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Angles

Here we will learn about angles, including angle rules, angles in polygons and angles in parallel lines.

There are also angles worksheets based on Edexcel, AQA and OCR exam questions, along with further guidance on where to go next if you’re still stuck.

What are angles?

Angles measure the amount of turn required to change direction. At GCSE we can measure angles using a protractor using degrees. If the diagram is not drawn to scale we can determine missing angles by using angle facts (also referred to as angle properties or angle rules).

There can be multiple different approaches to find a missing angle.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 1

What are angles?

What are angles?

Angle types

There are different types of angles.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 2

Step-by-step guide: Types of angles

Angle rules

We can use angle rules to work out missing angles.

Angle rules are facts that we can apply to calculate missing angles in a diagram.

The five key angle facts that are used widely within the topic are:

Angles - SUPER HUB image 3

  • Angles on a straight line

The sum of angles on a straight line is always equal to \bf{180^{o}.}

A straight line would be considered to be half of a full turn; if you were standing on the line facing towards one end, you would have to turn 180 degrees to face the other end of the line.

A straight line can be called a straight angle if there is a vertex on the line and the turn around that vertex is 180^{o}.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 4
  • Angles at a point

The sum of angles at a point is always equal to \bf{360^{o}} .

A point would be considered to be a full turn; if you were standing at the point facing in one direction, you would have to turn 360 degrees to return back to your original position.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 5

  • Complementary angles

The sum of complementary angles is always equal to \bf{90^{o}} .

Complementary angles therefore make up a right angle.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 6

These angles do not need to be together and form a right angle. If any two angles sum to 90^o they are complementary.

  • Supplementary angles

The sum of supplementary angles is always equal to \bf{180^{o}} .

Supplementary angles therefore make up a straight line.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 7

These angles do not need to be together on a straight line. If any two angles sum to 180^o they are supplementary.

  • Vertically opposite angles

Vertically opposite angles are equal.

This occurs when two straight lines meet (intersect) at a point known as a vertex, forming an x shape where the opposite pairs of angles are the same size. Also, two adjacent angles are supplementary (they add to equal 180^o ).

Angles - SUPER HUB image 8

Step-by-step guide: Angle rules

Angles in polygons

We can calculate the interior and exterior angles of any polygon.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 9

  • Interior angles

The sum of interior angles in any n -sided shape is determined using the formula,

\text{Sum of interior angles}=180(n-2).

One interior angle of a regular polygon with n -sides is determined using the formula,

\theta=\frac{180(n-2)}{n}.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 10

For an irregular polygon, the missing angle is calculated by subtracting all of the known angles from the total sum of the interior angles of the polygon.

  • Exterior angles

The sum of exterior angles for any polygon is \bf{360^{o}} .

Whereas the interior angle sum is different for each n -sided shape, the exterior angle sum is always 360^{o}, regardless of how many sides the polygon has.

This is because, as you walk around the perimeter of the shape, the exterior angle is the turn from the direction of one edge to the next edge of the polygon.

For a regular polygon, each exterior angle is equal to 360 divided by the number of sides, n, and so

\text{Exterior angle}=\frac{360}{n}.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 11

For an irregular polygon, the unknown exterior angle is calculated by subtracting the known exterior angles from 360^{o}.

The sum of an exterior angle and its adjacent interior angle is 180^{circ}, because they both lie on a straight line.

  • Angles in a triangle

The sum of angles in a triangle is \bf{180^{o}} .

Angles - SUPER HUB image 12
x + y + z = 180^o

Remember that there are four different types of triangles, each with a specific angle property.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 13

  • Angles in a quadrilateral

The sum of angles in a quadrilateral is \bf{360^{o}} .

Any quadrilateral can be constructed from two adjacent triangles. This means that as the angle sum of a triangle is equal to 180^{o}, two triangles would have an angle sum of 360^{o}.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 14
w +x + y + z= 180^o

There are several different types of quadrilaterals, each with a specific angle property.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 15

Step-by-step guide: Angle in polygons

Angles in parallel lines

Angles in parallel lines are facts that can be applied to calculate missing angles within a pair of parallel lines. The three key angle facts that are used when looking at angles in parallel lines are,

  • Corresponding angles
  • Alternate angles
  • Co-interior angles

Angles - SUPER HUB image 16

  • Corresponding angles

Corresponding angles are equal.

