Chapter

Angles, Lines and Parallel Lines

This module teaches students to work confidently with vertical and adjacent angles, parallel lines, the angle sum of a triangle, exterior angles, and the first angle-chasing problems.

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Theory

Key Idea

In angle problems, the main goal is not to guess from the diagram but to build a chain of equalities. One known angle often gives the next one through an adjacent angle, a vertical angle, parallel lines, the angle sum of a triangle, or an exterior angle.

This method is called angle chasing: we record known angles, transfer them along parallel lines, and gradually reach the required angle or the required parallelism.

Basic Facts

Adjacent angles sum to \(180^\circ\). Vertical angles are equal. If two lines are cut by a transversal, then for parallel lines alternate interior angles are equal, corresponding angles are equal, and same-side interior angles sum to \(180^\circ\).

The converses are also true: if alternate interior angles or corresponding angles are equal, then the two lines are parallel. The angles of a triangle sum to \(180^\circ\), and an exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles.

When to Use This Method

Use angle chasing when the condition contains parallel lines, angle bisectors, exterior angles, extensions of sides, isosceles triangles, or asks you to prove parallelism.

If you need to prove that two lines are parallel, look for equal alternate interior or corresponding angles. If you need to find an angle in a triangle, start with the angle sum and exterior angles.

How to Recognise the Method

Typical signs are a transversal, a zigzag of several lines, an angle that can be moved to another place, or given ratios of angles. It is often useful to write all known angles directly on the diagram.

If an angle lies on a straight line, check its adjacent angle. If two lines look parallel, try to find a pair of alternate interior angles.

Typical Mistakes

Do not assume that lines are parallel just because they look parallel in the diagram. Do not transfer angles unless you have parallel lines or vertical angles.

A common mistake is to confuse an exterior angle with its adjacent interior angle. The exterior angle equals the sum of the two remote interior angles, not the whole angle sum of the triangle.

Mini-Checklist

1. Mark all given angles. 2. Use adjacent and vertical angles. 3. Transfer angles along parallel lines. 4. In every triangle, check the sum \(180^\circ\). 5. To prove parallelism, find equal alternate interior or corresponding angles. 6. At the end, check that you did not use a property before proving it.

Examples

Example 1. Adjacent and Vertical Angles

This example practices the first step: an angle on a straight line and a vertical angle.

Problem. Lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) intersect at \(O\). It is known that \(\angle AOC=68^\circ\). Find the other three angles.

Solution.

The vertical angle is equal to the given one, so \(\angle BOD=68^\circ\). The angle \(\angle AOD\) is adjacent to \(\angle AOC\), hence \(\angle AOD=180^\circ-68^\circ=112^\circ\). The vertical angle \(\angle BOC\) is also \(112^\circ\).

Comment. In this type of problem, look for vertical angles first, then adjacent angles.

Example 2. Exterior Angle of a Triangle

Here the exterior angle gives the answer without unnecessary computation.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), the exterior angle at \(C\) is \(128^\circ\), and \(\angle A=47^\circ\). Find \(\angle B\) and \(\angle C\).

Solution.

The exterior angle at \(C\) equals the sum of the two remote interior angles: \(128^\circ=\angle A+\angle B\). Therefore \(\angle B=128^\circ-47^\circ=81^\circ\). The interior angle at \(C\) is adjacent to the exterior angle, so \(\angle C=180^\circ-128^\circ=52^\circ\).

Example 3. Transferring Angles Along Parallel Lines

This example shows how a transversal transfers an angle from one line to another.

Problem. Lines \(a\) and \(b\) are parallel. A transversal intersects them at \(A\) and \(B\). One alternate interior angle is \(73^\circ\). Find the other alternate interior angle and the same-side interior angle with it.

Solution.

For parallel lines, alternate interior angles are equal, so the second such angle is \(73^\circ\). Same-side interior angles sum to \(180^\circ\), hence the required angle is \(180^\circ-73^\circ=107^\circ\).

Example 4. How to Prove Parallelism

Sometimes parallelism is not given; it must be obtained from equal angles.

