Geometry Theorems

Information for Students and Teachers

Geometry Theorems
Geometry is a very formal part of the Mathematics course. Proofs need to be set out
in a very particular way that ensures that all statements have a reason attached to
them.

Most of the following pages were originally written by the mathematics staff at
James Ruse Agricultural High School and we acknowledge that this is primarily
their work (in particular Mr R Howlett).

The Mathematics Department at PLC Sydney made several elaborations and

additions.

By looking at the following worked examples, it is hoped that students will be guided
by the steps and justification needed to correctly write down a geometrical proof.

1
 GEOMETRY THEOREMS AND PROOFS

Rationale:
In order to gain full marks, students should present a solution in which there is a full
equation showing the geometric property that is being used and a worded reason that
again identifies the geometric property that is being used.

EXAMPLE: B
Find the value of x.
73°

42°
A
x°

EQUATION REASON COMMENT

x + 42 + 73 = 180 (Angle sum of Desired level of proof to be reproduced by students:
x + 115 = 180 ∆ABC equals 180° ) • full equation contains geometric property
• reason contains geometric property
x = 65

General Notes:
(1) the word “equals” may be replaced by the symbol “=” or words such as “is”
(2) abbreviations such as “coint”, “alt”, “vert opp”, etc are to be used with caution. The
Board of Studies advises “that commonly accepted abbreviations in geometrical proofs
are accepted by markers, provided that the abbreviation left the marker in no doubt that
the student knew the relevant theorem or property”.
(3) the angle symbol (∠), the triangle symbol (∆), the parallel symbol (||), the
perpendicular symbol (⊥), etc are not to be used as substitutes for words unless used
with labels such as ∠PQR, ∆ABC, AB||XY, PQ⊥ST
(4) If the diagram is not labelled then students may introduce their own labels or refer to
the shape in general terms such as “angle sum of triangle is 180o” or “angle sum of
straight angle is 180o”
(5) PKQˆ is the same as ∠PKQ
(6) The ‘converse’ of a theorem or rule means the reverse of the rule or theorem, written
in a back-to-front way. If a statement is true, its converse may be true or false.
Example 1:
Statement: If lines are parallel, then corresponding angles are equal. (True)
Converse: If corresponding angles are equal, then the lines are parallel. (True)
Example 2:
Statement: If any two angles are right angles, then they are equal angles. (True)
Converse: If any two angles are equal angles, then they are right angles. (False)

2
Revolution, Straight Angles, Adjacent angles, Vertically opposite angles
The sum of angles about a point is 360o

Find the value of x. 2 x + x + 60 + 165 = 360 (angle sum at point P

C equals 360o)
3 x + 225 = 360
B 3 x = 135
x = 45
60°
2x° x° OR
P
165° 2 x + x + 60 + 165 = 360 (angles at a point equal
360o)
A 3 x + 225 = 360
D
3 x = 135
x = 45

OR
2 x + x + 60 + 165 = 360 (angles in a revolution)
3 x + 225 = 360
3 x = 135
x = 45

The sum of the angles in a right angle is 90o.

AB is perpendicular to BC. Find the value of x. x + 36 = 90 (angle sum of right angle ABC
equals 90o)
A
x = 54

D OR
x + 36 = 90 (angles in a right angle equal 90o)
x° x = 54
36°
B C OR
x + 36 = 90 ( ∠ABC is a right angle)
x = 54

AB is perpendicular to BC. Find the value of x. x + 40 + 36 = 90 (angle sum of right angle ABC
equals 90o)
A x = 14
E

D OR
xo x + 40 + 36 = 90 (angles in a right angle equal 90o)
40° x = 14
36o
B C

3
The sum of the angles in a straight angle is 180o.

FMJ is a straight line. Find the value of x. 4 x + 72 = 180 (angle sum of straight angle FMJ
equals 180o)
H 4 x = 108
x = 27

OR
4 x + 72 = 180 (adjacent angles on a straight line
72o 4xo equal 180o)
4 x = 108
F M J
x = 27