When we intersect a pair of parallel lines with a transversal (another straight line), corresponding angles are the angles that occur on the same side of the transversal line. They are either both obtuse or both acute. 

Angles - SUPER HUB image 17

  • Alternate angles

Alternate angles are equal.

When we intersect a pair of parallel lines with a transversal, alternate angles occur on opposite sides of the transversal line. They are either both obtuse or both acute. 

Angles - SUPER HUB image 18

  • Co-interior angles

The sum of two co-interior angles is \bf{180^{o}} .

Co-interior angles occur in between two parallel lines when they are intersected by a transversal. The two angles that occur on the same side of the transversal always add up to 180^{o}.

Angles - SUPER HUB image 19

Step-by-step guide: Angles in parallel lines

How to use angles

We can use angles in lots of different contexts.

We will learn about,

  • Types of angles
  • Angle rules
  • Angles in polygons
  • Angles in parallel lines

Explain how to use angles

Explain how to use angles

Angles worksheet

Get your free angles worksheet of 20+ questions and answers. Includes reasoning and applied questions.

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Angles worksheet

Get your free angles worksheet of 20+ questions and answers. Includes reasoning and applied questions.

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Angle rules examples

Example 1: angles on a straight line

Calculate the value of x.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 1

  1. Add all known angles.

The angle highlighted as a square is a right angle. A right angle measures 90^{o}. Adding the angles together, we can form the expression

70+90=160.

2Subtract the angle sum from \bf{180^{o}} .

As the sum of angles on a straight line total 180^{o},

180-160=20.

3Form and solve the equation.

Here we have no equation to solve as the missing angle is 20^{o}.

Example 2: angles at a point

Calculate the value of x.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 2

90+90+120=300.

360-300=60.

Here there is no equation to solve as we know the angle x=60^{o}.

Example 3: complementary angles

Angle AOB is complementary to BOC. Determine the size of the angle AOB.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 3

Here, the angles AOB and BOC are complementary.

The question would like us to calculate the angle AOB.

As the sum of the two angles is 90 degrees, forming an equation, we have


x+10+3x=90,


or


4x+10=90.


Solving this for x, we have


\begin{aligned} 4x&=90-10\\\\ 4x&=80\\\\ x&=20. \end{aligned}

We need to determine the size of angle AOB for the solution and so we need to substitute x=20 into x+10.


Angle AOB = x+10=20+10=30^{o}.

Example 4: supplementary angles

Given that AC is a straight line, determine the size of angle AOB.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 4

As the line AC is a straight line, the two angles AOB and BOC are supplementary. This means that we can use the angle rule, “the sum of supplementary angles is 180^{o} ”.

We need to determine the size of angle AOB.

Adding the two angles 5x+35 and x+25 is equal to 180^{o}, which gives us the equation


5x+35+x+25=180.


Simplifying the left side of the equation, we have


6x+60=180.


Subtracting 60 from both sides of the equation, we have


6x=180-60=120.


Dividing both sides by 6, we have


x=120\div{6}=20.

We need to determine the size of angle AOB for the solution and so we need to substitute x=20 into angle AOB \ (5x+35).


Angle AOB = 5x+35=(5\times{20})+35=135^{o}.

Example 5: vertically opposite angles

Given that AC and BD are straight intersecting lines at the point O, determine the size of angle COD.

Angle COD is vertically opposite angle AOB and so angle COD = angle AOB.


Angle AOD is vertically opposite angle BOC and so angle AOD = angle BOC.

We need to calculate the size of angle COD \ (2x).

We need to inspect the lines and angles in the diagram to see what other rule(s) we need to apply.


As BD is a straight line, the two angles of 72^o and 2x are supplementary.


This means that if we use the rule “the sum of supplementary angles is 180^{o} ,” we can calculate the size of the angle 2x and hence the missing angle COD.


