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Geometry and TrigonometryEasyAcute angles of a right triangle

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

In a right triangle, one of the acute angles measures 35°. What is the measure, in degrees, of the other acute angle?

Answer: 55

The angles of a triangle add to 180°, and the right angle takes 90°, so the two acute angles add to 90°: 90 − 35 = 55.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 35
The two acute angles are equal only in a 45°-45°-90° triangle. Here they are 35° and 55°.
If you answered 65
65 is 100 − 35 or a similar slip; the acute angles add to exactly 90.
If you answered 145
145 is 180 − 35, forgetting that the right angle uses 90° of the total.

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