Problem. Lines \(AC\) and \(BD\) are cut by line \(AB\). It is known that \(\angle CAB=\angle ABD\). Prove that \(AC\parallel BD\).

Solution.

The angles \(\angle CAB\) and \(\angle ABD\) are alternate interior angles for lines \(AC\) and \(BD\) with transversal \(AB\). They are equal by the condition. By the parallelism criterion, \(AC\parallel BD\).

Example 5. Bisectors of Same-Side Interior Angles

This is a standard construction: the angles sum to \(180^\circ\), so the sum of their halves is \(90^\circ\).

Problem. Two parallel lines are cut by a third line. Prove that the bisectors of two same-side interior angles are perpendicular.

Solution.

Let the same-side interior angles be \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\). Then \(\alpha+\beta=180^\circ\). Their bisectors make angles \(\frac{\alpha}{2}\) and \(\frac{\beta}{2}\) with the transversal, and the sum of these two angles is \(90^\circ\). In the triangle formed by the two bisectors and the transversal, the third angle is \(90^\circ\). Hence the bisectors are perpendicular.

Example 6. Altitude and Angle Bisector from One Vertex

This example teaches how to express an unknown angle through two angles of a triangle.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), altitude \(AH\) and angle bisector \(AL\) are drawn from vertex \(A\). Prove that the angle between them equals half the difference of angles \(B\) and \(C\).

Solution.

Let \(\angle B=\beta\), \(\angle C=\gamma\), and assume \(\beta>\gamma\). Then \(\angle A=180^\circ-\beta-\gamma\), so \(\angle BAL=\frac{180^\circ-\beta-\gamma}{2}\). Since \(AH\perp BC\), the angle between \(AB\) and \(AH\) is \(90^\circ-\beta\). Therefore the angle between \(AH\) and \(AL\) equals \(\frac{180^\circ-\beta-\gamma}{2}-(90^\circ-\beta)=\frac{\beta-\gamma}{2}\). If \(\gamma>\beta\), we get \(\frac{\gamma-\beta}{2}\).

Example 7. Exterior Bisector and an Isosceles Triangle

Here parallelism is recognised through equal base angles.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), \(AB=AC\). Prove that the bisector of the exterior angle at \(A\) is parallel to the base \(BC\).

Solution.

Let \(\angle B=\angle C=\beta\). Then \(\angle A=180^\circ-2\beta\), and the exterior angle at \(A\) equals \(2\beta\). Its bisector forms an angle \(\beta\) with side \(AB\). This angle is equal to \(\angle ABC\), so by the parallelism criterion the exterior angle bisector is parallel to \(BC\).

Example 8. A Hidden Angle in Parallel Lines

The final example shows how a constructed parallel line turns the problem into ordinary angle chasing.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on side \(BC\). Through \(D\), draw lines \(DE\parallel AB\) and \(DF\parallel AC\), where \(E\in AC\), \(F\in AB\). Prove that if \(AD\) is the angle bisector of angle \(A\), then \(AD\) is also the angle bisector of \(\angle EDF\).

Solution.

Since \(DE\parallel AB\), the angle between \(DE\) and \(AD\) equals the angle between \(AB\) and \(AD\), that is \(\angle BAD\). Since \(DF\parallel AC\), the angle between \(AD\) and \(DF\) equals \(\angle DAC\). By the condition, \(AD\) bisects angle \(A\), so \(\angle BAD=\angle DAC\). Therefore \(AD\) divides \(\angle EDF\) into two equal parts.

Problems

Problems

#1.1
#1.1

Two Adjacent Angles

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Two adjacent angles differ by \(28^\circ\). Find these angles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P001
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.2
#1.2

Angles Formed by Intersecting Lines

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) intersect at \(O\). It is known that \(\angle AOC=64^\circ\). Find \(\angle BOD\), \(\angle AOD\), and \(\angle BOC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P002
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.3
#1.3

Triangle Angles in a Ratio

Triangle angles Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

The angles of a triangle are in the ratio \(2:3:4\). Find the angles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P003
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Triangle angles
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.4
#1.4

An Exterior Angle

Exterior angle Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), the exterior angle at \(C\) is \(126^\circ\), and \(\angle A=49^\circ\). Find \(\angle B\) and \(\angle C\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P004
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Exterior angle
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.5
#1.5