OR
4 x + 72 = 180 ( ∠FMJ is a straight angle)
4 x = 108
x = 27

FMJ is a straight line. Find the value of x. 2 x + 4 x + 46 + 50 = 180 (angle sum of straight
angle FMJ equals 180o)
6 x + 96 = 180
H
6 x = 84
I x = 14
G
OR
46° 4x ° 2 x + 4 x + 46 + 50 = 180 (angles on a straight line
2x ° equal 180o)
50°
6 x + 96 = 180
F M J 6 x = 84
x = 14

4
Three points are collinear if they form a straight angle

AKB is a straight line. 3 x + 2 x = 180 (angle sum of straight angle AKB

Prove that the points P, K and Q are collinear. equals 180o)
5 x = 180
A
x = 36
P
∠PKQ = ( 3 x + 72 )
3x °
72° 2x °
= ( 3 × 36 + 72 )
K = 180
∴ P, K and Q are collinear (∠PKQ is a straight
Q B angle which equals
180o)

Vertically opposite angles are equal.

AC and DE are straight lines. Find the value of y. y + 29 = 67 (vertically opposite angles are equal)
y = 38
A D

29°
67° B
y°

E C

5
Angles and Parallel Lines
Alternate angles on parallel lines are equal.

All lines are straight. Find the value of x. x = 59 (alternate angles are equal as AB||CD)

E NOTE: it is important to name the lines,

especially when there is more than one pair of
C D
x F
o >> parallel lines in the diagram.

OR
x = 59 (alternate angles on parallel lines are
o equal)
A G 59 B
>>

Corresponding angles on parallel lines are equal.

All lines are straight. Find the value of x. x = 137 (corresponding angles are equal as
AB||CD)
E
NOTE: it is important to name the lines,
x
o
B especially when there is more than one pair of
>> parallel lines in the diagram.
A G

137
o
OR
>> x = 137 (corresponding angles on parallel lines
C H D are equal)

6
Co-interior angles on parallel lines are supplementary.

All lines are straight. Find the value of x. x + 125 = 180 (co-interior angles are
supplementary as AB||CD)
E x = 55

B NOTE: it is important to name the lines,

A G x
o >> especially when there is more than one pair of
parallel lines in the diagram.
o
125
C
>> OR
H D
x + 125 = 180 (co-interior angles on parallel lines
are supplementary)
F x = 55

Two lines are parallel if a pair of alternate angles are equal

Prove that AB
CD ∠AGH is alternate to ∠GHD

∠AGH = ∠GHD = 73° (given)
E
∴ AB || CD , because a pair of alternate angles
A are equal
G B
73°

C H 73° D

Two lines are parallel if a pair of corresponding angles are equal

Prove that AB
CD ∠EGB is corresponding to ∠GHD

∠EGB = ∠GHD = 65o (given)
E
∴ AB || CD , because a pair of corresponding
angles are equal
A G 65°
B

C H 65° D

7
Two lines are parallel if a pair of cointerior angles are supplementary

Prove that PR
KM ∠RQL is co-interior to ∠QLM

X ∠RQL + ∠QLM = 124o + 56o (given)
= 180o
R
∴ PR || KM , because a pair of co-interior angles
P Q are supplementary
124°

K L 56° M

8
Angles in Polygons
The longest side is opposite the largest angle. The shortest side is opposite the smallest angle.
A
z
o Longest side = BC
Largest angle = z
xo Shortest side = AB
B yo
C Smallest angle = y

For a triangle to exist, the sum of the two smaller sides in a triangle must be greater than the longest
side. This is known as the ‘Triangle Inequality.
A
z
o AB + AC > BC

Conversely, the length of the longest side is

x
o
always less than the sum of the other two sides.
o
B y BC < AB + AC
C
The angle sum of a triangle is 180o.

Find the value of x. x + 67 + 34 = 180 (angle sum of ∆ABC equals

A 180o)
o
x + 101 = 180
67 x = 79

o
x
o
B 34
C

The exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum of the opposite interior angles.

Find the value of x. x = 68 + 47 (exterior angle of ∆ABC equals sum

B of the two opposite interior angles)
o x = 115
47

68
o
xo
A C D

The sum of the exterior angles of a triangle is 360o.

