written as

∴ x + y = 90°

Second, use subtitution method to find the value of x and y

Subtitute x with 17y

x + y = 90°

17y + y = 90°

18y = 90°

y = 90°/18

y = 5°

Subtitute y with 5°

x = 17y

x = 17(5)

x = 85°

The measure of each angle is 5° and 85°