Angles in Parallel Lines (Edexcel GCSE Maths: Foundation)

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Jamie W

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Jamie W

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Angles in Parallel Lines

What are parallel lines?

  • Parallel lines are lines that are always equidistant (the same distance apart)
    • No matter how far the lines are extended in either direction, they will never meet
  • Angles are formed when a straight line cuts through two parallel lines

What are corresponding angles in parallel lines?

  • Find corresponding angles by looking for an F-shape
  • Corresponding angles are equal

Corresponding angles

What are alternate angles in parallel lines?

  • Find alternate angles by looking for a Z-shape
  • Alternate angles are equal

Alternate angles

What are co-interior (supplementary) angles in parallel lines?

  • Find co-interior angles by looking for a C-shape
  • Co-interior angles add up to 180°

Co-interior angles

How do I find missing angles in parallel lines?

  • Look for shapes that look like F, Z, or C 

  • Vertically opposite angles can also be used in problems involving parallel lines

    • The below diagram shows how identifying angle x, can lead to knowing information about several other angles
      • The green angle opposite is also x, as it is vertically opposite
      • The orange angle must be 180-x as angles on a straight line sum to 180°
  • You should also be able to spot corresponding angles, alternate angles, and co-interior angles in this diagram

vertically opposite angles and parallel lines

Parallel lines in shapes

  • In some problems you may not be told directly that two lines are parallel
  • The problem may instead involve a geometric shape
  • You should know that:
    • Parallelogramsrhombuses, rectangles, and squares have 2 pairs of parallel sides
    • Trapeziums have 1 pair of parallel sides
  • Once the parallel lines are identified, use corresponding, alternate, and supplementary angles to find any missing angles

Examiner Tip

  • Do not forget to give reasons for each step of your working in an angles question
    • These are often needed to get full marks
    • You must use the correct names as listed above
      • Do not use F, Z and C angles otherwise you will lose marks!

Worked example

Find the size of the angles a and b in the diagram below.

Give a reason for each step in your working.

Angles in Parallel Lines Worked Example question

Vertically opposite angles are equal.
Corresponding angles on parallel lines are equal.

You must write down both of these reasons for full marks.

a = 64° (Vertically opposite angles are equal)
b = 64° (Corresponding angles on parallel lines are equal)

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Jamie W

Author: Jamie W

Expertise: Maths

Jamie graduated in 2014 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He has worked as a teacher for 8 years, in secondary schools and in further education; teaching GCSE and A Level. He is passionate about helping students fulfil their potential through easy-to-use resources and high-quality questions and solutions.