Pairs of Angles – Lines & Angles
Last Updated :
30 Oct, 2024
When two lines share a common endpoint, called Vertex then an angle is formed between these two lines and when these angles appear in groups of two to display a specific geometrical property then they are called pairs of angles. Understanding these angle pairs helps in solving geometry problems involving parallel lines, transversals, and polygons.
Below is the pictorial representation of the pair of angles.

Here the angles ∠ABC and ∠ACB can be called a pair of angles.
Some of the angle pairs that we see in geometry are Complementary angles, Supplementary angles, Adjacent angles, Linear pair of angles, and Vertical Angles.
In this article we will discuss about pair of angles and their types based on their properties.
Complementary Angles
When we have two angles whose addition equals 90° then the angles are called Complementary Angles.
Example:
50° and 40° (50° + 40° = 90°)
70° and 20° (70° + 20° = 90°)
Below is the pictorial representation of the Complementary Angles.

- If we have two angles as x° and y° and x° + y° = 90° then x is called the complementary angle of y and y is called the complementary angle of x.
Example: We have 20° and 70° then, 20° is a complementary angle of 70° and 70° is a complementary angle of 20°.
- If we have one angle as x° then to find a complementary angle we need to subtract it from 90°.
Example: We have 30° then the complementary angle of it is 90° – 30° which is 60°
Supplementary Angles
When we have two angles whose addition equals to 180° then the angles are called Supplementary Angles.
Example:
150° and 30° (150° + 30° = 180°)
70° and 110° (70° + 110° = 180°)
Below is the pictorial representation of the Supplementary Angle.

- If we have two angles as x° and y° and x° + y° = 180° then x is called the supplementary angle of y and y is called the supplementary angle of x.
Example: We have 100° and 80° then, 100° is the supplementary angle of 80° and 80° supplementary angle of 100°.
- If we have one angle as x° then to find a supplementary angle we need to subtract it from 180°.
Example: We have 60° then the supplementary angle of it is 180° – 60° which is 120°
Difference Between Complementary Angle and Supplementary Angle
Complementary Angle
|
Supplementary Angle
|
Sum of both the angle equals to 90°. |
Sum of both the angle equals to 180°. |
Both the angles are called complements of each other. |
Both the angles are called supplement of each other. |
If one angle is x°, its complement is 90° – x°. |
If one angle is x°, its supplement is 180° – x°. |
Adjacent Angles
When we have two angles with a common side, a common vertex without any overlap we call them Adjacent Angles.

We know what conditions two angles need to fulfill to be Adjacent angles. Let’s see some of the examples where we might get confused that whether they are adjacent angles or not.

Here θ1 and θ2 are having a common vertex, they don’t overlap but because they don’t share any common side they aren’t Adjacent Angles.

Here θ1 and θ2 are having a common vertex, they share a common side but they overlap so they aren’t Adjacent Angles.
Linear Pair of Angles
We say two angles as linear pairs of angles if both the angles are adjacent angles with an additional condition that their non-common side makes a Straight Line.

Let’s see some examples for a better understanding of Pair of Angles.
Example 1:

Let’s call the intersection of line AC and BD to be O. Now we see four angles are there let’s try to observe them one by one.
- θ1 and θ2 are adjacent angles and their non-common sides are AO and OC, AO + OC = AC is a Straight Line so both are linear pairs of angles.
- θ2 and θ3 are adjacent angles and their non-common sides are BO and OD, BO + OD = BD is a Straight Line so both are linear pairs of angles.
- θ3 and θ4 are adjacent angles and their non-common sides are CO and OA, CO + OA = CA is a Straight Line so both are linear pairs of angles.
- θ4 and θ1 are adjacent angles and their non-common sides are D0 and OB, DO + OB = DB is a Straight Line so both are linear pair of angles.
Vertical Angles
A vertical angle is a pair of non-adjacent angles that are formed by the intersection of two Straight Lines.

Here we see line AD and line BC intersect at one point let’s call it X and thus four angles are formed
∠AXB = θ1
∠BXD = θ2
∠DXC = θ3
∠CXA = θ4
θ1 and θ2 are non-adjacent angles and formed by the intersection of line AD and BC therefore they are Vertical Angles are always Equal so θ1 = θ2. Similarly, θ3 and θ4 are also vertical angles therefore θ3 = θ4. Let’s try to understand with a question:

Here we see ∠BXD and b are vertically opposite angles therefore
b = ∠BXD
b = 60°
and we also see that ∠DXC and a are vertically opposite angles therefore
a = ∠DXC
a = 120°
Example Problems on Pair of Angles
Question 1: Two adjacent angles are formed when a straight line intersects another line. One angle measures 65°. What is the measure of the other adjacent angle?
Solution:
Given:
One angle is 65°.
The two angles are adjacent and form a straight line (sum of 180°).
Then,
By subtracting the given angle from 180°
180°−65°=115°
The other adjacent angle is 115°.
Question 2: Two angles are complementary, and one angle measures 40°. Find the measure of the other angle.
Solution :
Given:
One angle is 40°.
The two angles are complementary (sum of 90°).
then,
By subtracting the given angle form 90°
90°−40°=50°.
The other complementary angle is 50°.
Question 3: Two angles are supplementary. One angle measures 120°. What is the measure of the other angle?
Solution:
Given:
One angle is 120°.
The two angles are supplementary (sum of 180°).
then,
By subtracting 120° from 180°:
180°−120°=60°.
The other supplementary angle is 60°.
Question 4: Two intersecting lines form vertical angles. If one of the angles is 75°, what is the measure of the opposite vertical angle?
Solution:
Given:
One angle is 75°.
then,
As the angles are vertical, meaning they are equal.
The opposite vertical angle is also 75°.
Practices Questions on Pairs of Angles
Question 1. Two angles are complementary. If one angle is 35°, what is the measure of the other angle?
Question 2. Two angles are supplementary. If one angle is 120°, what is the measure of the other angle?
Question 3. If two lines intersect and form a pair of vertical angles, and one angle measures 75°, what is the measure of the other vertical angle?
Question 4. Two adjacent angles form a straight line. If one angle measures 50°, what is the measure of the adjacent angle?
Question 5. Two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. If one of the alternate interior angles is 110°, what is the measure of the other alternate interior angle?
Question 6. Two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. If one of the corresponding angles measures 60°, what is the measure of the other corresponding angle?
Question 7. If two angles form a linear pair and one angle measures 90°, what is the measure of the other angle?
Question 8. Find the measure of an angle that is supplementary to a 30° angle and complementary to a 50° angle.
Read More:
Similar Reads
CBSE Class 9 Maths Revision Notes
CBSE Class 9th Maths Revision Notes is an important phase of studentâs life when theyâre at a turning point in their life. The reason being class 9 is the foundation level to succeed in class 10. As you know, students must complete Class 9 in order to sit for Class 10 board examinations. Also, it la
15+ min read
Chapter 1: Number System
Number System in Maths
Number System is a method of representing numbers on the number line with the help of a set of Symbols and rules. These symbols range from 0-9 and are termed as digits. Let's learn about the number system in detail, including its types, and conversion. Number System in MathsNumber system in Maths is
13 min read
Natural Numbers | Definition, Examples & Properties
Natural numbers are the numbers that start from 1 and end at infinity. In other words, natural numbers are counting numbers and they do not include 0 or any negative or fractional numbers. Here, we will discuss the definition of natural numbers, the types and properties of natural numbers, as well a
11 min read
Whole Numbers - Definition, Properties and Examples
Whole numbers are a foundational concept in mathematics, encompassing all non-negative integers starting from zero. This set includes numbers like 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on, up to infinity. Unlike integers, whole numbers do not include negative numbers or fractions. Examples of Whole Numbers are 0, 2, 3
9 min read
Prime Numbers | Meaning | List 1 to 100 | Examples
Prime numbers are those natural numbers that are divisible by only 1 and the number itself. Numbers that have more than two divisors are called composite numbers All primes are odd, except for 2. Here, we will discuss prime numbers, the list of prime numbers from 1 to 100, various methods to find pr
13 min read
Rational Numbers
Rational numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics, defined as numbers that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, where the denominator is not zero. Represented in the form p/qâ (with p and q being integers), rational numbers include fractions, whole numbers, and terminating or repea
15+ min read
Irrational Numbers- Definition, Examples, Symbol, Properties
Irrational numbers are real numbers that cannot be expressed as fractions. Irrational Numbers can not be expressed in the form of p/q, where p and q are integers and q â 0. They are non-recurring, non-terminating, and non-repeating decimals. Irrational numbers are real numbers but are different from
12 min read
Real Numbers
Real Numbers are continuous quantities that can represent a distance along a line, as Real numbers include both rational and irrational numbers. Rational numbers occupy the points at some finite distance and irrational numbers fill the gap between them, making them together to complete the real line
10 min read
Decimal Expansion of Real Numbers
The combination of a set of rational and irrational numbers is called real numbers. All the real numbers can be expressed on the number line. The numbers other than real numbers that cannot be represented on the number line are called imaginary numbers (unreal numbers). They are used to represent co
