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Geometry of Lines and Angles

Jul 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers types of lines, angle relationships created by transversals, properties of special angle pairs, and practice problems involving algebraic solutions for unknown angles.

Types of Lines

  • Parallel lines never intersect and have the same slope.
  • Perpendicular lines intersect at a right angle (90°), and their slopes are negative reciprocals.

Angles Formed by Transversals

  • A transversal is a line that intersects two or more (usually parallel) lines.
  • Interior angles are inside the parallel lines; exterior angles are outside.
  • Alternate interior angles are on opposite sides of the transversal and inside the parallel lines; they are congruent.
  • Alternate exterior angles are on opposite sides of the transversal and outside the parallel lines; they are congruent.
  • Corresponding angles are in the same position on each parallel line relative to the transversal; they are congruent.
  • Consecutive (same-side) interior angles are inside the parallel lines on the same side of the transversal and are supplementary (sum to 180°).
  • Vertical angles are formed by intersecting lines and are opposite each other; they are congruent.

Special Angle Pairs

  • Complementary angles add up to 90°.
  • Supplementary angles add up to 180°.
  • Linear pair: two adjacent angles that form a straight line and are supplementary.

Angle Calculations & Practice Problems

  • Use properties of congruent or supplementary angles to set up equations and solve for unknowns.
  • In triangles, the sum of interior angles is always 180°.
  • In quadrilaterals, the sum of interior angles is 360°.
  • The formula for the sum of interior angles of an n-sided polygon is (n-2) × 180°.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Parallel Lines — lines that never meet and have the same slope.
  • Perpendicular Lines — lines that meet at a 90° angle; slopes are negative reciprocals.
  • Transversal — a line intersecting two or more lines.
  • Interior Angles — angles between two lines cut by a transversal.
  • Exterior Angles — angles outside two lines cut by a transversal.
  • Alternate Interior Angles — non-adjacent interior angles on opposite sides of the transversal; congruent.
  • Alternate Exterior Angles — non-adjacent exterior angles on opposite sides of the transversal; congruent.
  • Corresponding Angles — angles in matching corners when two lines are crossed by a transversal; congruent.
  • Consecutive Interior Angles — interior angles on the same side of the transversal; supplementary.
  • Vertical Angles — opposite angles formed by two intersecting lines; always congruent.
  • Complementary Angles — two angles that sum to 90°.
  • Supplementary Angles — two angles that sum to 180°.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review problems involving solving for unknown angles using angle relationships.
  • Memorize key angle pair properties and the sum of interior angles formulas for polygons.
  • Complete assigned homework or practice problems related to this topic.