Types of Angles
Angles are one of the fundamental concepts in geometry. Understanding angles and their types helps us understand shapes, measure shapes, and even construct shapes. In geometry, an angle is formed when two rays or lines meet at a common point called the vertex. The amount of rotation between each side of the angle is measured in degrees.
Different types of angles
Angles can be classified in several ways depending on their measure and their relationship to other angles. Below, we will discuss the different types of angles in detail with explanations, examples, and diagrams.
1. Acute angle
An acute angle measures less than 90 degrees. It looks sharp and narrow. You can find acute angles in a variety of everyday objects, such as the blades of scissors when they are partially open.
Example: If the measure of an angle is 45 degrees, it is considered an acute angle.
2. Right angle
A right angle measures exactly 90 degrees. It represents a quarter turn and is often seen in the corners of squares and rectangles.
Example: The angle between the x-axis and y-axis on a graph is a right angle.
3. Obtuse angle
An obtuse angle is an angle whose measure is more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. It appears wider than a right angle.
Example: If the measure of an angle in a triangle is 130 degrees, then it is an obtuse angle. Such triangles are called obtuse-angled triangles.
4. Straight angle
A straight angle is exactly 180 degrees. It looks like a straight line, indicating a half turn.
Example: The angle between the two hands of a clock at 6 o'clock is a straight angle.
5. Reflex angle
A reflex angle is greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. Reflex angles appear in situations where there is more than a straight angle but less than a complete rotation.
Example: When the time is 10 o’clock then the larger angle made by the hands of a clock is the reflex angle.
6. Full angle
A complete angle is 360 degrees, which means it makes a complete circle. When an object moves in a complete circle, it makes a complete angle.
Example: One complete revolution of a wheel makes a complete angle.
Complementary and supplementary angles
In addition to individual angle measurements, angles can also be classified based on their relationship with other angles.
Supplementary angles
Two angles are said to be complementary if the sum of their measures is 90 degrees. These angles are often seen in right triangles, where the other two angles (except the right angle) are supplementary.
Example: If the measure of one angle is 30 degrees, then the measure of the other angle must be 60 degrees to be complementary.
(Angle 1) + (Angle 2) = 90°
Obtuse angle
Two angles are considered supplementary if their combined measures equal 180 degrees. These are usually seen along a straight line.
Example: If one angle is 110 degrees, then the measure of the other angle will be 70 degrees, so that the two angles are supplementary.
(Angle 1) + (Angle 2) = 180°
Visualization of angle relationships
When working with angles, it is important to see how they relate visually within geometric shapes or configurations. Below are some examples of how to represent these relationships:
In the figure above, both of the smaller angles are 45 degrees, making them complementary since their sum is 90 degrees.
Angles in triangles
Triangles are geometric shapes that have three sides and three angles. The sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees. Here are some types of triangles:
Equilateral triangle
- All three interior angles are equal (60 degrees each).
Isosceles triangle
- The two interior angles are equal.
Scalene triangle
- All interior angles are different.
By understanding and visualizing the different types of angles and their relationships, we gain a deeper understanding of the geometric world around us. This knowledge is the foundational skill that enables us to explore more complex geometric concepts.