Forming an equation, we have


72+2x=180.


Subtracting 72 from both sides of the equation, and then dividing both sides by 2, we have


2x=180-72=108,


x=108\div{2}=54.

As x=54, \ 2x=2\times{x}=2\times{54}=108. As vertically opposite angles are equal,


Angle COD = 108^{o}.

Example 6: interior angles of a regular pentagon

What is the interior angle sum of a regular pentagon?

A pentagon has 5 sides.

The polygon is regular.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 6 step 3


A regular pentagon contains 3 triangles.

180\times{3}=540.

The interior angle sum of a regular pentagon is 540^{o}.

Example 7: angles in a triangle

What type of triangle is ABC?

Angles - SUPER HUB example 7
63+27=90.

180-90=90.


The remaining angle is 90 degrees and so this is a right angle triangle.

Example 8: angles in a quadrilateral

ABCD is a kite. Calculate the size of angle ADO.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 8

Angle ABC and ADC are equal as a kite has one pair of equal angles.


This means that ABC = ADC = 2x+10.


Updating the diagram with this information, we have


Angles - SUPER HUB example 8 step 1

80+20=100.

360-100=260.

The remaining angles must therefore total 260^{o} and so we can form the equation


2x+10+2x+10=260.


Simplifying the left hand side of the equation, we have


4x+20=260.


Subtract 20 from both sides,


4x=260-20=240.


Divide both sides by 4,


x=240\div{4}=60.


ADO = 60^{o}.

Example 9: exterior angles

Calculate the exterior angle x for the hexagon below.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 9

This irregular hexagon has 6 sides.

We need to find the value of the exterior angle, x.

The known exterior angles of this hexagon are: 70^{o}, \ 50^{o}, \ 20^{o}, and 90^{o} (the right angle).


As the interior angle is supplementary to the exterior angle at F, the exterior angle at F is equal to 180-100 = 80^{o}.


We now have the known angles: 70^{o}, \ 50^{o}, \ 20^{o}, \ 90^{o}, \ 80^{o} and the unknown angle x.


Subtracting the known angles from 360, we have


x=360-(70+50+20+90+80)=360-310=50.


The missing exterior angle x=50^{o}.

Example 10: alternate angles

Calculate the size of the angle x.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 10

We know angle BGH and we want to find angle GHC.

BGH is alternate to angle GHC (our unknown value x ), so we can state that x=72^{o}.

This step isn’t required as the solution has been calculated.


x=72^{o}

Example 11: corresponding angles

Calculate the value of y.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 11

We do not know the numerical size of any angle in the diagram however we can use angles BIG, \ DJI and EKJ to determine the value of y.


The angle GIB is corresponding to GKF. As EF is a straight line we can calculate the value for x, which will help us to calculate the value of y.

As GIB is corresponding to GKF, angle GKF = 7x.

As EF is a straight line and the sum of angles on a straight line is 180, we can form the equation 2x+7x=180. Solving this equation we have


\begin{aligned} 9x&=180\\\\ x&=180\div{9}\\\\ x&=20 \end{aligned} .


As GKF = 7x, \ 7 \times 20=140 and so GKF = 140^{o}.

Angle GKF is corresponding to GJD and so as corresponding angles are equal, GJD = 140^o and so


y=140^{o}.

Example 12: co-interior angles

Calculate the value of x.

Angles - SUPER HUB example 12

We know the two angles BGH and GHD.

BGH is co-interior to GHD and so their angle sum is 180^{o}. Forming an equation for the two angles, we have


2x+50+2x+10=180.


Simplifying the left hand side of the equation, we have


4x+60=180.


Next, we subtract 60 from both sides


4x=180-60=120.


And finally divide by 4.


x=120\div{4}=30


x=30^{o}

This step isn’t required as the solution has been calculated.


x=30^{o}

Common misconceptions

  • Measuring angles with a protractor when the diagrams are not drawn accurately

When the question states that the diagram is not drawn accurately we cannot simply measure the missing angles using a protractor. We need to use angle facts to calculate the missing angle.

