4.3 Angles

Angles are formed when two or more lines come together at a point. The angle in the image below is 45 degrees. A right angle, where the two lines are perpendicular to each other, is 90 degrees. The closer together the two lines, the smaller the angle.

Firefighters use angles everyday. Angles can help determine position using a compass or on a map. The slope of an incline can be expressed as an angle, and can be a deciding factor in whether a dozer can drive safely up the incline. Angles also provide information about the steepness of slope to determine potential effects on fire spread.