Algebra word problems

Question

Two angles are complementary if their sum is 90. If the measure of the first angle is x* and the measure of the second angle is (3x-2), find the measure of each angle.

Answer 1

x + 3x - 2 = 90

4x - 2 = 90

4x = 92

x = 23º

 

3x - 2 = 3(23) - 2 = 69 - 2 = 67º

Answer 2

This is a type of problem that needs two equations which one is given to you, and the other mush be inferred. I will be using y as a symbol for angle 2, and x for angle 1. I am assuming that by stating the fact of complementary, the two angles are complementary. The two equations are:

 

eq 1

y = 3 * x - 2

This one is given as stated

eq 2

90 = x + y

This one is inferred from the statement that the two angles are complementary.

 

If you substitute eq. 1 into eq. 2,

eq 3

90 = x + 3 * x - 2

and Solve for x,

90 = 4 * x - 2

92 = 4 * x

92 / 4 = x

23 = x

 

Substitute back into eq 2

y = 90 - x

y = 67

 

Therefore, angle 1 = 23 degrees

and angle 2 = 67 degrees