Question

Two angles are complementary. The measure of the smaller angle is five less than the measure of the larger angle. What is the measure of the smaller angle?

Answer 1

Complementary angles, when added, = 90 degrees
S + L = 90
S = L - 5

L - 5 + L = 90
2L - 5 = 90
2L = 90 + 5
2L = 95
L = 95/2
L = 47.5 ...larger angle

S = L - 5
S = 47.5 - 5
S = 42.5 <== smaller angle