GCSE Maths, Unit 20, Lesson 2 of 5

Angles and parallel lines

About 2 min to read, then 7 practice questions

Three pairs

When a line crosses two parallel lines:

  • Alternate angles (a Z shape) are equal.
  • Corresponding angles (an F shape) are equal.
  • Co-interior angles (a C or U shape) add up to 180°.
70°a

Here a and 70° are alternate, so a = 70°.

Say why

On a paper, "give a reason" means name the fact: "alternate angles are equal", not "Z angles".

Each step of a calculation needs its own reason.

Move the lines

In the graphing calculator, plot y = 2 and y = 5 (parallel) and y = 2x. Estimate the angles where y = 2x crosses each line: which pairs are equal?

Practise this: 7 questions, about 8 min

Answering from memory soon after reading is what makes it stick, so now is a good time.

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