Geometry 8.

0 4/15/03 10:27 AM Page 1

SPARKCHARTSTM
“IN

GEOMETRY SPARK
CHARTS TM
RE
AR

POINTS, LINES, PLANES DIS

Technically, the words "point," "line," "plane" — Any two different points define a unique with endpoints A and DIMENSION 2: PLANES A line
cannot be defined without using circular line. The line containing points A and B B is denoted AB. D length
←→ Plane: A flat, boundless surface in space
TM

reasoning. — A segment is the

SPARKCHARTS
is denoted AB . — Tw
set of all points with two dimensions: length and width. A len
— Three or more points C C
DIMENSION 0: POINTS that lie on a line are B between the two plane has no height.
A
Point: A specific location in space with no collinear. Three or A endpoints. A B
— Any three noncollinear points define a
width, length, or height. Point P is denoted more points that do D Ray: A "half-line"—a Line segment AB; unique plane. BISE
E
by a dot: •P not lie on the same portion of a line that −−→ — Any line and a point not on the line —M
Points A , B, C Ray CD
but the dot is thick and only a crude line are non- has an endpoint and define a unique plane. se
are collinear. extends without end in one direction. The
representation of the actual point. collinear. Any two — A set of points or lines are coplanar if be
points are collinear.
B , D, E are not. ray with endpoint A extending through
Also, A—B —C . −−→ they lie in the same plane; non-coplanar — Bis
DIMENSION 1: — If three points are B is denoted AB .
−−→ if they do not. th
LINES, RAYS, SEGMENTS collinear, one of them is between the — AB is the set of all points X such that X
other two. Notation: A —B —C (or — Pe
Line: A line is an infinite is between A and B or B is between A DIMENSION 3: SPACE
collection of points
B C —B —A) means that point B is an
and X. Space: The infinite set of all points. Space
arrayed in a straight between points A and C.
A — Two rays that have a common endpoint has three dimensions: length, width, and
formation with only one
dimension: length.
←→
Line AB
Line segment: A portion of a line with two
endpoints and finite length. The segment but extend in opposite directions are height. PO
called opposite rays.
A poly
segme
ANGLES endpo
polygo
Two rays that share a common endpoint � A∼= � B or m� A = m� B . In diagrams, ANGLE PAIRS PARALLEL LINES The n
create an angle. The common endpoint is congruent angles are noted by crossing the
called the vertex of the angle. Adjacent angles: Two angles that have a CUT BY TRANSVERSAL —A
arc of the angle with an equal number of ver
— We can think of an angle as being formed common vertex and a common side (but no Two parallel lines interesected by a
strokes. See diagram in Angle pairs: Vertical sta
by rotating a ray clockwise or common interior points). transversal—a line not parallel to either—
angles, below. pro
counterclockwise, and distinguish create 8 angles (four sets of vertical angles)
with special relationships. — Th
between the angle’s initial side (starting TYPES OF ANGLES Complementary angles: A pair of angles the
sum of whose measure is 90◦ . to
position of the ray) and terminal side Zero angle: 0◦ . The two rays coincide. E
Supplementary angles: A pair of angles the — Tw
(end position of the ray). B A C 1 2
−−→ −→ sum of whose measure is 180◦ . ad
— Notation: Rays AB and AC create angle zero angle A 3 4 B
po
� BAC (or � CAB ). B m∠ ABC = 0° 5 6
Diago
A pair of rays actually Right angle: 90 . The two rays are
◦
A
J
C 7 8 D
C C end
create two angles (one is perpendicular. In diagrams, a right angle is
A indicated with a square bracket. F Cong
bigger than half a D K H I
�BAC and ←→ ←→ con
revolution). To avoid Parallel lines AB and CD are cut by the
C B ←→ an
confusion, indicate the
� BAC, both transversal EF . Here � 1 ∼ =� 4∼=� 5∼=� 8
E F � KHJ and JHI are�
con
one you mean with an arc. with vertex A. � ABC and � DEF and � 2 ∼=� 3∼=� 6∼ = � 7.
supplementary; they
A are complementary. Corresponding angle pairs: Four pairs; on the
B are also adjacent.
same side of the transversal and separated
50495

MEASURING ANGLES; right angle

by one of the parallel lines. Corresponding A
CONGRUENT ANGLES m∠ ABC = 90°
angles are congruent. Here � 1 ∼ = � 5;
Vertical angles: Two intersecting lines (or
We measure angles to see how wide or Straight angle: 180◦ . The two rays are � 2∼ = � 6; � 3 ∼ = � 7; and � 4 ∼
= � 8.
segments) form four angles: two pairs of
narrow they are. The measure of � A is opposite. Alternate interior angle pairs: Two pairs;
opposing vertical angles. The vertical
denoted m� A. C B A between the parallel lines, on opposite sides
angles in each pair are congruent. Any two
ISBN 1-58663-621-9

— In geometry, angles are usually of the transversal. Alternate interior angles Pol
9 781586 636210

measured in degrees (◦ ). A degree is a
unit of angle measure in which a
complete revolution is 360◦ ; each degree
is subdivided into 60 minutes (� ), and
each minute is subdivided into 60
seconds (�� ).
— Angles can also be measured in radians
(rad). A complete revolution measures
2π radians.
straight angle adjacent angles will be supplementary. are congruent. Here, � 3 ∼ = � 6 and � 4 ∼= � 5.
m∠ ABC = 180°
— If one of the angles in the intersection Alternate exterior angle pairs: Two pairs;
Acute angle: Less than 90◦ . Between a zero of two lines is a right angle, then all outside the parallel lines, on opposite sides of
angle and a right angle; the angle is "sharp." the transversal. Alternate exterior angles are
four angles are right angles.
90°
C
congruent. Here, � 1 ∼ = � 8 and � 2 ∼= � 7.
Interior angle pairs: Two pairs; on the same
QU
1
side of the transversal. Interior angles are Quad
A � 1 and � 3 are vertical supplementary. Here, � 3 and � 5; � 4 and � 6. vertic
B 4 2
angles; � 2 and � 4 quadri
acute angle
are vertical angles. ANGLE BISECTOR
Obtuse angle: Greater than 90◦ and less 3
The ray that lies within the interior of an qu

Radian measure is technically unitless: the than 180◦ . Between a right angle and a angle with its endpoint on the vertex of that
radian measure of an angle is the length of an
Printed in the USA $4.95 $7.95 CAN

straight angle; the angle is “blunt.” angle is the angle bisector if it creates two
SparkCharts is a registered trademark

arc of a circle of radius 1 cut off by that angle.

