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Solving a Problem Where the Difference of Two Complementary Angles is 80 Degrees

To find two complementary angles whose difference is 8080 degrees, build a system of linear equations by letting xx and yy represent the angles. The complementary property generates the sum equation x+y=90x + y = 90, while the difference condition generates xy=80x - y = 80. Add both equations sequentially to eliminate the yy variable, resulting in 2x=1702x = 170. Dividing by 22 gives x=85x = 85. Substitute x=85x = 85 into the sum equation to determine yy: 85+y=9085 + y = 90, so y=5y = 5. The two angles measure 8585^{\circ} and 55^{\circ}.

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Updated 2026-04-24

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