AQA GCSE Maths
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Angles with Parallel lines & Polygons
Angles in Polygons and Parallel Lines
Angles in Polygons
A polygon is a 2D shape with n straight sides.
Examples of Polygons:
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Triangle – 3 sides
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Quadrilateral – 4 sides
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Pentagon – 5 sides
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Hexagon – 6 sides
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Octagon – 8 sides
Regular Polygons:
A regular polygon has equal side lengths and equal angles.
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Example: An equilateral triangle (3 equal sides, 3 equal angles of ).
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Example: A square (4 equal sides, 4 equal angles of )
Interior and Exterior Angles of a Polygon
Interior angles are inside the polygon at each vertex.
Exterior angles help form a straight line with the interior angles.
Interior and exterior angles at each vertex add up to .
Sum of Interior Angles Formula:
where n is the number of sides.
Sum of Exterior Angles Formula:
Finding the Interior and Exterior Angles of a Regular Polygon:
Find the sum of the interior angles:
Find each interior angle:
Find each exterior angle:
Example: Regular Pentagon (5 sides)
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Sum of interior angles:
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Each interior angle:
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Each exterior angle:
Final Answer: Interior angle = , Exterior angle = .
Worked Example
Identify a Polygon by Its Exterior Angle
Given that the exterior angle of a regular polygon is , find the number of sides.
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Angles in Parallel Lines
Parallel lines never meet and stay the same distance apart. When a transversal (crossing line) cuts through parallel lines, different angle relationships are formed.
Types of Angles in Parallel Lines include:
Corresponding Angles
- Corresponding Angles can be found by looking for an F-Shape
- These angles are equal.
Alternate Angles
- Alternate Angles can be found by looking for an Z-Shape
- These angles are equal.
Co-Interior (Supplementary) Angles
- Co-Interior (supplementary) Angles can be found by looking for an C-Shape
- The angles add up to .
Example: Finding Missing Angles
Find angles p and q in diagram below. You must give reasons for your answers
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For :
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Use vertically opposite angles for p:
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For :
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Use corresponding angles (F-Shape) to find the angle on the same line as to be
- Now use angles on a line sum to to find
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Final Answer: , .
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