Copyright © 2002 by SparkNotes LLC.

90° 2
new angles of equal measure.
C
Converting between degrees and radians:
A
A Barnes & Noble Publication

1 revolution = 360◦ = 2π rad Lines �1 and �2

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

1 rad = 180
◦
= 2π 1
revolution B A 1 intersect in four right
π 180° D
angles.
1 = 180 rad = 360
◦ π 1
revolution obtuse angle
All rights reserved.

of SparkNotes LLC.

Congruent angles: If � A and � B have the Oblique angle: Either acute or obtuse (not
B C
same measure, they are congruent. Write zero, right, or straight). −−→
Ray BD bisects � ABC .
PAR
A para
PARALLEL AND PERPENDICULAR LINES pairs o
Prope
PARALLEL LINES PERPENDICULAR LINES 2 2 — Op
P con
If two lines are in the same plane, then they 1
Two interesecting lines are perpendicular if P
either intesect or are parallel. Parallel lines their intersection forms a right angle — Op
1 1

never intersect. If two lines �1 and �2 are 2

(equivalently, four right angles). If �1 and P — Dia
parallel, we can write �1 � �2 . �2 are perpendicular, we write �1 ⊥ �2 . — Su
Parallel Postulate: Given a line and a point —Given a line and any point (whether on of
�1 and �2 are parallel. Line �1 is the unique the line or not), there is exactly one In both diagrams, �2 is the unique line
not on the line, there is exactly one line Altitu
line through point P parallel to �2 . perpendicular to the line that passes perpendicular to �1 and passing thorugh P .
through that point parallel to the given line. pai
through the point.

This downloadable PDF copyright © 2004 by SparkNotes LLC. SPARKCHARTS™ Geometry page 1 of 6

