The spelling of the word "reflex angle" is fairly straightforward. The first syllable is pronounced "REE-fleks" and is spelled with the vowel sound /i/ followed by the consonant cluster /fl/. The second syllable is pronounced "ANG-guhl" and is spelled with the vowel sound /æ/ followed by the consonant cluster /ŋg/. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈriːflɛks ˈæŋgəl/. A reflex angle is an angle greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees, where the vertex of the angle is located outside of the two lines that form the angle.
A reflex angle is a type of angle in geometry that measures more than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. It is a larger angle that extends beyond a straight line.
To understand a reflex angle visually, imagine a circular compass. Starting from the north position, turn the compass clockwise. When it reaches the east position, it forms a right angle of 90 degrees. Continuing the clockwise rotation, the compass reaches the south position, which forms an acute angle less than 180 degrees. However, the compass does not stop there, as it keeps moving until it reaches the west position, forming a reflex angle.
In general, when two lines intersect at a point, an angle is formed. If the angle measures less than 90 degrees, it is considered acute; if it measures exactly 90 degrees, it is called a right angle; if it measures between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, it is called obtuse; and if it measures between 180 degrees and 360 degrees, it is referred to as a reflex angle.
Reflex angles are commonly encountered in various geometrical shapes and figures, such as polygons with more than three sides. They can also be found in real-life scenarios, like the rotation of a wheel or the motion of a clock's minute hand.
The word "reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "turned back". In geometry, a reflex angle is an angle that measures more than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. It is called "reflex" because it extends beyond a straight line, bending or turning back on itself. The term "angle" itself comes from the Latin word "angulus", meaning "corner" or "angle". Therefore, the etymology of "reflex angle" suggests an angle that is bent or turned back, deviating from the typical measurement of an angle.