Geometry/Angles

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Angles are formed when two points branch out from a single point. An angle is the union of two rays. The angles formed by vertical and horizontal lines are called right angles; lines, segments, or rays that intersect in right angles are said to be perpendicular.

Angles, for our purposes, can be measured in either degrees (from 0 to 360) or radians (from 0 to 2π). Angles length can be determined by measuring along the arc they map out on a circle. In radians we consider the length of the arc of the circle mapped out by the angle. Since the circumference of a circle is 2π, a right angle is \frac{\pi}{2} radians. In degrees, the circle is 360 degrees, and so a right angle would be 90 degrees.

[edit] Naming Conventions

Angles are named in several ways.

  • By naming the vertex of the angle (only if there is only one angle formed at that vertex; the name must be non-ambiguous) \angle B
  • By naming a point on each side of the angle with the vertex in between. \angle ABC
  • By placing a small number on the interior of the angle near the vertex.

[edit] Classification of Angles by Degree Measure

Acute Angle

  • an angle is said to be acute if it measures between 0 and 90 degrees, exclusive.

Acute Angle

Right Angle

  • an angle is said to be right if it measures 90 degrees.
  • notice the small box placed in the corner of a right angle, unless the box is present it is not assumed the angle is 90 degrees.
  • all right angles are congruent

Rightangle.png

Obtuse Angle

  • an angle is said to be obtuse if it measures between 90 and 180 degrees, exclusive.

Obtuse Angle

[edit] Special Pairs of Angles

  • adjacent angles
    • adjacent angles are angles with a common vertex and a common side.
    • adjacent angles have no interior points in common.
  • complementary angles
    • complementary angles are two angles whose sum is 90 degrees.
    • complementary angles may or may not be adjacent.
    • if two complementary angles are adjacent, then their exterior sides are perpendicular.
  • supplementary angles
    • two angles are said to be supplementary if their sum is 180 degrees.
    • supplementary angles need not be adjacent.
    • if supplementary angles are adjacent, then the sides they do not share form a line.
  • linear pair
    • if a pair of angles is both adjacent and supplementary, they are said to form a linear pair.
  • vertical angles
    • angles with a common vertex whose sides form opposite rays are called vertical angles.
    • vertical angles are congruent.

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