N 2: PLANES
oundless surface in space
sions: length and width. A
ght.
oncollinear points define a
. The distance from a point and a line is the
d a point not on the line
ue plane.
nts or lines are coplanar if
same plane; non-coplanar
. through the midpoint of a segment.
N 3: SPACE
nite set of all points. Space
nsions: length, width, and
LINES
ANSVERSAL
lines interesected by a
ne not parallel to either—
four sets of vertical angles)
tionships.
E
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
F Congruent polygons: Two polygons are
←→ ←→
AB and CD are cut by the
. Here � 1 ∼=� 4∼ =� 5∼=� 8
∼
=� 3∼ =� 6∼ = � 7.
ngle pairs: Four pairs; on the
e transversal and separated
rallel lines. Corresponding
ngruent. Here � 1 ∼ = � 5;
� 7; and � 4 ∼= � 8.
r angle pairs: Two pairs;
allel lines, on opposite sides
al. Alternate interior angles
re, � 3 ∼= � 6 and � 4 ∼= � 5.
or angle pairs: Two pairs;
lel lines, on opposite sides of
Alternate exterior angles are
1∼= � 8 and � 2 ∼ = � 7.
irs: Two pairs; on the same
sversal. Interior angles are
Here, � 3 and � 5; � 4 and � 6.
ECTOR
s within the interior of an
dpoint on the vertex of that
le bisector if it creates two
ual measure.
B Types of quadrilaterals
bisects � ABC .
1 1
, �2 is the unique line
�1 and passing thorugh P .
This downloadable PDF copyright © 2004 by SparkNotes LLC.
GEOM
“IN SO FAR AS THE STATEMENTS OF GEOMETRY SPEAK ABOUT
REALITY, THEY ARE NOT CERTAIN, AND IN SO FAR AS THEY QUADR
SPARK ARE CERTAIN, THEY DO NOT SPEAK ABOUT REALITY.” ALBERT EINSTEIN TRAPEZ
CHARTS TM
A trapezo
one pair o
DISTANCE IN THE PLANE not a trape
A line segment has a specific length. If the segment has a unique perpendicular MEASURING DISTANCE a point) is said to be P
length of AB is 5, we write AB = 5. bisector. equidistant from E
2 Between points:
— Two segments that have the same them.
3 The distance between two points is the
length are congruent; we write Between two parallel Q
1 length of the segment connecting them.
AB ∼
= CD or AB = CD . M
lines: A
A B From a point to a line: The distance
BISECTING A SEGMENT The distance between
two parallel lines is between line � and bases
— Midpoint of a segment: The point on a shortest distance from the point to any point P is the
the shortest distance me
segment that lies exactly halfway Segment AB with midpoint M and bisectors point on the line. length of the
between any two A
between the two endpoints. �1 , �2 , and �3 . Line �2 is the perpendicular — The shortest distance between a point segment P Q.
points on those lines.
— Bisector of a segment: Any line passing bisector. Here AM = M B. and a line is always along a perpen-
— Perpendicular bisector: A line bisecting
— The points along the perpendicular
bisector are equidistant from the
dicular.
— A point that is the same distance away from
Drop a perpendicular from any point on
one line to the other line, and measure the TRIA
and perpendicular to a segment. Every endpoints of the bisected segment. E two points (from two lines, from a line and
distance. A triangle
and three a
POLYGONS IN THE PLANE TYPES
Classificat
A polygon is a plane figure composed of Similar polygons: Two polygons are Equilateral polygon: A Number of Diagonals Scalene tr
n(n−3)
segments joined at endpoints. These similar if they have the same shape; one polygon all of whose sides A polygon with n sides has exactly 2 Triangl
endpoints are the vertices (sing. vertex) of a is an enlarged version of the other. are congruent. Equilateral diagonals. differen
polygon. The segments are called sides. Corresponding angles are congruent; — Perimeter: pentagon (and th
Angle Sums
The number of sides and vertices is equal. corresponding side lengths are P = (number of sides) × (side length) angle m
— The sum of the n interior angles of any
— A polygon is named by listing its proportional to each other. See Triangle Isosceles
Equiangular polygon: A polygon is (n − 2)180◦ .
vertices in order, often (but not always) Congruence and Similarity. Triangle
polygon all of whose angles — Exterior angle: Any angle less than 180◦
starting with the lower left and Perimeter: The perimeter of a polygon is two co
are congruent. Necessarily has a corresponding exterior angle (see
proceeding clockwise. the sum of the lengths of all of its sides. Equiangular and tw
convex. diagram). In a convex polygon, the sum
— The angles of a polygon are understood Area: The area of a polygon is a measure of pentagon angles
of all the exterior angles is 360◦ .
to mean the “inside” angles. how much plane space it encloses, Regular polygon: A polygon congrue
— Two sides that share a vertex are called measured in terms of how many unit all of whose sides are Equilatera
adjacent. Two endpoints of a single squares (basic unit of area) can fit congruent and all of whose 2 3
Triangle
B a
polygon side are consecutive vertices. inside. angles are congruent. O congrue
Diagonal of a polygon: A segment whose Necessarily convex. three co
D Classifying polygons by number of sides 1
endpoints are non-consecutive vertices. — Center of a regular Regular 4 each me
3 triangle 8 octagon
polygon: The point in the pentagon with
4 quadrilateral 9 nonagon Classificat
congruent if they are the same shape
5 pentagon 10 decagon middle that is equidistant center O and Acute tria
and size: respective sides and angles are
6 hexagon 12 dodecagon from all the vertices (also, apothem a Triangl
congruent. C 7 septagon n n-gon from the midpoint of every 3 acute a
Classifying polygons by shape side). 4 Obtuse tri
B 2
A Convex polygon: A polygon whose angles — Apothem: Segment connecting the 360° Triangl
D
are all less than 180◦ . In common center and the midpoint of a side in a 1 obtuse
Right trian
usage, “polygon” means “convex poly- regular polygon.
Triangl
gon.” — Perimeter:
F E right
Concave polygon: A polygon with at least P = (number of sides) × (side length) Quadrilateral with exterior angles 1, 2, 3, 4.
Polygon ABCDEF with diagonal DF one angle measuring more than 180◦ . The sum of the four exterior angle measures The oth
is a concave hexagon. — Area:
Polygon ABCDEF , left, is concave. is 360◦ . comple
Also, m� A = 58◦ ; m� B = 230◦ . A = 21 (P ) × (apothem length)
TRIANG
QUADRILATERALS: 4 SIDES Base: One
depend
Quadrilaterals have four sides, four vertex of the top side. Depends on point Special types of Parallelograms — Diagonals are B C base i
vertices, and two diagonals. All of view; in diagrams, we usually draw — Rectangle: All four angles are right perpendicular to horizon
quadrilaterals discussed below are convex. the altitude between the sides that are angles. Equiangular quadrilateral. and bisect each Altitude: P
quadrilateral
horizonal in the page. — Rhombus: All four sides are congruent. other; diagonals one ver
A D
— The length of the altitude is called the Equilateral parallelogram. bisect angles. Rhombus opposit
convex quadrilateral
trapezoid height of a parallelogram. — Square: Four congruent sides and Perimeter: to the b
ABCD
— The side to which the altitude is dropped four congruent angles. Regular P = 4(side length) often ca
parallelogram
is called the base of the parallelogram. quadrilateral. Both a square and a Area: Median:
A Perimeter: rhombus. A = 21 (long diagonal) × (short diagonal)
square rectangle midpoi
us P = 2(sum of lengths of two unequal sides) SQUARE
rho
mb RECTANGLE Area: A =
D Area: A = (base) × (height)
A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right A square has four right angles and four equal Heron's
B angles. It is necessarily a parallelogram. sides. It is both a rectangle and a rhombus. triangle
C
C Properties Properties B s C �
P A= 1
4
(a
— Opposite sides are parallel and congruent. — Opposite sides are
s√2
PARALLELOGRAM height 2
Median A
— Diagonals are congruent and bisect each other. parallel; all sides are
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two congruent. triangle
A D — All four angles are equal and measure 90◦ . 45°
pairs of parallel sides. — All angles are equal A Triangle In
Properties Perimeter: P = 2 ((base) + (height)) D
Parallelogram ABCD and measure 90 . ◦ a triang
Area: A = (base) × (height)
2 — Opposite sides are parallel and Diagonals: AC and BD — Diagonals are Square ABCD the leng
congruent. Parallel sides: AB � CD and BC � AD RHOMBUS perpendicular and congruent; they Largest an
P
— Opposite angles are congruent. Congruent sides: AB = CD, BC = AD, A rhombus is a parallelogram with four bisect each other and divide the square triangle
