Identify acute, right, obtuse, and straight angles
An angle is classified by the size of its opening, measured in degrees: acute angles are less than 90°, right angles equal 90°, obtuse angles are greater than 90° but less than 180°, and straight angles equal 180°. The classification depends on the rays’ relationship rather than their orientation or length, supporting analysis of polygons and angle relationships.
Detailed Explanation: Identify acute, right, obtuse, and straight angles
To classify an angle, look at its measure in degrees. Compare it with 90∘ and 180∘:
Acute: less than 90∘
Right: exactly 90∘
Obtuse: greater than 90∘ but less than 180∘
Straight: exactly 180∘
Example
Classify an angle that measures 125∘.
Compare 125∘ with 90∘:
125∘>90∘
Compare 125∘ with 180∘:
125∘<180∘
Therefore, 125∘ is greater than 90∘ but less than 180∘.
Answer: The angle is obtuse.
The direction the angle points and the lengths of its rays do not change its classification. Only the size of its opening matters.
Learn by doing: Identify acute, right, obtuse, and straight angles
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill