The sum of the measures of two complementary angles exceeds the difference of their measures by 72°. find the measure of the smaller angle.

a. 18°
b. 36°
c. 54°
d. 58°

We can write the question as an equation by doing this:
x + y = x - y + 72
Then, we can simplify the equation.
Add y to both sides:
x + 2y = x + 72
Subtract x from both sides:
2y = 72
Divide both sides by 2:
y = 36

Complementary angles add up to 90, and x and y are complementary. Since y is less than half of 90 (36 < 45), it must be the answer.

So, the answer is 36 degrees, or answer 'B'

Hope I helped and let me know if you have any questions :)