SOLUTION: Directions: Express each ration as a fraction in simplest form. Question: The sum of the measures of two complementary angles is 90 degrees. Find the measures of two complement

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Question 336561: Directions: Express each ration as a fraction in simplest form.
Question:
The sum of the measures of two complementary angles is 90 degrees. Find the measures of two complementary angles whose measures are in the ratio of 1:4.
Problems:
I am having troubles understanding what this problem is asking me to do, and how to solve it correctly. Please explain the concept of complementary angles to me as well.
Thanks

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
My explanation:
Complementary angles are angles that add up to 90.
For example, 55 degrees and 35 degrees are complementary, they add up to 90
If you were asked,"What is the complement of 25 degrees?" you would
say 90 - 25 = 65 degrees and is the complement of 25
;
The sum of the measures of two complementary angles is 90 degrees. (we just said that)
Call the two angles, x & y, they are complementary therefore:
x + y = 90
:
Find the measures of two complementary angles whose measures are in the ratio of 1:4.
Therefore:
x%2Fy = 1%2F4
Cross multiply
y = 4x
:
return to the equation x + y 90
Replace y with 4x,
x + 4x = 90
5x = 90
x = 90%2F5
x = 18 degees
We know y = 4x, therefore
y = (4*18)
y = 72 degrees
:
These two angle add up to 90 and have the ratio of 1:4
;
Did this shed some light on complementary angles??