— Diagonals bisect each other. Bisected diagonals: AP = P C, BP = P D into four 45◦ –45◦ –90◦ right triangles.
congruent sides. if the s
Congruent angles: m� A = m� C and The length of a diagonal is
— Sum of interior angles is 360◦ . Any pair Properties √ angles
m� B = m� D 2(side length) .
of unequal angles is supplementary. Supplementary angles: m� A + m� B — Opposite sides are parallel; all sides are opposit
Perimiter: P = 4(side length)
Altitude: Perpendicular dropped between a = m� C + m� B = m� C + m� D congruent. unequa
Area: A = (side length)2
pair of opposite sides, often from a = m� A + m� D = 180◦ — Opposite angles are congruent. longer s
SPARKCHARTS™ Geometry page 2 of 6
 GEOMETRY
AK ABOUT
AS THEY QUADRILATERALS (CONTINUED)
Y.” ALBERT EINSTEIN TRAPEZOID
Anatomy of a trapezoid ISOSCELES TRAPEZOID to the upper base) are congruent.
Base: Either of two parallel sides. —The two angles adjacent to a leg are
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with exactly An isosceles trapezoid is a trapezoid with
Leg: Either of the other two (non-parallel) supplementary.
one pair of parallel sides. A parallelogram is congruent legs (one pair of parallel sides
sides. Perimeter:
not a trapezoid. and one pair of opposite congruent sides).
Median: Segment joining the midpoints of P = (base1 ) + (base2 ) + 2(leg)
B C Properties:
is said to be the two legs. Parallel to the bases; its Area: A = 12 (base1 + base2 ) × (altitude)
P — Legs are congruent.
ant from E F length is the average of the lengths of
— Median is parallel to the bases; its
the two bases. B C
length is the average of the two base
wo parallel Q Altitude: Segment perpendicular to the
lengths.
bases; joins a point on one base to the
A G D — Diagonals are congruent.
ce between The distance line that contains the other base.
Trapezoid ABCD with — Lower base angles (two angles adjacent
el lines is between line � and Perimeter: P = sum of four side lengths.
bases AD � BC, legs AB and CD, to the lower base) are congruent.
point P is the Area: A = 12 (base1 + base2 ) × (altitude) A D
st distance median EF , and altitude BG. — Upper base angles (two angles adjacent
any two length of the Also, EF = 12 (AD + BC) = (median) × (altitude) Isosceles trapezoid ABCD
hose lines. segment P Q.
rpendicular from any point on
the other line, and measure the TRIANGLES: 3 SIDES
A triangle has three sides, three vertices, Exterior angle equality: For any vertex, the \RIGHT TRIANGLE FACTS CONGRUENCE AND SIMILARITY
and three angles. measure of the exterior angle is equal to
The side opposite the right angle (the Triangles are congruent when they are the same
the sum of the measures of the other two
TYPES OF TRIANGLES longest side) is called the hypotenuse; the shape and size; that is, when corresponding
(“remote interior”) angles.
other two sides are the legs. angles and sides are all congruent.
Classification by side length
Diagonals Angle measure: The two angles adjacent to — Notation: Write �ABC ∼ = �DEF
Scalene triangle:
n(n−3) B exterior the hypotenuse are complementary. In with corresponding vertices in order:
with n sides has exactly 2 Triangle with three angle
ls. right triangle ABC whose right angle is So AB = DE , BC = EF , and
different side lengths A B A
Scalene triangle C at C , m� A = 90◦ − m� B. AC = DF . Also, m� A = m� D ,
s (and three different
m (exterior angle to � C) = m� A + m� B Area: A = 12 (leg1 ) × (leg2 ) m� B = m� E , and m� C = m� F .
m of the n interior angles of any angle measures).
B Triangles are similar when they are the
is (n − 2)180◦ . Isosceles triangle: Exterior angle inequality: For any vertex, same shape; corresponding angles are
angle: Any angle less than 180◦ Triangle with (at least) the measure of the exterior angle is hypothenuse
c congruent; corresponding sides are
rresponding exterior angle (see two congruent sides always greater than the measure of Right triangle ABC a
proportional.
). In a convex polygon, the sum and two congruent Isosceles triangle either remote interior angle. m� A + m� B = 90◦
— Notation: Write �ABC ∼ �DEF
e exterior angles is 360◦ . angles (opposite the
congruent sides).
A C to mean that m� A = m� D ,
ISOSCELES TRIANGLE FACTS b
legs m� B = m� E , and m� C = m� F .
Equilateral triangle: The two equal sides of an isosceles triangle
3 = BC
EF = DF .
AB AC
2 Triangle with three Pythagorean Theorem: The length of the Also, DE
are called the legs; the third side is the base. B
congruent sides and Equilateral triangle hypotenuse squared is equal to the sum of 21
three congruent angles, Angle measure: If � A and � C are the base the squares of the lengths of the legs:
4 each measuring 60◦. angles, and � B is the vertex angle (as in a2 + b2 = c2 9
A
the diagram below), then
Classification by angle Common integer right triangle side lengths: 15
m� A = m� C = C
2 (180
1 ◦
− m � B) E
Acute triangle: Acute triangle • 3–4–5 (and its multiples: Ex: 6–8–10) 14
m� B = 180 − 2m � A ◦
�ABC ∼ �DEF
Triangle with three • 5–12–13 (and multiples) 6
3 m� B = 180◦ − 2m � C D
acute angles. • 7–24–25 (and multiples) 10
Properties F
4 Obtuse triangle:
2 — The altitude to the base legs Right triangle similarity
360° Triangle with one Obtuse triangle bisects the angle B Median to hypotenuse: The median to the TESTING TRIANGLE CONGRUENCE
obtuse angle.
1 opposite the base and hypotenuse of a right triangle is half the A triangle has six attributes: three angles
Right triangle:
hits the base at its length of the hypotenuse. and three sides. We need to prove
Triangle with one
midpoint. The Altitude to the hypotenuse: The altitude to equivalence of three corresponding pairs of
right (90◦ ) angle. a a
ral with exterior angles 1, 2, 3, 4. altitude is also the the hypotenuse of a right triangle splits attributes (one of which must be a side) to
the four exterior angle measures The other angles are Right triangle h
median. the triangle up into two smaller right establish congruence.
is 360◦ . complementary.
— The altitude triangles, congruent to each other and to SSS: If all three sides of two triangles are
D
splits the the original triangle. congruent, the triangles are congruent.
TRIANGLE DEFINITIONS A b base b C B
isosceles triangle 2 2 Three sides determine a triangle.
Base: One side of a triangle; which side it is Isosceles triangle Right triangle similarity:
into two ABC SAS: If two sides and the angle between
depends on perspective. Usually, the with altitude BD. �BAC ∼ �CAD ∼ �BCD
als are congruent right them are congruent, the two triangles
B C base is the side that is oriented D is the midpoint of AC Length proportions give: are congruent. Two sides and an
dicular to horizontally. triangles. D
See Congruence and Similarity, below. (CD)2 = (AD)(BD) included angle determine a triangle.
isect each Altitude: Perpendicular line segment from
Side lengths: If b is the length of the base, (BC)2 = (AB)(BD) ASA: If two angles and the side between
diagonals one vertex to the line that contains the
A D a is the length of the legs, and h is the (AC)2 = (AB)(AD) A C them are congruent, the triangles are
ngles. Rhombus opposite side. Altitudes are often drawn
altitude, then congruent. Two angles and the side
ABCD to the base. The length of the altitude is
side length)
� √ Special right triangles between them determine a triangle.
often called the height. a= b2
+ h2 , b = 2 a2 − h2 ,
4 1. 30◦ –60◦ –90◦ : Half of an equilateral AAS: Find the third angle (sum of angles in
Median: Line drawn from vertex to
triangle is 180◦ ) and use ASA. Two
�
ong diagonal) × (short diagonal) 2 triangle.
midpoint of opposite side. and h = a2 − b4 .
Side lengths: angles and any side determine a
E Area: A = 12 (base) × (height).
EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE FACTS (hypotenuse) =√2(shorter leg) triangle.
s four right angles and four equal Heron's Area Formula: The area of a
An equilateral triangle is also isosceles;
(longer √
leg) = 3(shorter leg) WARNING: ASS (a.k.a. SSA) is not a
oth a rectangle and a rhombus. triangle with sides a, b, c, is given by
s everything that is true about isosceles triangles Area: A = 23 (shorter side)2 congruence test! Two sides and an angle not
B C �
A= 1
(a + b + c)(a + b − c)(a − b + c)(−a + b + c)
4
is also true about equilateral triangles. Also: between them do not determine a triangle:
e sides are 2. 45◦ –45◦ –90◦ : Half of a square;
s√2
2

all sides are Median Area Fact: A median divides the — Every equilateral triangle is congruent— isosceles right triangle.
nt. triangle into two triangles of equal area. has the same shape.
45° Side lengths: The legs√ are equal.
es are equal A Triangle Inequality: The length of a side of — The altitude splits the triangle into two
D (hypotenuse) = 2(leg)
asure 90 .◦ a triangle is always less than the sum of congruent 30◦ -60◦ -90◦
Area: A = 12 (leg)2
als are Square ABCD the lengths of the other two sides. right triangles. See Right
30°
30°

dicular and congruent; they Largest angle opposite longest side: In a Triangle Facts, below. s s
60°
ach other and divide the square triangle, two angles are equal if and only s√3 2 45°
Height: If s is the side √2 Triangles ABC and DEF have
r 45◦ –45◦ –90◦ right triangles.
2
1 1
if the sides opposite them are equal. If length of the triangle,
ength of a diagonal is 60° 60° a pair of congruent angles: m� A = m� D,
angles are unequal, the longer side is then the√altitude has 30° 45°
length) . s s and two pairs of congruent sides:
opposite the larger angle. If sides are length s 2 3 . 2 2 √3 1
P = 4(side length) √ AB = DE and BC = EF ;
unequal, the larger angle is opposite the 2
Equilateral triangle 30◦ –60◦ –90◦ triangle 45◦ –45◦ –90◦ triangle
A = (side length)2 Area: A = s 3 4
but they are not congruent.
longer side.

CONTINUED ON OTHER SIDE

This downloadable PDF copyright © 2004 by SparkNotes LLC. SPARKCHARTS™ Geometry page 3 of 6
 Geometry 8.0 4/15/03 10:27 AM Page 2

TRIANGLES (CONTINUED) CIRCLE

TESTING TRIANGLE SIMILARITY SAS: If two sides of one triangle are CUTTING SIMILAR TRIANGLES MEASUREMENTS OF SIMILARITY POWER
proportional to two sides of another
Use these tests to determine whether two A line parallel to one of the sides of a Suppose that �ABC ∼ �DEF and that These the
triangle, and the angles between these
triangles are similar: triangle sections off a similar triangle. c� is the proportionality constant by inter
sides are congruent, the triangles are
i.e., c = DE = BC
EF = DF .
AB AC
�
AA: If two angles of one triangle are similar. tangents
congruent to two angles of another Perimeter: (perimeter of �ABC)
= c (perimeter of �DEF ) MORAL: R
triangle, the two triangles are similar. ANOTHER WARNING: Again, ASS (or SSA)
Area: constant "
SSS: If all three sides of one triangle are is not a similarity test! The test angle must between
(area of �ABC) = c2 (area of �DEF )
proportional to the sides of another be included between the proportional the circle
triangle, the two triangles are similar. sides. Altitudes and medians in similar
←→ triangles are proportional to the sides. Intersec
DE � AC, so �ABC ∼ �DBE
The p
length

