if two angles form a linear pair, then the measures of the angles add up to 180∘ .
If two angles form a linear pair, then the measures of the angles add up to 180° .
Answer: Yes, that statement is correct. Let’s delve into what it means for two angles to form a linear pair and why their measures add up to 180°.
Understanding Linear Pairs
Definition: A linear pair of angles is a pair of adjacent angles formed when two lines intersect. The two angles are adjacent, meaning they share a common side and a common vertex, and their non-common sides form a straight line (or are collinear).
Why Do the Measures Add Up to 180°?
When two angles form a linear pair, they are supplementary by definition. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
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Straight Line Property: The non-common sides of the two angles form a straight line. A straight line measures 180°.
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Angle Addition Postulate: The Angle Addition Postulate states that if a point lies on the interior of an angle, the sum of the measures of the two adjacent angles formed is equal to the measure of the original angle.
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Application to Linear Pairs: In the case of a linear pair, the original “angle” is the straight line, which measures 180°. Therefore, the sum of the measures of the two adjacent angles (which form the linear pair) must be 180°.
Mathematical Representation
Let’s denote the two angles in the linear pair as ∠A and ∠B.
Since they form a linear pair:
Where:
- ( \text{m}∠A ) is the measure of angle A.
- ( \text{m}∠B ) is the measure of angle B.
Example
Suppose angle ∠A measures 120°. To find the measure of angle ∠B in the linear pair:
Substituting the known value:
Solving for ( \text{m}∠B ):
Therefore, ∠A and ∠B, which form a linear pair, have measures that add up to 180°, confirming the statement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement by Questionmatic is accurate. When two angles form a linear pair, their measures indeed add up to 180°. This property is a fundamental concept in geometry, reflecting the supplementary nature of linear pairs.