Find the value of x. x + 157 + 128 = 360 (sum of exterior angles of

B ∆ABC equals 360o)
o
x + 285 = 360
157 x = 75
o
128
A xo C

9
The angles opposite equal sides of a triangle are equal. (The converse is also true)

Find the value of x. x = 54 (equal angles are opposite equal sides in

C ∆ABC )

54
o OR
AC = AB (given)
= ∴∆ ABC is isosceles
∴ x = 54 (base angles of isosceles ∆ABC are
equal)
|| xo
A B NOTE: The ‘converse’ of a theorem or rule
means the reverse of the rule or theorem,
written in a back-to-front way. If a statement is
true, its converse may be true or false.

The sides opposite equal angles of a triangle are equal (The converse is also true).

Find the value of x. x = 15 (equal sides are opposite equal angles in

A ∆ABC )
o
65 OR
∠ ABC = ∠ BAC (given)
12 x ∴∆ ABC is isosceles
∴ x = 15 (equal sides in isosceles triangle)

o
65
B 15 C

All angles at the vertices of an equilateral triangle are 60o.

∆ABC is equilateral. EC and DB are angle ∠ACB = 60o (all angles of an equilateral triangle
bisectors and meet at P. Find the size of ∠CPB. are 60o)
similarly ∠ABC = 60o
A ∠ECB = 30o (EC bisects ∠ACB, given)
similarly ∠DBC = 30o
∠CPB + 60o = 180o (angle sum of ∆PCB equals
180o)
D E ∠CPB = 120o
P

C B

10
The angle sum of a quadrilateral is 360o.

Find the value of x. x + 130 + 3 x + 70 = 360 (angle sum of

quadrilateral ABCD
A equals 360o)
4 x + 200 = 360
o
130 4 x = 160
o D
3x x = 40

o
x
B o
70

The angle sum of a n-sided polygon is (n − 2) ×180° or (2n-4)right angles.

Find the value of x. Angle sum of a pentagon = (n-2) ×180°

B = (5-2) ×180°
= 540°
87°
C x +92+87+106+165 = 540 (angle sum of pentagon
106° equals 540o)
x+450 = 540
x = 90
A 92°
165°
D
x°

E
°
180 ( n − 2 ) 
The angle at each vertex of a regular n-sided polygon is  
 n 

Find the size of each interior angle of a regular °

 180 × 4 
hexagon. Angle size =  
 6 
= 120°

The sum of the exterior angles of a n-sided polygon is 360o.

Find the size of each interior angle of a regular Sum of exterior angles = 360o
decagon.  360 
o

Exterior angles =  
 10 
= 36o
Interior angles = 144o (angle sum of straight angle
equals 180o)

11
Pythagoras’ Theorem
Pythagoras’ Theorem: In a right angled triangle, the square on the hypotenuse equals the sum of the
squares on the other two sides.

Find the value of x. c 2 = a 2 + b 2 (Pythagoras’ Theorem)

152 = x 2 + 122
225 = x 2 + 144
15 225 − 144 = x 2
x 81 = x 2
9=x (x>0 as it is a length)
∴ x=9 units

12 OR
x = 9 (3,4,5 Pythagorean Triad)

A triangle is right-angled if the square on the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares on the other
two sides (converse of Pythagoras’ Theorem)
Prove that the triangle with sides 6, 10 and 8 is
right-angled. 62 = 36
82 = 64
102 = 100
100 = 36 + 64

Therefore the triangle is right-angled, because it

satisfies Pythagoras’ Theorem
More formally:
Prove that ABC is right-angled. Prove ( BC ) 2 = ( AB) 2 + ( AC ) 2
B
LHS = ( BC ) 2
10 cm = 102
6 cm
= 100
RHS = ( AB)2 + ( AC ) 2
A C = 6 2 + 82
8 cm
= 36 + 64
= 100
∴ LHS = RHS
∴ ( BC )2 = ( AB) 2 + ( AC ) 2
∴∆ABC is right-angled (Pythagoras’ theorem
converse)

