Calculate the Sum of Angles Alpha and Beta in Perpendicular Lines

Complementary Angles with Perpendicular Lines

Find the size of the angle α+β \alpha+\beta .

OOOαβ

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine the sum of angles A and B
00:03 The angle size according to the given data
00:06 Adjacent angles add up to 180
00:09 Isolate the sum A+B
00:17 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the size of the angle α+β \alpha+\beta .

OOOαβ

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we must identify the configuration shown in the diagram, which involves a right triangle. The key to resolving this problem is recognizing the geometric properties of the triangle presented:

1. In a right triangle, the sum of the two non-right angles must equal 9090^\circ. This is a fundamental property of right triangles where one angle is 9090^\circ.

2. Given that the problem involves angles α\alpha and β\beta positioned as they are in the right triangle's context, we observe that the angle at OO, formed by the two arms making the right angle, is 9090^\circ. Note: the vertex OO is presented as the intersection of the vertical and horizontal directions.

3. Thus, α\alpha and β\beta are the acute angles of a right triangle:

4. Since the sum of the angles in any triangle must equal 180180^\circ, and one of these angles is the right angle, the remaining two must sum to 9090^\circ.

Therefore, the size of the angle α+β\alpha + \beta is precisely 9090^\circ.

Thus, the solution to this problem is α+β=90 \alpha + \beta = 90 degrees.

3

Final Answer

90

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Two perpendicular lines always form a 90 90^\circ angle
  • Technique: Angles α \alpha and β \beta are complementary, so α+β=90 \alpha + \beta = 90^\circ
  • Check: Sum of all angles around point O equals 360 360^\circ

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding all three angles including the right angle
    Don't calculate α+β+90=180 \alpha + \beta + 90^\circ = 180^\circ ! This gives 180° because you're adding the right angle too. Always recognize that α \alpha and β \beta are the two parts that together make the 90 90^\circ angle.

Practice Quiz

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Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do the two angles add up to exactly 90°?

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Because α \alpha and β \beta are complementary angles - they fit together to form the 90 90^\circ angle created by the perpendicular lines. Think of them as two puzzle pieces that complete the right angle!

How can I tell that the lines are perpendicular from the diagram?

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Look for the small square symbol at point O in the diagram. This is the universal symbol that indicates a 90 90^\circ angle, meaning the lines are perpendicular to each other.

What if I can't see the angle measurements?

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You don't need to know the individual values of α \alpha and β \beta ! The key insight is recognizing the geometric relationship - complementary angles in perpendicular lines always sum to 90 90^\circ .

Could the answer ever be different than 90°?

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Never! This is a fundamental property of perpendicular lines. No matter how the angles are oriented or labeled, if two lines meet at 90 90^\circ , any two angles that together form that right angle must sum to 90 90^\circ .

What's the difference between complementary and supplementary angles?

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Complementary angles add to 90 90^\circ (like in this problem), while supplementary angles add to 180 180^\circ . Remember: Complementary = Complete a right angle!

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