Question

Two angles form a linear pair. The measure of one angle is 1/3 of the other angle. Find the measure if each angle

Answer 1

The measure of the angles is 45° and 135°

Explanation:

When two lines intersect, a linear pair of angles is formed. Two angles are said to be linear if they are adjacent, so a linear pair of angles must add up to 180 degrees.

Let's call x and y the two required angles. Knowing they form a linear pair:

x+y=180

We also know one angle is 1/3 of the other angle, thus:

x=y/3

Or, equivalently:

3x=y

Substituting y into the first equation:

x+3x=180

Simplifying:

4x=180

Solving:

x=180/4=45

The other angle is:

y=3x=3\cdot 45=135

Thus the measure of the angles is 45° and 135°