Lines and Angles

85. The Birth of an Angle · two rays, one vertex, infinite possibilities

The opening between the two rays always defines a single angle measure.

OAθ∠AOB = 45°∠AOB = 45°B
An angle is formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint (the vertex). The "opening" between the rays is measured in degrees (°). Angles range from 0° (rays coincide) to 360° (full rotation).

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For subscribers · Selina ICSE: Lines and Angles

What this lesson covers

Try to break it

Try to break it — drag B any way you like. The opening always defines an angle, even when it’s a straight line! Watch the measurement update.

How you build it

Place the vertex O, then draw two rays from it to form an angle.

  • Click anywhere to place the vertex O.
  • Draw a horizontal ray starting from O.
  • Draw the second ray from O to complete the angle.

The proof, step by step

Prove that two rays from a common vertex form one angle.

  • An angle consists of a vertex and two arms (rays).
  • The size of an angle depends on the amount of rotation between the arms, not their length.
  • Angles are measured in degrees (°), where one full turn equals 360°.

Worked example

In the given figure, two rays OA and OB originate from a common point O. If the opening between them measures 45°, what is the measure of ∠AOB?

By definition, the measure of an angle formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint is exactly the amount of opening between them. Since the opening is given as 45°, ∠AOB = 45°.

  • 45° — correct
  • 135°
  • 90°
  • 180°

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