12
Congruent Triangles – The 4 Tests for Congruent Triangles
‘ ≡ ’ means ‘is congruent to’
Two triangles are congruent if three sides of one triangle are equal to three sides of the other
triangle. (The SSS Test)

Given that AC = DB and AB = DC, In ∆CAB and ∆BDC

prove that ∆CAB ≡ ∆BDC. AC = BD = 8 (given)
AB = CD = 12 (given)
A 8 C CB is common
∴ ∆CAB ≡ ∆BDC (SSS)
12

12

B 8 D

Two triangles are congruent if two sides of one triangle are equal to two sides of the other triangle
and the angles included by these sides are equal. (The SAS Test)

Given that AC = BD and ∠CAB = ∠DBA, In ∆CAB and ∆DBA

prove that ∆CAB ≡ ∆DBA. AB is common
AC = BD (given)
C ∠CAB = ∠DBA (given)
D
∴∆CAB ≡ ∆DBA (SAS)

= =

A B

Two triangles are congruent if two angles of one triangle are equal to two angles of the other
triangle and one pair of corresponding sides is equal. (The AAS Test)

Given that AD and BC are straight lines and In ∆ABE and ∆CDE.
AB = CD and ∠EAB = ∠ECD, prove that AB = CD (given)
∆ABE ≡ ∆CDE. ∠EAB = ∠ECD (given)
∠AEB = ∠CED (vertically opposite angles are
A C equal)
∴∆ABE ≡ ∆CDE (AAS)

* *

= E
=

B D

13
Two right-angled triangles are congruent if their hypotenuses are equal and a pair of sides is also
equal. (The RHS Test)

Given that CD = AD, prove that ∆ABD ≡ ∆CBD. In ∆ABD and ∆CBD
C ∠BCD = ∠BAD = 90o
CD = AD (given)
DB is common
= ∴∆ABD ≡ ∆CBD (RHS)
D
B
=
A

An example of a geometric proof that uses a congruency test:

Given that AB=CB and AD=CD, prove that In ∆ABD and ∆CBD
BD bisects ∠ADC . AB=CB (given)
B AD=CD (given)
BD is common
∴∆ABD ≡ ∆CBD (SSS)
A C ∴∠ADB = ∠CDB (corresponding angles in
congruent triangles are equal)
∴ BD bisects ∠ADC

NOTE: the word ‘matching’ can be used

instead of ‘corresponding’.
D

Another example:

ABCD is a square. AE = CF. Prove that AF = CE Let AB = x

A E B Let AE = y
∴ BE = x-y
Similarly, DF = x-y
∴ BE = DF
In ∆ADF and ∆CBE ,
BE = DF (proved above)
D F C AD = CB (opposite sides of a square are equal)
∠ADF = ∠CBE (all angles in a square equal
90 ° )
∴∆ADF ≡ ∆CBE (SAS)
∴ AF = CE (corresponding sides in congruent
triangles are equal

14
Similar Triangles – The 4 Tests for Similar Triangles
‘|||’ means ‘is similar to’
There are NO abbreviations for the names of the similarity tests
Two triangles are similar if two angles of one triangle are equal to two angles of the other triangle
NOTE: there is no need to mention the third angle.

Prove that ∆ABC and ∆DCA are similar. In ∆ABC and ∆DCA
D
∠ABC = ∠DCA (given)
A ∠BAC = ∠CDA (given)
• ∴∆ABC ||| ∆DCA (equiangular)
•

Note: The abbreviations AA or AAA will not be

accepted.
*
B *
C
Two triangles are similar if the ratios of two pairs of corresponding sides are equal and the angles
included by these sides are equal.

