Complementary and supplementary angles

Complementary and supplementary angles
Description
Exercise Name:	Complementary and supplementary angles
Math Missions:	7th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, 8th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, High school geometry Math Mission, Trigonometry Math Mission
Types of Problems:	2

The topic Complementary and supplementary angles appears under the 7th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, 8th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, High school geometry Math Mission and Trigonometry Math Mission. This exercise introduces complementary and supplementary angles.

Types of Problems

There are two types of problems in this exercise:

1. Find the complement to the given angle: This problem provides a picture with a right angle cut into two adjacent angles. One angle is given and the student is asked to find the measure of the other angle.

   

   Find the complement to the given angle

2. Find the supplement to the given angle: This problem provides a picture with a straight angle cut into two adjacent angles. One angle is given and the student is asked to find the measure of the other angle.

   

   Find the supplement to the given angle

Strategies

Knowledge of the vocabulary words complement and supplement are needed in addition to the arithmetic operation of subtraction.

1. Complementary angles add up to ${90^\circ}$. A right angle always measures ${90^\circ}$.
2. Supplementary angles add up to ${180^\circ}$. A straight angle always measures ${180^\circ}$.
3. Since the numbers will always add up to ${90^\circ}$ or ${180^\circ}$ (multiples of ten) this is a problem where it is possible to practice the "missing addend" approach to subtraction.

Real-life Applications

1. Engineers and architects use angles for designs, roads, buildings and sporting facilities.
2. Athletes use angles to enhance their performance.
3. Carpenters use angles to make chairs, tables and sofas.
4. Artists use their knowledge of angles to sketch portraits and paintings.