Question

In the figure below, angle y and angle x form vertical angles. Angle x forms a straight line with the 50° angle and the 40° angle.

A straight line is shown and is marked with three angles. The first angle measures 50 degrees. The second angle measures 40 degrees. The third angle is labeled x. The line between the 40 degree angle and angle x extends below the straight line. The angle formed is labeled angle y.

Write and solve an equation to determine the measure of angle y.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The easiest way to do this is to solve for x. Since x and y are vertically opposite, y = x

40 + 50 + x = 180 degrees. A straight line has an angle of 180 degrees.

90 + x = 180 Subtract 90 from both sides

x = 180 - 90

x = 90

But y = x

so y = 90 degrees.

Thank you for the very clear explanation of what is happening in this question.