A Transversal and Parallel Lines

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. One interior angle is \(117^\circ\). Find the alternate interior angle with it and the same-side interior angle with it.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P005
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.6
#1.6

Parallelism from Angles

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

Lines \(AC\) and \(BD\) are cut by line \(AB\). It is known that \(\angle CAB=\angle ABD\). Prove that \(AC\parallel BD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P006
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.7
#1.7

Bisectors of Same-Side Interior Angles

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

Two parallel lines are cut by a third line. Prove that the bisectors of two same-side interior angles are perpendicular.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P007
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.8
#1.8

A Line Through a Vertex of a Triangle

Parallel lines Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

Through vertex \(B\) of triangle \(ABC\), a line \(l\parallel AC\) is drawn. On one side of line \(l\), rays \(BA\) and \(BC\) divide the straight angle into three angles in the ratio \(3:8:4\). Find the angles of triangle \(ABC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P008
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.9
#1.9

When a Triangle Is Right-Angled

Exterior angle Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In a triangle, one angle is equal to the sum of the other two. Prove that the triangle is right-angled.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P009
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Exterior angle
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.10
#1.10

An Angle Bisector in a Triangle

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), \(\angle B=42^\circ\), \(\angle C=74^\circ\). The angle bisector of angle \(A\) meets side \(BC\) at \(D\). Find \(\angle BDA\) and \(\angle ADC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P010
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.11
#1.11

An Isosceles Triangle and an Angle Bisector

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In isosceles triangle \(ABC\), \(AB=AC\), and each base angle is \(72^\circ\). The bisector of angle \(B\) meets \(AC\) at \(D\). Find the angles of triangles \(ABD\) and \(BCD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P011
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.12
#1.12

A Small Triangle with a Parallel Side

Parallel lines Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), \(\angle B=54^\circ\), \(\angle C=62^\circ\). Point \(D\) lies on side \(AC\). Through \(D\), draw a line parallel to \(BC\); it meets \(AB\) at \(E\). Find the angles of triangle \(ADE\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P012
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#1.13
#1.13

Altitude and Angle Bisector

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), altitude \(AH\) and angle bisector \(AL\) are drawn from vertex \(A\). Prove that the angle between \(AH\) and \(AL\) equals half the difference of angles \(B\) and \(C\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P013
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.14
#1.14

Angle Between Two Bisectors

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), the internal angle bisectors of \(B\) and \(C\) meet at \(I\). It is known that \(\angle BIC=124^\circ\). Find \(\angle A\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P014
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.15
#1.15

Exterior Bisector and the Base

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), the bisector of the exterior angle at \(A\) is parallel to side \(BC\). Prove that \(AB=AC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P015
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.16
#1.16

A Point on a Side and Equal Segments

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), \(\angle A=60^\circ\), \(\angle B=50^\circ\). Point \(D\) lies on side \(AB\), and \(CD=BD\). Find \(\angle ACD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P016
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.17
#1.17

Angles 36 and 72

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In isosceles triangle \(ABC\), \(AB=AC\) and \(\angle A=36^\circ\). Point \(D\) lies on side \(AC\), and \(BD=BC\). Find \(\angle ABD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P017
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.18
#1.18

Two Pairs of Parallel Lines

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

The diagonals of quadrilateral \(ABCD\) intersect at \(O\). It is known that \(\angle BAC=\angle DCA\) and \(\angle BCA=\angle DAC\). Prove that \(AB\parallel CD\) and \(BC\parallel AD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P018
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.19
#1.19

A Bisector After Drawing Parallels

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on side \(BC\). Through \(D\), draw lines \(DE\parallel AB\) and \(DF\parallel AC\), where \(E\in AC\), \(F\in AB\). Prove that if \(AD\) bisects angle \(A\), then \(AD\) bisects angle \(EDF\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P019
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9
#1.20
#1.20

The Converse Problem with Parallels

Angle bisector Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Under the conditions of the previous problem, prove the converse: if \(AD\) bisects \(\angle EDF\), then \(AD\) bisects angle \(A\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M01-P020
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle bisector
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9

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