CIRCLES
ments
equal
A circle is the set of all points equidistant of the
ARCS AND CENTRAL ANGLES CHORD AND ARC THEOREMS CHORD AND TANGENT
segme
from a given point called the center. The The measure of an angle formed by a chord
Arc: A continuous section of a circle. 1. The triangle defined by a chord and the chord
distance from any point to the center is the and a tangent is half the measure of the arc
— Any two points on a circle define two central angle of the arc it cuts is Intersec
radius (pl. radii) of the circle. Circles are it intercepts.
arcs. Any chord defines two arcs. The isosceles. secan
usually named by their center.
smaller arc with
�� endpoints A and B is outsid
Diameter: Segment containing the center 2. Congruent chords are equidistant from
denoted as AB .
of a circle both of whose endpoints are the center of a circle.
— Arcs are measured in degrees (◦ ) by the O
on the circle. Any diameter has length
LIN
D A
central angle that they subtend. A circle °
twice the radius. _°
is an arc of measure 360◦ . 2
The words "radius" and "diameter" can refer Central angle: An angle whose vertex is the B C TWO L
either to a specific segments or to its length. center of a circle. Any central angle C O ��
m� ABC = 21 m BA= 21 m� AOB Lines eithe
Circumference: The perimeter of a circle.
intercepts the circle at two points, A
The circumference of a circle with radius VERTEX INSIDE CIRCLE Two lines
defining an arc.
r is 2πr , where π is a special real B
2 CHORDS intersect
number (approximately 3.14159). A Chords AB and CD are congruent and — If two
equidistant from center O. The measure of an angle formed by two
Area: The area of a circle with radius r is πr 2 . lie in t
O secants intersecting inside the circle is half
— Two circles are concentric if they lie in 58° 3. Congruent chords in the same circle cut — If two
the sum of measures of the arcs intercepted
the same plane and have the same congruent arcs. they li
by the vertical angles.
center. B B
A
Two lines
C
CHORDS, SECANTS, TANGENTS C (equivale
B
��
Central angle � AOB defines arc AB. parallel) a
Chord: Segment joining two points on a circle. O O
B Types of arcs:
Semicircle: A half-circle; arc measuring 180◦ . D
D A
O �� �� � �� �� �
D AB = CD, so m AB= m CD. m� AOB = 12 m AB +m CD ;
D O E � �� �� �
4. Parallel chords in the same circle create m� BOC = 21 m BC +m AD
A diameter
C congruent arcs between them.
Circle O with diameter AB and chord CD D
VERTEX OUTSIDE CIRCLE
B
— The diameter perpendicular to a chord semicircle The measure of an angle formed by secant
bisects that chord.
— In fact, any diameter bisects a chord if
Diameter DE cuts circle O into
two semicircles.
and/or tangent lines such that its vertex is
outside the circle is half the difference of the
SOL
and only if it is perpendicular to the measures of the arcs intercepted by the SOLIDS
chord. Major arc: Larger than a semicircle; an arc secant and/or tangent lines. A polyhe
whose measure is greater than 180◦ . A 2 SECANTS
C region for
Minor arc: Smaller than a semicircle; an
Chords AB and
�� CD are
�� parallel, so B (at least fo
O
arc whose measure is less than 180◦ .
m AC= m BD. polygona
minor arc
C
edges an
A B A
B ANGLE AND ARC MEASURE the polyh
D A
These theorems are about measures of angles Surface A
Circle O with chord AB and the diameter that O
formed by secant or tangent lines to circles. P
D the po
bisects and is perpendicular to the chord.
MORAL: If the angle is inside the circle, add the
� �� �� � Volume:
m� P = 1
m BC − m AD
C measures of intercepted arcs; if outside, subtract.
2 inside
Secant: Line that interesects the circle at major arc 2 TANGENTS units.
two points; a secant line contains a �� ��
Minor arc AB; major arc ACB VERTEX ON CIRCLE
chord of the circle. SIMPL
2 CHORDS
Arc length: In a circle of radius r , an arc
θ Inscribed Angle: The measure of an CUBE,
measuring θ ◦ has length 180 πr .
inscribed angle is half the measure of the B PARAL
O
A Rectangu
SEGMENTS AND SECTORS arc it intercepts.
B Sector: Region inside a circle bounded by a B rectan
A central angle and the arc it defines. inters
←→ — Area of sector: A sector whose arc has measu
Secant line AB containing chord AB O °
C
measure θ ◦ has area 360θ
πr2 . _° P — Volum
2
Tangent to a circle: Line that intersects a A
C
� �� �� � V =
circle at exactly one point. m� P = 1
m ABC − m AC — Surfac
Segment: Region inside a circle bounded by 2

— Point of tangency: The point of inter- a chord and the arc it defines. ��
TANGENT AND SECANT
SA =
m� BAC = 21 m BC= 21 m� BOC
section of a circle and a line tangent to it. — Area of segment:
T A = (area of sector) − (area of triangle) B
A right angle inscribed in a circle cuts off a
B
diameter. A
O
A D
O
O
A

C C P C
Line is tangent to circle O at T . Cube: A
Radius OT is perpendicular to the line.
B
� �� �� � congr
— A tangent line is always perpendicular to Segment defined by chord AB; m� P = 21 m BC − m AC
congru
the radius drawn to the point of tangency. Sector defined by central � COD m� ACB = 90◦ and AB is a diameter of circle O.

This downloadable PDF copyright © 2004 by SparkNotes LLC. SPARKCHARTS™ Geometry page 4 of 6
 CIRCLES (CONTINUED) SOLID
MENTS OF SIMILARITY POWER OF A POINT THEOREMS lengths of each secant segment with its the length of the tangent segment B — Later
�ABC ∼ �DEF and that external part are equal. squared is equal to the product of the LA = (p
These theorems are about segments formed
ortionality constant B secant segment and its external part. = 2π(
by intersections of chords, secants, or O C
= BC
EF = DF .
AC
�
Intersection of two tangents: Tangent A — Surfa
E tangents with a circle and with one another. C
perimeter of �ABC) segments that share an endpoint outside SA = LA
= c (perimeter of �DEF ) MORAL: Relative to a circle, every point P has a P the circle are congruent. = 2π
D
constant "power"—the product of the distances D B
A Circle O is inscribed in quadrilateral ABCD
ABC) = c2 (area of �DEF ) between P and the two intersection points with PYRA
A circle is said to be “circumscribed about a
the circle along any line. (AP )(DP ) = (BP )(CP ) A pyram
and medians in similar polygon” if all of the vertices of the polygon
segment
are proportional to the sides. Intersection of two chords: Interesection of secant and tangent: When P are on the circle. (We can also say that the
C vertex n
The product of the a secant segment and a tangent segment polygon is “inscribed in the circle.”)
B — If the
lengths of the seg- share an endpoint not on the circle, A C D
pyram
ments of one chord is P B AP = BP
trian
equal to the product B O E — Heigh
C
D TANGENT
of the lengths of the CIRCLES AND POLYGONS
(the p
segment of the other A D P
of an angle formed by a chord A circle is said to be “inscribed in a polygon” A — Volum
chord. (AP )(P C) = (BP )(P D)
t is half the measure of the arc if all of the sides of the polygon are tangent
Intersection of two secants: When two F
A to the circle. (We can also say that the
secant segments share an endpoint Circle O is circumscribed about
outside the circle, the products of the (AP )2 = (BP )(CP ) polygon is “circumscribed about the circle.”) hexagon ABCDEF