6 min read
Decimal Expansions of Rational Numbers
Real numbers are simply the combination of rational and irrational numbers, in the number system. In general, all the arithmetic operations can be performed on these numbers and they can be represented in the number line, also. So in this article let's discuss some rational and irrational numbers an
6 min read
Representation of Rational Numbers on the Number Line | Class 8 Maths
Rational numbers are the integers p and q expressed in the form of p/q where q>0. Rational numbers can be positive, negative or even zero. Rational numbers can be depicted on the number line. The centre of the number line is called Origin (O). Positive rational numbers are illustrated on the righ
5 min read
Operations on Real Numbers
Real Numbers are those numbers that are a combination of rational numbers and irrational numbers in the number system of maths. Real Number Operations include all the arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. that can be performed on these numbers. Besides, imaginary num
9 min read
Rationalization of Denominators
Rationalization of Denomintors is a method where we change the fraction with an irrational denominator into a fraction with a rational denominator. If there is an irrational or radical in the denominator the definition of rational number ceases to exist as we can't divide anything into irrational pa
8 min read
Nth Root
Nth root of unity is the root of unity when taken which on taking to the power n gives the value 1. Nth root of any number is defined as the number that takes to the power of n results in the original number. For example, if we take the nth root of any number, say b, the result is a, and then a is r
6 min read
Laws of Exponents for Real Numbers
Laws of Exponents are fundamental rules used in mathematics to simplify expressions involving exponents. These laws help in solving arithmetic problems efficiently by defining operations like multiplication, division, and more on exponents. In this article, we will discuss the laws of exponent for r
6 min read
Chapter 2: Polynomials
Polynomials in One Variable | Polynomials Class 9 Maths
Polynomials in One Variable: Polynomial word originated from two words âpolyâ which means âmanyâ and the word ânominalâ which means âtermâ. In maths, a polynomial expression consists of variables known as indeterminate and coefficients. Polynomials are expressions with one or more terms with a non-z
7 min read
Polynomial Formula
The polynomial Formula gives the standard form of polynomial expressions. It specifies the arrangement of algebraic expressions according to their increasing or decreasing power of variables. The General Formula of a Polynomial: f(x) = anâxn + anâ1âxnâ1 + ⯠+ a1âx + a0â Where, anâ, anâ1â, â¦, a1â, a0
6 min read
Types of Polynomials (Based on Terms and Degrees)
Types of Polynomials: In mathematics, an algebraic expression is an expression built up from integer constants, variables, and algebraic operations. There are mainly four types of polynomials based on degree-constant polynomial (zero degree), linear polynomial ( 1st degree), quadratic polynomial (2n
9 min read
Zeros of Polynomial
Zeros of a Polynomial are those real, imaginary, or complex values when put in the polynomial instead of a variable, the result becomes zero (as the name suggests zero as well). Polynomials are used to model some physical phenomena happening in real life, they are very useful in describing situation
14 min read
Factorization of Polynomial
Factorization in mathematics refers to the process of expressing a number or an algebraic expression as a product of simpler factors. For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, and we can express 12 as 12 = 1 Ã 12, 2 Ã 6, or 4 Ã 3. Similarly, factorization of polynomials involves expr
10 min read
Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem is a simple yet powerful tool in algebra that helps you quickly find the remainder when dividing a polynomial by a linear polynomial, such as (x - a). Instead of performing long or synthetic division, you can use this theorem to substitute the polynomial and get the remainder d
9 min read
Factor Theorem
Factor theorem is used for finding the roots of the given polynomial. This theorem is very helpful in finding the factors of the polynomial equation without actually solving them. According to the factor theorem, for any polynomial f(x) of degree n ⥠1 a linear polynomial (x - a) is the factor of th
11 min read
Algebraic Identities
Algebraic Identities are fundamental equations in algebra where the left-hand side of the equation is always equal to the right-hand side, regardless of the values of the variables involved. These identities play a crucial role in simplifying algebraic computations and are essential for solving vari
14 min read
Chapter 3: Coordinate Geometry
Chapter 4: Linear equations in two variables
Linear Equations in One Variable
Linear equation in one variable is the equation that is used for representing the conditions that are dependent on one variable. It is a linear equation i.e. the equation in which the degree of the equation is one, and it only has one variable. A linear equation in one variable is a mathematical sta
7 min read
Linear Equation in Two Variables
Linear Equation in Two Variables: A Linear equation is defined as an equation with the maximum degree of one only, for example, ax = b can be referred to as a linear equation, and when a Linear equation in two variables comes into the picture, it means that the entire equation has 2 variables presen
