162k views
5 votes
The ratio of two complementary angles is 8:17. find the measure of the smallest angle.

2 Answers

7 votes
Let's assume that the two angles represent
x
and
y
. We know that
x
+
y
=
90
. For this equation, let's assume
y
is the bigger angle.
y
would equal 8:7x, or to make it simpler,
8
7
x
. We can plug in
8
7
x
for
y
in the original equation to get
x
+
8
7
x
=
90
. Combining like terms, and then saying that
x
=
7
7
, we get
15
7
x
=
90
. We then divide
15
7
on both sides, and get
x
=
42
. In the equation,
y
=
8
7
x
, we add in 42 which makes
y
=
48
. That's how we find out our answer.
User Imekon
by
6.3k points
3 votes

Answer:

28.8

Explanation:

Multiply each by x

8x : 17x

Complementary angles add to 90

8x+17x = 90

25x = 90

Divide each side by 25

25x/25 = 90/25

x=3.6

The smallest angle is 8x

8*3.6 =28.8

User DMisener
by
6.8k points
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