  • Angles on a straight line and vertically opposite angle rules

With the straight line rule that only adjacent angles are considered, and for vertically opposite angles the lines must be straight.

Angles - SUPER HUB common misconceptions 1

  • Exterior angles of a polygon

Exterior angles of a polygon have to travel in the same direction for the sum to be 360^{o}.

Angles - SUPER HUB common misconceptions 2

  • Angles in triangles

Pairing up the incorrect angles in an isosceles triangle and using exterior angles when calculating the interior angle sum of a triangle.

Practice angles questions

1. Calculate the value of x.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 1

6^o
GCSE Quiz True

84^o
GCSE Quiz False

90^o
GCSE Quiz False

186^o
GCSE Quiz False

The sum of angles on a straight line is 180^{o}.

 

x=180-(90+84)=6^{o}

2. Calculate the value of x.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 2

120^o
GCSE Quiz False

130^o
GCSE Quiz False

140^o
GCSE Quiz True

145^o
GCSE Quiz False

The sum of angles at a point is 360^{o}.

 

x=360-(50+60+75+35)=140^{o}

3. AOC is a right angle. Calculate the value of angle BOC.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 3

80^o
GCSE Quiz False

30^o
GCSE Quiz True

60^o
GCSE Quiz False

2x-10^o
GCSE Quiz False

The sum of two complementary angles is 90^{o}.

 

\begin{aligned} x+40+2x-10&=90\\ 3x+30&=90\\ 3x&=60\\ x&=20 \end{aligned}

 

2x-10=2\times{20}-10=30^{o}.

4. AB is a straight line. Calculate the size of angle AOC.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 4

30^o
GCSE Quiz False

60^o
GCSE Quiz False

90^o
GCSE Quiz False

120^o
GCSE Quiz True

As AB is a straight line, angle AOC is supplementary to angle BOC.

 

Angle AOC = 3x+x=4x and so

 

4x=180-60=120

 

x=30^{o}.

5. The two straight lines AC and BD intersect at the point O. Calculate the value of x.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 5

5
GCSE Quiz True

25
GCSE Quiz False

31
GCSE Quiz False

20
GCSE Quiz False

As AC and BD are straight lines, angle COD is vertically opposite angle AOB.

 

As vertically opposite angles are equal, we can form the equation

 

\begin{aligned} 5x&=25\\\\ x&=25\div{5}\\\\ x&=5. \end{aligned}

6. The hexagon below has two lines of symmetry. Calculate the size of the interior angle at A.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 6

15^o
GCSE Quiz False

30^o
GCSE Quiz False

105^o
GCSE Quiz True

150^o
GCSE Quiz False
S_{6}=180(6-2)=180\times{4}=720.

 

The interior angle at C = 2x given the vertical line of symmetry.

 

The interior angle at D,E, and F can be found using the horizontal line of symmetry: D = 2x, \ E = 150^{o}, and F = 2x.

 

The sum of angles in the hexagon is therefore

 

\begin{aligned} 2x+150+2x+2x+150+2x&=720\\\\ 8x+300&=720\\\\ 8x&=420\\\\ x&=52.5 \end{aligned}

 

As the interior angle at A is equal to 2x,

 

A =2x=2\times{x}=2\times{52.5}=105^{o}.

7. Calculate the value of y.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 7

60^o
GCSE Quiz False

45^o
GCSE Quiz False

90^o
GCSE Quiz False

80^o
GCSE Quiz True
\begin{aligned} 3x-10&=2x+10\\\\ 3x&=2x+20\\\\ x&=20 \end{aligned}

 

2x+10=2\times{20}+10=50

 

3x-10=3\times{20}-10=50

 

As the sum of angles in a triangle is 180^{o},

 

y=180-(50+50)=80^{o}.

8. Calculate the interior angle at A.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 8

30^o
GCSE Quiz False

45^o
GCSE Quiz False

90^o
GCSE Quiz False

135^o
GCSE Quiz True

The sum of angles in a quadrilateral is 360^{o}.