9 min read
Graph of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Linear equations are the first-order equations, i.e. the equations of degree 1. The equations which are used to define any straight line are linear, they are represented as, x + k = 0; These equations have a unique solution and can be represented on number lines very easily. Let's look at linear e
5 min read
Graphical Methods of Solving Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables
A system of linear equations is just a pair of two lines that may or may not intersect. The graph of a linear equation is a line. There are various methods that can be used to solve two linear equations, for example, Substitution Method, Elimination Method, etc. An easy-to-understand and beginner-fr
8 min read
Chapter 5: Introduction to Euclid's Geometry
Chapter 6: Lines and Angles
Chapter 7: Triangles
Triangles in Geometry
A triangle is a polygon with three sides (edges), three vertices (corners), and three angles. It is the simplest polygon in geometry, and the sum of its interior angles is always 180°. A triangle is formed by three line segments (edges) that intersect at three vertices, creating a two-dimensional re
13 min read
Congruence of Triangles |SSS, SAS, ASA, and RHS Rules
Congruence of triangles is a concept in geometry which is used to compare different shapes. It is the condition between two triangles in which all three corresponding sides and corresponding angles are equal. Two triangles are said to be congruent if and only if they can be overlapped with each othe
10 min read
Theorem - Angle opposite to equal sides of an isosceles triangle are equal | Class 9 Maths
In geometry, an isosceles triangle is a triangle that has two sides of equal length. Sometimes it is specified as having exactly two sides of equal length, and sometimes as having at least two sides of equal length, the latter version thus including the equilateral triangle as a special case. Exampl
4 min read
Triangle Inequality Theorem, Proof & Applications
Triangle Inequality Theorem is the relation between the sides and angles of triangles which helps us understand the properties and solutions related to triangles. Triangles are the most fundamental geometric shape as we can't make any closed shape with two or one side. Triangles consist of three sid
9 min read
Chapter 8: Quadrilateral
Angle Sum Property of a Quadrilateral
Angle Sum Property of a Quadrilateral: Quadrilaterals are encountered everywhere in life, every square rectangle, any shape with four sides is a quadrilateral. We know, three non-collinear points make a triangle. Similarly, four non-collinear points take up a shape that is called a quadrilateral. It
9 min read
Quadrilaterals
Quadrilateral is a two-dimensional figure characterized by having four sides, four vertices, and four angles. It can be broadly classified into two categories: concave and convex. Within the convex category, there are several specific types of quadrilaterals, including trapezoids, parallelograms, re
12 min read
Parallelogram | Properties, Formulas, Types, and Theorem
A parallelogram is a two-dimensional geometrical shape whose opposite sides are equal in length and are parallel. The opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal in measure and the Sum of adjacent angles of a parallelogram is equal to 180 degrees. A parallelogram is a four-sided polygon (quadrilate
10 min read
Rhombus: Definition, Properties, Formula and Examples
A rhombus is a type of quadrilateral with the following additional properties. All four sides are of equal length and opposite sides parallel. The opposite angles are equal, and the diagonals bisect each other at right angles. A rhombus is a special case of a parallelogram, and if all its angles are
7 min read
Trapezium: Types | Formulas |Properties & Examples
A Trapezium or Trapezoid is a quadrilateral (shape with 4 sides) with exactly one pair of opposite sides parallel to each other. The term "trapezium" comes from the Greek word "trapeze," meaning "table." It is a two-dimensional shape with four sides and four vertices. In the figure below, a and b ar
8 min read
Square in Maths - Area, Perimeter, Examples & Applications
A square is a type of quadrilateral where all four sides are of equal length and each interior angle measures 90°. It has two pairs of parallel sides, with opposite sides being parallel. The diagonals of a square are equal in length and bisect each other at right angles.Squares are used in various f
5 min read
Kite - Quadrilaterals
A Kite is a special type of quadrilateral that is easily recognizable by its unique shape, resembling the traditional toy flown on a string. In geometry, a kite has two pairs of adjacent sides that are of equal length. This distinctive feature sets it apart from other quadrilaterals like squares, re
8 min read
Properties of Parallelograms
Properties of Parallelograms: Parallelogram is a quadrilateral in which opposite sides are parallel and congruent and the opposite angles are equal. A parallelogram is formed by the intersection of two pairs of parallel lines. In this article, we will learn about the properties of parallelograms, in
9 min read
Mid Point Theorem
The Midpoint Theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry that simplifies solving problems involving triangles. It establishes a relationship between the midpoints of two sides of a triangle and the third side. This theorem is especially useful in coordinate geometry and in proving other mathematica
6 min read
Chapter 9: Areas of Parallelograms and Triangles