Math Problem Statement

The measure of an angle is 1/3 times more than its complement. Find the measure of each angle.

Solution

The problem reads:

"The measure of an angle is 13\frac{1}{3} times more than its complement. Find the measure of each angle."

Let the measure of the angle be xx. Its complement would then be 90x90^\circ - x, as the sum of complementary angles is always 9090^\circ.

The angle is said to be 13\frac{1}{3} times more than its complement, so we can express this relationship as:

x=13(90x)+(90x)x = \frac{1}{3}(90^\circ - x) + (90^\circ - x)

We will now solve this equation.

Step 1: Simplify the equation

First, combine like terms:

x=13(90x)+(90x)x = \frac{1}{3}(90^\circ - x) + (90^\circ - x)

Distribute the 13\frac{1}{3} across the terms in parentheses:

x=903x3+(90x)x = \frac{90^\circ}{3} - \frac{x}{3} + (90^\circ - x)

This simplifies to:

x=30x3+90xx = 30^\circ - \frac{x}{3} + 90^\circ - x

Now combine the constants:

x=120x3xx = 120^\circ - \frac{x}{3} - x

Step 2: Eliminate fractions

Multiply the entire equation by 3 to get rid of the fraction:

3x=360x3x3x = 360^\circ - x - 3x

Step 3: Combine like terms

Bring all the xx-terms to one side:

3x+x+3x=3603x + x + 3x = 360^\circ

This simplifies to:

7x=3607x = 360^\circ

Step 4: Solve for xx

Divide both sides by 7:

x=360751.43x = \frac{360^\circ}{7} \approx 51.43^\circ

So, the angle is approximately 51.4351.43^\circ.

Step 5: Find the complement

The complement of the angle is:

9051.43=38.5790^\circ - 51.43^\circ = 38.57^\circ

Thus, the angle measures approximately 51.4351.43^\circ, and its complement is 38.5738.57^\circ.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What are complementary angles, and why do their measures add to 90 degrees?
  2. How do we solve equations involving fractions step-by-step?
  3. How do angles relate to different geometric figures, like triangles?
  4. How can you express the relationship between two complementary angles algebraically?
  5. What are some real-world applications of complementary angles?

Tip: When solving equations with fractions, it's often helpful to clear the fractions by multiplying through by a common denominator early on to simplify calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Geometry
Complementary Angles

Formulas

x = (1/3)(90 - x) + (90 - x)
Sum of complementary angles: x + (90 - x) = 90

Theorems

Complementary Angle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10