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Definition | What are Supplementary Angles?

Definition | What are Supplementary Angles?

Have you ever noticed what the hands of a clock make at 3 o'clock? Or had two lines coming together and asked yourself. What kinds of angles are these? Supplementary angles are one of the interesting and significant concepts of geometry. If you’re curious about what supplementary angles are and want to see some easy-to-understand supplementary angles examples, you’re in the right place!

We shall get into the realm of angles and learn more about how additional angles are applicable in our daily lives.

What Are Supplementary Angles? – Simple Definition

Supplementary angles: Two angles measure 180 degrees together. When they are combined, they make a straight line.

This is a very helpful concept in geometry as it helps us understand the relation between angles in various forms and constructions.

Easy Way to Remember:

Consider a straight line to be a pizza cut into two pieces. When you match the two slices along the line, you will have a flat 180-degree angle. The two slices are additional angles.

What is the Importance of Supplementary Angles?

Supplementary angles help in solving problems related to shapes, angles, and real-life objects. This knowledge is applied by architects, engineers, and even designers when they design buildings, machines, and even simple items such as chairs or tables.

You can quickly work out missing angles, and you can work out how different parts come together when the two angles are supplementary.

Supplementary Angles Examples

Here are a few examples of the easy supplementary angles you will come across in real life:

Example 1: A Straight Line

Angles drawn on a straight line are always supplementary.

Example:

Angle 1 = 120°

Angle 2 = 60°

120° + 60° = 180° = These are additional angles.

Consider the angle of a door hinge in example 2.

Think about a door. The angle between the wall and the door when the latter opens halfway (90°) is 90 °. The opposite angle made (between the door and the wall) will also be 90 degrees and will add up to 180 degrees. These are supplementary angles.

Example 3: Clock Hands

The minute and hour hands of a clock make a straight line at 6 o'clock.

The angles of the hands are:

180° + 0° = 180° so they are complementary.

Example 4: Geometry in Shapes

With a triangle, when you know one of the angles and you wish to know the other angle, you can use supplementary angles to help. When that angle is formed by straight lines adjacent to the triangle.

Example:

An angle with a triangle can be divided into two additional angles of 110° and 70°.

Fun Fact:

Angles of a supplement should not necessarily be equal!

For example:

100° and 80° → 100° + 80° = 180°

150° and 30° → 150° + 30° = 180°

All they have to do is add to a total of 180 degrees, whether they are big, small, or equal.

How to Find Peripheral Angles.

The following is an easy method of determining whether two angles are supplementary:

Take the angle measurements with a protractor.

Add the two angles together.

When the sum is 180, then there are supplementary angles.

Example Question:

Angle A = 125°

Angle B = 55°

Are they supplementary?

Answer:

125° + 55° = 180° → Yes, they are supplementary!

Real-World Scenarios in Which Supplementary Angles are Important.

1. Road Intersections

The roads intersect and form straight lines in numerous crossroads. Angles of both sides of the intersection are supplementary. This is a principle applied by traffic engineers to make roads safer.

2. Construction

In the construction of walls, windows, or furniture, it is important to know supplementary angles, as this will ensure the corners and the structures fit well.

3. Art and Design

In combination with straight lines or geometric designs, graphic designers and artists use supplementary angles in designing.

Quick Quiz Time!

What is the 110-degree angle?

Answer:

180° – 110° = 70°.

Overview: What Are Supplementary Angles?

Supplementary angles are two angles that sum to 180 degrees.

When assembled, they make a straight line.

They need not be equal, but the sum must always be equal to 180.

These can be angles in a straight line, clock hands at 6 o’clock, and angles in construction.

Knowing what supplementary angles are, the definition and examples of supplementary angles will be handy in school, day-to-day life, and future careers that involve a significant presence of geometry.

The next time you see any straight line, remember to think of the two angles that form it. Your own supplementary angles at work! You will find out that math and science are all over by exploration, measurements, and asking questions.

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Article Author

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Anchal Sinha

Anchal Sinha is a highly motivated lady with an MBA in Finance and Marketing and has worked for three years in this field. After becoming a mother and carrying out the responsibilities of motherhood, she left her career. Thereafter, she planned to be a gratified writer and acquired three years of content writing experience till now. She also worked as a teacher in a school and a retail trainer at ICA Edu Skills Pvt Ltd. Taking forward this experience, she started working as a phonics educator at Bambinos Live. She put in all the efforts to engage kids in her classes. Seeing kids enjoying her class and participating in activities motivates her to work with full vigour. This made her competent to work in altering environments. She puts her 100% into whatever she makes up her mind to pursue. With these potentials, she desires to flourish in anything and everything.

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