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Geometry Exam Tips and Standards

Jun 11, 2025

Overview

This lecture reviews the June 21, 2024 Geometry Regents Exam, covering major topics, strategies, and key problem-solving techniques relevant to New York State's Next Generation Learning Standards.

Exam & Formula Sheet Changes

  • Next Generation standards are now in effect, similar to Common Core with some differences.
  • The formula sheet for this exam includes only volume formulas specific to geometry (e.g., cylinder, prism, sphere, cone, pyramid).

Volume & Area Problems

  • Volume formulas provided: cylinder (V = Bh), cone/pyramid (V = 1/3Bh), sphere (V = 4/3πr³), where B = area of base.
  • When solving volume questions, identify radius/diameter carefully and use correct substitution.
  • For area of sectors, use the proportion of the angle over 360° multiplied by total circle area.
  • For non-right triangles with two sides and included angle, use Area = 1/2 ab sin(C).

Transformations & Symmetry

  • Translation, reflection, and rotation are rigid motions which preserve angle and length.
  • For regular polygons, minimum angle of rotation = 360°/number of sides.
  • Congruence and similarity are preserved under rigid motions; dilations multiply lengths, areas by scale factor squared.

Triangles & Similarity

  • Use proportions when right triangles share an angle or are divided by an altitude.
  • The triangle inequality: sum of any two side lengths > third side.
  • Special triangle relationships: 30-60-90 triangle side ratio is 1 : √3 : 2; 45-45-90 triangle is 1 : 1 : √2.

Coordinate Geometry & Slope

  • For line equations, use point-slope form: y - y₁ = m(x - x₁).
  • Perpendicular slopes are negative reciprocals.
  • Midpoint: ((x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2). Distance: sqrt((x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²).
  • To prove segment is perpendicular bisector, show negative reciprocal slopes and midpoint.

Parallel Lines, Parallelograms & Special Quadrilaterals

  • Prove rectangles by showing parallelogram with equal diagonals; prove rhombus by all sides equal.
  • Sides splitter theorem: a line parallel to one side of a triangle divides the other two sides proportionally.

Trigonometry

  • Right triangle trig: use sine, cosine, tangent ratios based on given sides/angles.
  • When given sin(a) = cos(b), then a + b = 90°.

Circle Theorems

  • Inscribed angles intercepting the same arc are congruent.
  • Tangent-secant and chord-chord theorems relate segment lengths.

Proofs & Constructions

  • Proof strategies: use given info, mark diagrams, and cite properties (e.g., alternate interior angles, reflexive property, ASA).
  • Know constructions for equilateral triangle, perpendicular bisector, and points of concurrency (circumcenter, centroid, incentive, orthocenter).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Rigid Motion — A transformation preserving size and shape (translation, reflection, rotation).
  • Sector — Portion of a circle bounded by two radii and the included arc.
  • Triangle Inequality — In any triangle, the sum of two side lengths must exceed the third.
  • Circumcenter — Intersection of perpendicular bisectors of a triangle's sides.
  • Similarity — Figures with equal corresponding angles and proportional side lengths.
  • Point-Slope Form — Equation of a line: y - y₁ = m(x - x₁).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review and practice new formula sheet content, especially volume.
  • Memorize special triangle relationships (30-60-90, 45-45-90).
  • Practice right triangle trigonometry and constructions for all points of concurrency.
  • Set calculator to degree mode for trigonometry problems.
  • Complete any assigned supplementary problems or readings on new standards.