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Angle Theorems Summary

Jul 27, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the top 10 essential angle theorems, including definitions, properties, and examples, plus a short self-test at the end.

Complementary and Supplementary Angles

  • Complementary angles sum to 90°; together, they form a right angle.
  • Supplementary angles sum to 180°; together, they form a straight line.
  • To find an unknown complementary/supplementary angle, subtract the known angle from 90° or 180°, respectively.

Sum of Angles in Triangles and Polygons

  • The sum of the interior angles of any triangle is 180°.
  • The sum of interior angles of any polygon: (n – 2) × 180°, where n = number of sides.
  • The sum of exterior angles of any polygon is always 360°.

Isosceles Triangle Theorem

  • If two sides of a triangle are congruent, the angles opposite those sides are congruent.

Exterior Angle Theorem

  • An exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles.

Vertical Angle Theorem

  • When two lines intersect, the opposite (vertical) angles are equal in measure.

Parallel Line Angle Theorems

  • Alternate Interior Angles: Equal when parallel lines are cut by a transversal (Z-pattern).
  • Alternate Exterior Angles: Equal when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
  • Co-interior (Consecutive Interior) Angles: Add up to 180° (C-pattern).
  • Corresponding Angles: Equal when in the same relative position at each intersection (F-pattern).

Angle Subtended by an Arc (Circle Theorems)

  • Inscribed angles subtended by the same arc are equal.
  • Any angle inscribed in a semicircle is 90°.

Angle at the Center vs. Circumference (Circle Theorem)

  • The angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc is double the angle at the circumference subtended by the same arc.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Complementary Angles — Two angles whose sum is 90°.
  • Supplementary Angles — Two angles whose sum is 180°.
  • Isosceles Triangle — A triangle with two equal sides and two equal opposite angles.
  • Transversal — A line that cuts across two or more (usually parallel) lines.
  • Inscribed Angle — An angle formed by two chords in a circle sharing an endpoint.
  • Arc — A part of the circumference of a circle.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Attempt the three practice questions on finding missing angles as a self-test.
  • Review and memorize each theorem and associated patterns (Z, C, F) for parallel line theorems.