An angle is equal to one-third of its supplement. Find the numerical measure of the angle (in degrees).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 45°

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Supplementary angles sum to 180°. If one angle is a fixed fraction of its supplement, we can set up a linear equation to compute the exact measure.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Let the required angle be x°.
  • Its supplement is 180 − x.
  • Given: x = (1/3) * (180 − x).


Concept / Approach:
Model the verbal statement as an equation and solve for x with simple algebra.


Step-by-Step Solution:

x = (1/3)(180 − x)3x = 180 − x4x = 180x = 45°


Verification / Alternative check:
The supplement is 135°. One-third of 135° is 45°, which matches x, so the condition holds.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 40°, 50°, 55° do not satisfy x = (1/3)(180 − x).


Common Pitfalls:
Using complement (sum 90°) instead of supplement (sum 180°), or incorrectly solving the proportion.


Final Answer:
45°

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion