How is a complementary angle defined?

A complementary angle is defined as two angles whose measures add up to 90 degrees. This definition is foundational in geometry, so understanding it is crucial for solving various mathematical problems involving angles. When two angles are complementary, they can be used to form right angles, which are pivotal in many geometric applications.

For instance, if one angle measures 30 degrees, its complement would be 60 degrees, since 30 + 60 equals 90 degrees. This concept is frequently applied in trigonometry and is essential for various calculations involving right triangles, which rely on the properties of complementary angles. Understanding this allows students to effectively tackle related problems involving angle measures in different contexts, such as geometry and trigonometry.