O
° A
_° LINES AND PLANES IN SPACE
2
TWO LINES LINE AND PLANE —Two intersecting planes are said to be
B C
perpendicular if one of the planes P
��
C = 12 m BA= 12 m� AOB Lines either do or do not lie in the same plane. A line and a plane in space always either
contains a line perpendicular to the other
intersect or are parallel.
SIDE CIRCLE Two lines that lie in the same plane either p plane.
— If they are parallel, they never intersect.
intersect or are parallel. Contrariwise...
— A line is perpendicular to a plane if and p
— If two lines in space intersect, then they
e of an angle formed by two only if it is perpendicular to every line in
lie in the same plane. q
secting inside the circle is half the plane that goes through their point of Line � is perpendicular to plane p.
— If two lines in space are parallel, then
easures of the arcs intercepted
al angles.
they lie in the same plane.
intersection.
— For every point in the plane, there is a TWO PLANES Planes p and q are parallel. FOR
Two lines that do not lie in the same plane unique line perpendicular to the plane Two planes either intersect or are parallel. PLAN
C (equivalently, neither intersect nor are that goes through that point. (Similarly, • The
B — Two planes are parallel if and only if they q
parallel) are called skew lines. a line and a point on the line determine a is m
O never intersect. Any line perpendicular
1 unique plane containing the point and to one is perpendicular to both; the p circ
D perpendicular to the line.) distance between the two planes is the • The
A 2 fit i
� �� �� � distance between the points of
B= m AB +m CD ;
1
2 intersection along a perpendicular line.
— Two non-parallel planes always intersect
� �� �� �
C = 12 m BC +m AD p
in a line. Planes p and q are perpendicular.
Skew lines �1 and �2 s
UTSIDE CIRCLE Line � is parallel to plane p. Line � is their intersection.
of an angle formed by secant
nt lines such that its vertex is
rcle is half the difference of the
SOLIDS IN SPACE h

b
the arcs intercepted by the SOLIDS IN SPACE — Volume: V = (side length) 3 — Height: The (perpendicular) distance CYLINDER
r tangent lines. A polyhedron (pl. polyhedra) is a solid — Surface Area: SA = 6(side length)2 between the bases (or rather, the planes
A cylinder is analogous to a prism, except its s
S containing them).
region formed by the intersection of several bases are circular. A cylinder is not a
b
B (at least four) planes. The planes intersect in base polyhedron (just like a circle is not a polygon).
polygonal faces whose sides are called The lateral area, the height—and all of the d1
d2
C
edges and whose vertices are the vertices of computational formulas—are defined ana-
height
A the polyhedron. logously. s
Surface Area: Total area of all of the faces of — The axis of a cylinder is the line
base b
D the polyhedron. connecting the centers of the two bases.
Volume: A measure of how much space fits Cube s1 h
� �� �� � axis
= 1
m BC − m AD
2 inside a solid figure, calculated in cubic Parallelepiped: A polyhedron whose six
Pentagonal prism b
TS units. faces are parallelograms lying in pairs of
parallel planes. Rectangular solids are
a
SIMPLE 6-FACED SOLIDS: parallelepipeds whose adjacent faces lie —Volume: V = (Base area) × (height) height

CUBE, RECTANGULAR SOLID, in perpendicular planes. — Lateral area: The area of the lateral faces
b
— Volume: of a prism.
B PARALLELEPIPED
A V = (length) × (width) × (height) (Lateral Area) + 2(Base Area) = Surface Area
Cylinder a
Rectangular Solid: A polyhedron with six
rectangular faces. Adjacent faces Right prism: A prism whose lateral edges NOTE: The word cylinder actually refers to
intersect at right angles. Has three are perpendicular to the planes any solid shape with two congurent bases
b

measurements: length, width, height. containing the bases of the prism. in parallel planes (including prisms and
height s
C — Volume: solids with, say, clover-leaf-shaped bases).
� �� �� � V = (length) × (width) × (height) wid
The cylinders we mean here are called
= 1
m ABC − m AC — Surface Area: length
2
circular cylinders.
AND SECANT
SA = 2 (lw + lh + hw) Parallelepiped r
— Volume: V = (Base area) × (height)
PRISM = π(radius)2 × (height)
B
height A prism is a polyhedron two of whose faces Right cylinder: A cylinder whose axis is
(the bases) are congruent polygons lying in Right triangular prism. r
perpendicular to its bases (rather, the
parallel planes; the other faces (the lateral Two of three lateral faces are shaded blue.
width planes containing them).
length faces) are parallelograms that join — Lateral area (for right prism):
A corresponding sides on the congruent LA = (perimeter of Base) × (height)
Rectangular Solid s
C polygons. The sides that join the lateral
Special types of prisms: Parallelepipeds are a
Cube: A rectangular solid with six parallelograms to each other are called
prisms with a parallelogram base.
� �� �� � congruent square faces. Has twelve lateral edges.
= 21 m BC − m AC Rectangular solids and cubes are right
congruent edges and eight vertices. — A prism is identified by the shape of its bases.
prisms with a rectangular (or square) base. Right cylinder

