GCSE Maths Practice: angles

A right angle is exactly 90°, forming a perfect L-shape. Right angles are common in geometry, architecture, and everyday objects such as squares, rectangles, and doors. In right-angled triangles, one angle is always 90°, and the other two angles are acute, summing with the right angle to 180°. Recognizing right angles is key to understanding perpendicular lines and shapes, as well as solving problems using Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry. For example, when working out side lengths in triangles, identifying the right angle allows us to apply the correct formulae for calculations. A practical approach is to look for corners that form a square-like L-shape; this will almost always indicate a right angle. Being confident with right angles also helps with drawing accurate diagrams and understanding complementary angles in polygons. Practice identifying right angles in various shapes and diagrams to reinforce this important concept.