Prove that ∆BCA and ∆ACD are similar. In ∆BCA and ∆ACD
∠BCA = ∠ ACD (given)
A BC 36 3
= =
AC 24 2
B AC 24 3
= =
DC 16 2
D ∴∆BCA ||| ∆ACD (sides adjacent to equal angles
24 are in the same ratio)
36
16 OR
* * In ∆BCA and ∆ACD
∠BCA = ∠ ACD (given)
C
BC 36 3
= =
AC 24 2
AC 24 3
= =
DC 16 2
∴∆BCA ||| ∆ACD (sides adjacent to equal angles
are in proportion)

15
 OR
In ∆BCA and ∆ACD
A ∠BCA = ∠ ACD (given)
BC 36 3
= =
B AC 24 2
AC 24 3
= =
24 D DC 16 2
∴∆BCA ||| ∆ACD (two pairs of corresponding
36 sides in the same ratio and
16 included angles are equal)
* *
C NOTE: the word ‘matching’ can be used
instead of ‘corresponding’.

Two triangles are similar if the ratios of the three pairs of sides are equal.

Prove that ∆ABC and ∆ACD are similar. In ∆ABC and ∆DCA
AB 16 4
= =
A DC 12 3
18
D BC 32 4
= =
CA 24 3
16
AC 24 4
24 12 = =
DA 18 3
∴∆ABC ||| ∆DCA (three pairs of sides in the same
ratio)
B 32 C
OR
In ∆ABC and ∆DCA
AB 16 4
= =
DC 12 3
BC 32 4
= =
CA 24 3
AC 24 4
= =
DA 18 3
∴∆ABC ||| ∆DCA (three pairs of sides in
proportion)

16
Two triangles are similar if the hypotenuse and a second side of a right-angled triangle are
proportional to the hypotenuse and a second side of another right-angled triangle.

Prove that ∆ABC and ∆CDE are similar. In ∆ABC and ∆CDE
A AB 6 2
= =
CD 3 1
AC 10 2
10 = =
6 CE 5 1
∠ABC = ∠CDE = 90° (right-angled triangles)
∴∆ABC ||| ∆DCA (hypotenuse and a second side
of a right-angled triangle are
B C
proportional to the
hypotenuse and a second side
C of another right-angled
triangle)
3 5

D E

An example of a geometric proof that uses a similarity test:

Example problem:
Given that AB
PQ , find the value of x. In ∆ABC and ∆PQC
∠ABC = ∠PQC (corresponding angles are equal
A as AB
PQ )
∠ACB = ∠PCQ (common)
x cm P
∴ ∆ABC ||| ∆PQC (equiangular)
9 cm x 20
= (corresponding sides in similar triangles
9 12
B 8 cm Q 12 cm C are in the same ratio)
20
x = 9×
12
x = 15

NOTE: (1) Either ‘in the same ratio’ or ‘are in

proportion’ can be used in the
reason.
(2) The word ‘matching’ can be used
instead of ‘corresponding’.

17
Intercepts and Parallels
Parallel lines preserve the ratio of intercepts on transversals. (The converse is not true)

Find the value of x. x 18

= (parallel lines preserve the ratios of
32 24
intercepts on transversals)
x = 24
> 18
x
> OR
24 x 18
= (when three or more parallel lines are
32 32 24
> cut by two transversals, the ratio of
intercepts is equal)
x = 24

An interval parallel to a side of a triangle divides the other sides in the same ratio. (The converse is
true)

Find the value of x. CJ BI

= (interval parallel to side of ∆ABC
JA IA
A divides other sides in same ratio)
x 20
=
15 9 9 15
x = 12
I > J
20
x

B > C

An interval joining the midpoints of the sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side and half its
length.

E and F are midpoints of AB and AC. EF=½BC (interval joining midpoints of sides of
G and H are midpoints of FB and FC. ∆ABC is half the length 3rd side)
Prove that EF = GH. Similarly in ∆BFC , GH=½BC
∴ EF = GH
A

NOTE: It can also be proven that EF and GH

are parallel
E F

G H

B C

18
Quadrilateral Properties
Trapezium
One pair of sides of a trapezium are parallel

Kite
Two pairs of adjacent sides of a kite are equal
One diagonal of a kite bisects the other diagonal
One diagonal of a kite bisects the opposite angles
The diagonals of a kite are perpendicular
A kite has one axis of symmetry

Parallelogram
The opposite sides of a parallelogram are parallel
The opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal
The opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal
The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other
A parallelogram has point symmetry

