An angle is equal to one-third of its supplement. Find the numerical measure of the angle (in degrees).
Aptitude
Plane Geometry
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A40°
-
B50°
-
C45°
-
D55°
Answer
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°