An angle measures 32 degrees Fahrenheit more than the measure of its complementary angle. What is the measure of each angle?

Answer 1

The first step is to locate and define the variables.

We are working with complementary angles which are "either of two angles whose sum is 90°". Therefore, our job is to find the degrees of 2 angles. We want to determine the algebraic equation for the sum of these two angles, we need a variable representing the second, complementary angle, let's say x. Next, let's use the information provided to write only the expression.

It states "an angle measures 32 degrees MORE THAN the measure of its complementary angle". Whenever we see the words "more than" we know we will be adding. If the complementary, second angle is represented as the variable x, then 32 more than x (x + 32) represents the first angle measure.

To summarize what we have so far:

1. x+32 = (is) the value of the FIRST angle measure
2. x = (is) the value of the SECOND angle measure
3. We know that when these two angles are added TOGETHER they equal 90°

Therefore, x + 32 + x = 90° . But we aren't done yet! We have to solve for x in order to find the measure of BOTH angles:

x + 32 + x = 90° Our algebraic equation for this word problem

2x + 32 = 90° Combine like terms

2x = 58 Subtract 32 from both sides of the equation, so that variables are on one side and constants on the other side.

x = 29° Divide by 2 on both sides of the equation (we want to solve for x)

Now that we have solved for x, the measure of the SECOND, complementary angle, we can solve for the first angle.

x+32 = (is) the value of the FIRST angle measure

29 + 32 = 61° substitute x for its value, 29

Lastly, Check your work:

29 + 61 = 90°

90° = 90° ✓