Question

The measures of two complementary angles are in the ratio 2:3. What is the measure of the smaller angle?

I don't know how to start this problem.

Answer 1

complementary angles must add to 90 degrees
2 angles are: x , 90-x

ratio means fraction
\[\rightarrow \frac{x}{90-x} = \frac{2}{3}\]
solve for x by cross-multiplying
---> 3x = 2(90-x)

...

Answer 2

okay thanks so much!

3x=180-2x
5x=180
x=36

so the answer is 36 right?