Definition of Complementary Angles


What are Complementary Angles?

Complementary angles are a special type of angles that add up to 90 degrees. They are like puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together to make a right angle. In simple terms, if we have two angles that are complementary, when we add them side by side, they will always make a right angle.

Origin and Everyday Life

The concept of complementary angles came from the ancient Greeks, who loved geometry and figuring out the relationships between shapes. They discovered that when two angles add up to 90 degrees, they are complementary. Today, we use complementary angles in many aspects of our everyday lives without even realizing it!

Where Can We Find Complementary Angles in Everyday Life?

Next time you see a square slice of pizza, think about its corners! They form complementary angles, making the delicious slice look like a right angle. Similarly, the hands on a clock form complementary angles multiple times a day. When it’s 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock, the hour and minute hands create a right angle!

Synonyms and Comparison

Another way to describe complementary angles is “matching angles.” Just like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, complementary angles match each other to make a right angle. They are like best friends, always working together to complete the puzzle!

So, What’s the Definition of Complementary Angles?

In a nutshell, complementary angles are two angles that, when added together, give you a perfect 90-degree right angle. They can be found in pizza slices, on a clock, and in many other places. Complementary angles are like puzzle pieces or best friends that work together to create something amazing!