Supplementary and Complementary Angles Definition Formula and Solved Examples
FAQs on Supplementary and Complementary Angles Worksheets
1. What are supplementary and complementary angles?
Supplementary angles are two angles that add up to 180°, while complementary angles are two angles that add up to 90°
In geometry:
- Supplementary angles form a straight line when placed together.
- Complementary angles form a right angle when combined.
- They can be adjacent (next to each other) or non-adjacent.
2. What is the formula for supplementary angles?
The formula for supplementary angles is Angle 1 + Angle 2 = 180°.
If one angle is known, the other can be found using:
- Missing angle = 180° − given angle
- If one angle is 125°, the other angle = 180° − 125° = 55°.
3. What is the formula for complementary angles?
The formula for complementary angles is Angle 1 + Angle 2 = 90°.
To find a missing complementary angle:
- Missing angle = 90° − given angle
- If one angle is 38°, the other angle = 90° − 38° = 52°.
4. How do you find a missing supplementary angle?
To find a missing supplementary angle, subtract the given angle from 180°.
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Write the equation: Angle 1 + Angle 2 = 180°.
- Step 2: Substitute the known value.
- Step 3: Subtract from 180°.
- If one angle is 92°, then the other angle = 180° − 92° = 88°.
5. How do you find a missing complementary angle?
To find a missing complementary angle, subtract the given angle from 90°.
Steps to solve:
- Step 1: Write the equation: Angle 1 + Angle 2 = 90°.
- Step 2: Insert the known angle.
- Step 3: Subtract from 90°.
- If one angle is 64°, then the other angle = 90° − 64° = 26°.
6. What is the difference between complementary and supplementary angles?
The main difference is that complementary angles add up to 90°, while supplementary angles add up to 180°.
Key differences:
- Complementary angles form a right angle.
- Supplementary angles form a straight angle.
- Complementary sum = 90°, Supplementary sum = 180°.
7. Can supplementary angles be equal?
Yes, supplementary angles can be equal if each angle measures 90°.
Explanation:
- If two supplementary angles are equal, divide 180° by 2.
- 180° ÷ 2 = 90°.
8. Can complementary angles be equal?
Yes, complementary angles can be equal if each angle measures 45°.
Explanation:
- If two complementary angles are equal, divide 90° by 2.
- 90° ÷ 2 = 45°.
9. Are supplementary angles always adjacent?
No, supplementary angles are not always adjacent; they only need to add up to 180°.
Important points:
- If they are next to each other and form a straight line, they are called a linear pair.
- They can also be separate angles in different parts of a diagram as long as their sum is 180°.
10. How are supplementary and complementary angles used in worksheets?
Supplementary and complementary angles worksheets help students practice finding missing angles using the sums 180° and 90°.
Typical worksheet problems include:
- Finding a missing angle using subtraction.
- Solving algebraic equations like x + 35 = 90.
- Identifying angle pairs in diagrams.
- Comparing linear pairs and right angles.






