 

\begin{aligned} 3x+x+90+90&=360\\\\ 4x+180&=360\\\\ 4x&=180\\\\ x&=45 \end{aligned}

 

3x=3\times{45}=105^{o}

9. Calculate the interior angle of a regular octagon.

22.5^o
GCSE Quiz False

45^o
GCSE Quiz False

135^o
GCSE Quiz True

180^o
GCSE Quiz False
S_{8}=180(8-2)=180\times{6}=1080.

 

1080\div{8}=135^{o}

10. Which diagram only needs us to use alternate angles to determine the value of x?

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 image 1

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 image 2

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 image 3

GCSE Quiz True

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 image 4

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 image 5

GCSE Quiz False

BJH is alternate to JKL.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 explanation image 1

 

JKL is alternate to KLF.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 10 explanation image 2

11. Which diagram needs us to use corresponding angles to determine the value of x?

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 image 6

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 image 2

GCSE Quiz True

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 image 3

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 image 4

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 image 5

GCSE Quiz False

BJH is corresponding to KJF.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 explanation image 1

 

The sum of angles in a triangle is 180^o and so angle

 

JKF = 180-(80 + 25) = 75.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 explanation image 2

 

Angle JKL is corresponding to HIK.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 11 explanation image 3

12. Which diagram uses co-interior angles to calculate the value of x?

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 image 1

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 image 2

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 image 3

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 image 4

GCSE Quiz False

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 image 5

GCSE Quiz True

DJI is co-interior to BIJ.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 image 6

 

125-42 = 83.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 explanation image 2

 

EF is a straight line. The sum of angles on a straight line is 180^{o}.

 

180-83 = 97^{o}.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB practice question 12 explanation image 3

Angles GCSE questions

1. A sock design requires four colours of thread. The pie chart below shows the proportion of each colour.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB GSCE Question 1

 

The ratio of white to yellow is 2:1. What fraction of the thread is white?

 

(4 marks)

Show answer
360-(90+30)=240

(1)

240 \div (2+1)=80

(1)

80 \times 2=160^o

(1)

\frac{160}{360}

(1)

2. ABC and ACD are two congruent isosceles triangles.

Show that the angle BCD is double the angle BAD.

State any angle rules you use.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB GSCE Question 2

 

(5 marks)

Show answer

BAC = ABC = 20^o and base angles in an isosceles triangle are equal.

(1)

ACB = 180-(20 + 20) = 140^o and the sum of angles in a triangle is 180^{o}.

(1)

ACD = ACB = 140^o and the two triangles are congruent.

(1)

BAD = 20 + 20 = 40^o and the two triangles are congruent.

(1)

BCD = 360-(140 + 140) = 80^o and the sum of angles at a point is 360^{o}.

(1)

3. Below are the three lines AB, \ CD, and EF, intersected by the line GH.

Show that the lines AB, \ CD, and EF are not parallel.

 

Angles - SUPER HUB GSCE Question 3

 

(7 marks)

Show answer

Method 1

If AB and CD are parallel, 4x+2x+5=180.

(1)

DJK is corresponding to BIJ.

(1)

The sum of angles on a straight line total 180^{o}.

(1)

x=29.1\dot{6}

(1)

and

2x+5=3x-15

(1)

x=20

(1)

and

x must be the same for both equations.

(1)

 

Alternative Method

If AB and EF are parallel, 4x+3x-15=180.

(1)

FKH is corresponding to BIJ.

(1)

The sum of angles on a straight line total 180^{o}.

(1)

x=27.86 \ (2dp)

(1)

and

2x+5=3x-15

(1)

x=20

(1)

and

x must be the same for both equations.

(1)

Learning checklist

You have now learned how to:

  • Recognise angles as a property of shape or a description of a turn
  • Apply the properties of angles at a point, angles at a point on a straight line, and vertically opposite angles
  • Derive and use the sum of angles in a triangle and use it to deduce the angle sum in any polygon, and to derive properties of regular polygons
  • Distinguish between regular and irregular polygons based on reasoning about equal sides and angles
  • Understand and use the relationship between parallel lines and alternate and corresponding angles

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