The calculation of two complementary angles are in the ratio of 7:8. Determine the measure of the smallest angle.

a. 84°

b. 42°

c. 48°

d. 96°

b. Two angles are complementary if their addition is 90°. Using this fact, we may establish the following equation: 7x + 8x = 90. Simplify; 15x = 90. Divide both sides of the equation by 15; x = 6. The smallest angle is shown by 7x. Thus 7x = 7(6) or 42, the smallest angle measurement. If you select a, the original equation was set same to 180 rather than 90. If you select c, you solved for the largest angle. If you select d, the original equation was set same to 180 and you solved for the largest angle as well.