Six times the complement of an angle is 12° less than twice its supplement. Find the measure of the angle.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 48°

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Complementary angles sum to 90°, and supplementary angles sum to 180°. The statement links linear expressions of the same unknown through these definitions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Angle = x°.
  • Complement = 90 − x; supplement = 180 − x.
  • Condition: 6(90 − x) = 2(180 − x) − 12.


Concept / Approach:
Translate to an equation in x and solve. Keep complements and supplements distinct.


Step-by-Step Solution:

6(90 − x) = 2(180 − x) − 12540 − 6x = 360 − 2x − 12540 − 6x = 348 − 2x540 − 348 = 6x − 2x192 = 4x ⇒ x = 48°


Verification / Alternative check:
Complement = 42°, supplement = 132°. LHS = 6*42 = 252; RHS = 2*132 − 12 = 264 − 12 = 252 ✓.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They fail the given linear relation when checked.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up 90 − x and 180 − x; arithmetic slips while simplifying; sign mistakes with the “12° less”.


Final Answer:
48°

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