This downloadable PDF copyright © 2004 by SparkNotes LLC. SPARKCHARTS™ Geometry page 5 of 6
 SOLIDS IN SPACE (CONTINUED)
— Lateral area: Regular pyramid: A pyramid with two CONE — Slant height: The length of the shortest
LA = (perimeter of Base) × (height) properties:
A cone is analogous to a pyramid, except the
segment from the vertex to a point on the
= 2π(radius) × (height) 1. The base is a regular polygon.
base is a circle.
perimeter of the circular base. The
C
— Surface area: 2. The line joining the vertex and the segment is perpendicular to the tangent
— Volume: V = 13 (Base area) × (height)
SA = LA + 2(Base area) center of the base is perpendicular to (the
= 13 π(radius)2 × (height) to the circle at the point where the
= 2π(radius)2 + 2π(radius) × (height) plane of) the base. All lateral faces are segment hits the circular base.
ral ABCD congruent isosceles triangles. Pythagorean Theorem states that
PYRAMID (radius)2 + (height)2 = (slant height)2
bed about a — Slant height: The length of the altitude of
A pyramid is the set of all points along

TM
height
— Lateral area:

SPARKCHARTS
s i
the polygon

ax
segments that join a polygonal base with a one of the lateral faces. The Pythagorean
say that the LA = 12 (base perimeter) × (slant height)
vertex not in the plane of the base. Theorem tells us that
e.”) = π(radius) × (slant height)
— If the base is a polygon with n edges, the (apothem of base)2 + (height)2
pyramid has n + 1 faces: one base and n = (slant height)2 SPHERE
triangular lateral faces. — Lateral area: Cone A sphere is the three-dimensional
— Height: The distance from the vertex to LA = 12 (Base perimeter) × (slant height) equivalent of a circle: the set of all points in
(the plane that contains) the base. — Surface area: SA = LA + (Base area) space equidistant from a fixed point called
Right cone: A cone whose axis is
— Volume: V = 13 (Base area) × (height) the center. The common distance is called
perpendicular to the plane containing
the radius.
the circular base.

sla
— Hemisphere: Half of a sphere.

nt
bout

he
— Volume: V = 34 π(radius)3

igh
t

t
gh
height — Surface area: SA = 4π(radius)2

hei
apothem of base

height
nt
s la
base Square pyramid (regular pyramid)
radius
radius
said to be Tetrahedron: A regular triangular pyramid;
he planes Pyramid with trapezoidal base a tetrahedron has four triangular faces,
Right cone
to the other four vertices, and six edges.
Sphere

el. FORMULAS
PLANE SHAPES: AREA AND PERIMETER SOLID FIGURES: VOLUME AND SURFACE AREA
• Surface area (SA): Total area of all the surfaces of a solid. Measured in units of length : cm2 , m2 ,
2
• The perimeter (P ) of a plane region is the total length around its sides. It
is measured in units of length: cm, m, km, in, ft. The perimeter of a km2 , in2 , ft2 .
circle is called the circumference (C ). • Volume (V): The number of cubic units that can be fit inside a solid figure. Measured in units of
• The area (A) of a plane region is the number of unit squares that can be length3 : cm3 , m3 , km3 , in3 , ft3 .
fit inside it. It is measured in units of length : cm2 , m2 , km , in2 , ft .
2 2 2
For prisms, cylinders, pyramids, and cones only:
• Lateral Area (LA): Surface area exluding bases. Area around the sides, if the figure is upright.
SHAPE PERIMETER AREA
• B : Base area. • a: Apothem of regular polygonal base.
cular. • P : Perimeter of base. • s: Slant height.
n.
s Square P = 4s A = s2

Contributors: Jason Whitlow, Anna Medvedovsky

SHAPE SURFACE AREA VOLUME

Series Editors: Sarah Friedberg, Justin Kestler

h Rectangle P = 2(b + h) A = bh
Cube SA = 6s2 V = s3
s √
b Diagonal = s 3

m, except its s h
is not a Parallelogram P = 2(b + s) A = bh Rectangular Solid SA = 2(lw + lh + hw) V = lwh

Illustration: Porter Mason

h √

Design: Dan O. Williams

a polygon). b w Diagonal = l2 + w2 + h2
l

$7.95 CAN
d all of the d1
d2
fined ana- Rhombus P = 4s A = 12 d1 d2
r
Sphere SA = 4πr2 V = 34 πr3
s
the line

$4.95
b2 SHAPE LATERAL AREA SURFACE AREA VOLUME
two bases.
s1 h s2
Trapezoid P = b1 + b2 + s1 + s2 A = 12 (b1 + b2 )h

3
h
Prism V = Bh
b1
www.sparknotes.com/errors

20593 36219
height a c Triangle P =a+b+c A = 12 bh
h
Report errors at:

h Right Prism LA = P h SA = P h + 2B V = Bh
b �
A= s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c), r

a where s = a+b+c
is the semiperimeter.
h Cylinder V = Bh
h 2
c
r
lly refers to
b h Right Cylinder LA = P h = 2πrh SA = P h + 2B V = Bh
urent bases = 2πrh + 2πr2
prisms and √
s s2 3
7

ped bases). Equilateral Triangle P = 3s A= 4 h

are called Pyramid V = 31 Bh

r
(height) Circle C = 2πr A = πr2 h s Regular Pyramid LA = 21 P s SA = 21 P s + B V = 31 Bh
height) s2 = a2 + h2
ose axis is
r
rather, the ° Sector/Arc L= θ
A= θ 2
180 πr 360 πr h
Cone V = 31 Bh
r

s
s h Right Cone LA = 21 P s = πrs SA = 21 P s + B V = 31 Bh
a Regular n-gon P = ns A = 12 aP r
= πrs + πr2 = 31 πr 2 h

This downloadable PDF copyright © 2004 by SparkNotes LLC. SPARKCHARTS™ Geometry page 6 of 6