Rhombus
The opposite sides of a rhombus are parallel
All sides of a rhombus are equal
The opposite angles of a rhombus are equal
The diagonals of a rhombus bisect the opposite angles
The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other
The diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular
A rhombus has two axes of symmetry
A rhombus has point symmetry

Rectangle
The opposite sides of a rectangle are parallel
The opposite sides of a rectangle are equal
All angles at the vertices of a rectangle are 90o
The diagonals of a rectangle are equal
The diagonals of a rectangle bisect each other
A rectangle has two axes of symmetry
A rectangle has point symmetry

Square
Opposite sides of a square are parallel
All sides of a square are equal
All angles at the vertices of a square are 90o
The diagonals of a square are equal
The diagonals of a square bisect the opposite angles
The diagonals of a square bisect each other
The diagonals of a square are perpendicular
A square has four axes of symmetry
A square has point symmetry

19
Properties of Quadrilaterals:

parallelogram
trapezium

rectangle

rhombus

square
kite
How many axes of symmetry? 1 0 0 2 2 4

Does it have point symmetry? no no yes yes yes yes

How many pairs of opposite equal 0 0 2 2 2 2

sides?
How many pairs of opposite 0 1 2 2 2 2
parallel sides?
How many pairs of opposite equal 1 0 2 2 2 2
angles?
Are the diagonals equal? no no no yes no yes

Do the diagonals bisect each other? no no yes yes yes yes

Do the diagonals meet at right yes no no no yes yes

angles?
Do the diagonals bisect each other no no no no yes yes
at right angles?
Do the diagonals bisect the angles one no no no yes yes
through which they pass? does
Does it have 4 equal sides? no no no no yes yes

Does it have 4 right angles? no no no yes no yes

20
The diagrams below show two different ways to represent the family of quadrilaterals. In the first
diagram, the quadrilaterals become more and more special as you move down the branches.

quadrilateral

trapezium
kite

parallelogram
rhombus

rectangle

square

The second diagram shows, for example, that all rectangles are special parallelograms.

Source: About Maths

21
Minimum conditions needed to prove a particular quadrilateral: Note: This list is not exhaustive.

A quadrilateral is a trapezium if:

• It has one pair of parallel sides

A quadrilateral is a kite if:

• Two pairs of adjacent sides are equal
or
• The diagonals meet at right angles and one of them
is bisected by the other

A quadrilateral is a parallelogram if:

• both pairs of opposite sides are parallel
or
• both pairs of opposite sides are equal
or
• both pairs of opposite angles are equal
or
• the diagonals bisect each other
(i.e. the diagonals have the same midpoint)
or
• two sides are equal and parallel

A quadrilateral is a rhombus if:

• all sides are equal
or
• diagonals bisect each other at right angles
or
• the diagonals bisect the angles at the vertices
or
• a pair of adjacent sides are equal and opposite
angles are equal
or
• the diagonals create 4 congruent triangles

A quadrilateral is a rectangle if:

• the diagonals are equal and they bisect each other
or
• it has three right angles
or
• it has two pairs of parallel sides and one right angle
or
• it has two pairs of opposite sides equal and one
right angle

A quadrilateral is a square if:

• it has four equal sides and one right angle
or
• the diagonals are equal, bisect each other and meet
at right angles

22
Some useful tips for solving geometry problems under
exam conditions
Copy the diagram, include all the “givens” and add extra information to it.
Put your writing paper on top of the question booklet and trace the diagram (with pen), so that it looks
almost identical to the original. As you try to solve the problem(s), add information to the diagram (with
pencil). When you think you have answered the question on the diagram, re-trace your steps and write your
solution.

Don’t start your solution by stating that the thing you are trying to prove is true.
If the question says: “Prove that triangle ABP is congruent to triangle CAR”,
don’t start your solution by writing ∆ABP ≡ ∆CAR .
You could start your solution with:
Aim: To prove that ∆ABP ≡ ∆CAR
or
Required to prove ∆ABP ≡ ∆CAR
or
In ∆ABP and ∆CAR

The last thing you write is:

∴ ∆ABP ≡ ∆CAR , as required

If the question has 3 parts and you need the answer for part (i) to do part (ii), but you can’t answer part
(i), make up a reasonable estimate for the answer to part (i) and use it to do the other parts. Show all of your
working and you might get full marks for parts (ii) and (iii).

Some useful terminology:

• If you have done a few steps and you want to repeat those steps, the word “similarly” is quite useful,
so that you don’t have to repeat all the steps. Remember the steps have to be exactly the same with
exactly the same reasons.
• If you proved something in part (ii) and want to use it in part (iii), you can write the phrase “from
part (ii)” as a reason.
• Be careful in using the word “given”. It means that the thing you have stated was actually written in
the question. For example, if you are told that:
ABC is a straight line and BD is perpendicular to AC
then don’t write
∠ABD = 900 (given)
because that wasn’t “given”
You could write:
BD ⊥ AC (given)
∴ ∠ABD = 900

23
“Angle Chasing”
If you are trying to prove something like:
• 2 angles are equal
• one angle is twice the size of another
• two angles are supplementary or complementary
you can employ a method called “angle chasing”.

Eg Prove that ∠ABP = 900 − ∠CAR

One way to do this is to start by writing:

Let ∠CAR = x
Then, using x , find other angles that might be, for example:
∠CAP = 900 − x
∠PCR = 2 x
∠PAR = 1800 − 2 x
∠CAP = 1800 − 2 x − (900 − x)
until you get to ∠ABP = 900 − x
and so ∠ABP = 900 − ∠CAR

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 Exercise: The Basic Tools of “Angle-Chasing”

Let ∠CAR = x .
Write down an expression involving x for ∠CAP (and give a reason)
P C C R
C

A R P R A P
A
PRCA is a rhombus PRAC is a rhombus
C P R R P
P
A
y
A C A C
R
Let ∠CAR = x .
Write down an expression involving x for ∠ARP (and give reasons)
AC = CR A C
A C A y

R P
y y
R P
P R C
Let ∠CAR = x .
Write down an expression involving x for ∠ACR (and give a reason)
CART is a parallelogram
A C C A
y

y
R C R A T R

AC = CR AC = CR AC = AR
A C C

R C R A A R

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Here is a very good solution to a difficult geometry problem.

Example:

Let ABC be a triangle with AB = AC. D is a point on AC such that BC = BD. E is a point on AB such that BE
= ED = AD. Find the size of the angle EAD.

Solution:
A

D
E

B C

Let ∠EAD = x A
ED = AD (given) x
∴∠AED = ∠EAD = x (angles opposite equal sides are equal in a triangle)
∴∠BED = 180° − x (angle sum of a straight line) x D
E
1 80 ° − x

B C
BE = ED (given)
∴∠EBD = ∠EDB (angles opposite equal sides are equal in a triangle)

In ∆EBD
A
∠EBD + ∠EDB + ∠DEB = 180° (angle sum of triangle) x
∴ 2∠EBD = 180° − ∠BED
∴ 2∠EBD = 180° − (180° − x) x D
E x
∴ 2∠EBD = x
2
x x
∴∠EBD = ∠EDB =
2 2
B C

∠EDC = 2 x (exterior angle equals sum of two interior

opposite angles in triangle AED.

∠BDC = ∠EDC − ∠EDB (adjacent angles)

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 x A
∠BDC = 2 x −
2 x
3x
∠BDC = x D
2 x
E 3x
2 2
3x
BD = BC (given) 2
B C
3x
∠BDC = ∠BCD = (angles opposite equal sides are equal in a triangle)
2

AB = AC (given)
3x
∴∠ABC = ∠ACB = (angles opposite equal sides are equal in a triangle)
2 A
x

D
E

3x 3x
2 2
B C
In ∆ABC
∠ABC + ∠BCA + ∠CAB = 180° (angle sum of triangle)
3x 3x
∴x+ + = 180°
2 2
∴ 4 x = 180°
∴ x = 45°
∴∠EAD = 45°

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