Corresponding angles

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In order to access this I need to be confident with:

Angle rules Angles in a triangles Angles in a quadrilateral Forming and solving equations

This topic is relevant for:

GCSE Maths Geometry and Measure Angles Angles In Parallel Lines

Corresponding Angles

Here we will learn about corresponding angles including how to recognise when angles are corresponding and apply this to solve problems.

There are also angles in parallel lines 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 corresponding angles?

Corresponding angles are angles that occur on the same side of the transversal line and are equal in size. They are either both obtuse or both acute.

Corresponding angles are equal

We can often spot corresponding angles by drawing an F shape.

What are corresponding angles?

How to calculate with corresponding angles

In order to calculate with corresponding angles:

Highlight the angle(s) that you already know.
Use corresponding angles to find a missing angle.
Use a basic angle fact to calculate the missing angle.

How to calculate with corresponding angles

Corresponding angles worksheet

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

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Corresponding angles worksheet

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

DOWNLOAD FREE

Corresponding angles examples

Example 1: corresponding angles

Calculate the size of the missing angle θ. Justify your answer.

Highlight the angle(s) that you already know.

2 Use corresponding angles to find a missing angle.

Here we can label the corresponding angle on the diagram as 75°.

3Use a basic angle fact to calculate the missing angle.

Here θ is on a straight line with 75^°

\[\begin{aligned} \theta&=180^{\circ}-75^{\circ} \\ \theta&=105^{\circ} \end{aligned}\]

Example 2: corresponding angles

Calculate the size of the missing angle θ. Justify your answer.

Highlight the angle(s) that you already know.

Use corresponding angles to find a missing angle.

We can identify two new angles of 63^° and 56^° by using corresponding angles.

Use a basic angle fact to calculate the missing angle.

As the sum of angles in a triangle is 180^°,

\[\begin{aligned} \theta&=180^{\circ}-\left(63^{\circ}+56^{\circ}\right) \\ \theta&=61^{\circ} \end{aligned}\]

Example 3: corresponding angles with algebra

Calculate the size of the missing angle θ. Justify your answer.

Highlight the angle(s) that you already know.

Here we need to find the value for x to find the value of θ.

Use corresponding angles to find a missing angle.

The relative position of the two angles 4x -14 and 3x+7 make them corresponding angles. This allows us to find the value of x as the two angles are equal:

\[\begin{aligned} 4x-14&=3 x+7 \\ 4x&=3x+21 \\ x&=21^{\circ} \end{aligned}\]

As x = 21^°, we have the two angles 4x – 14 = 3x + 7 = 70^°.

Use a basic angle fact to calculate the missing angle.

Here we can combine the fact that we have an isosceles triangle and the sum of angles on a straight line is 180^°.

As the triangle is isosceles with the base of the triangle on one parallel line, the angles either side of the top vertex of the triangle are symmetrical (this can also be calculated using the alternate angle rule).
These angles form a straight line, and as angles on a straight line add to 180 we can therefore find θ:

\[\begin{aligned} \theta&=180-(70+70) \\ \theta&=40^{\circ} \end{aligned}\]

Common misconceptions

Mixing up angle facts

There are a lot of angle facts and it is easy to mistake alternate angles with corresponding angles. To prevent this from occurring, think about corresponding angles as being underneath the F shape.

Using a protractor to measure an angle

Most diagrams are not to scale and so using a protractor will not result in a correct answer.

Corresponding angles is part of our series of lessons to support revision on angles in parallel lines. You may find it helpful to start with the main angles in parallel lines lesson for a summary of what to expect, or use the step by step guides below for further detail on individual topics. Other lessons in this series include:

Practice corresponding angles questions

\theta=96^{\circ}

\theta=84^{\circ}

\theta=264^{\circ}

\theta=74^{\circ}

Using corresponding angles, we can see the angle $96^{\circ}$ . We can then use angles on a straight line: $\theta=180-96=84^{\circ}$ .

\theta=72^{\circ}

\theta=36^{\circ}

\theta=108^{\circ}

\theta=144^{\circ}

Using corresponding angles, we can see the angle $\theta=72^{\circ}$ . We can then use angles on a straight line: $\theta=180-72=108^{\circ}$

\theta=60^{\circ}

\theta=58^{\circ}

\theta=62^{\circ}

\theta=122^{\circ}

We start by calculating the missing angle in the triangle: $180-(62+60)=58$ . We can then use corresponding angles to see that $\theta=58^{\circ}$ .

\theta=106^{\circ}

\theta=95^{\circ}

\theta=117^{\circ}

\theta=65^{\circ}

Using corresponding angles, we can see that $\theta$ is corresponding to $106+11$ therefore $\theta=106+11=117^{\circ}$

\theta=12^{\circ}

\theta=97^{\circ}

\theta=109^{\circ}

\theta=85^{\circ}

Using corresponding angles, we can see the angle $97^{\circ}$ . Since vertically opposite angles are equal, the angle opposite is also $97^{\circ}$ . Using corresponding angles we can also see the angle $12^{\circ}$ . Then $\theta=97-12=85^{\circ}$ .

45^{\circ} \text{ and } 45^{\circ}

45^{\circ} \text{ and } 135^{\circ}

30^{\circ} \text{ and } 20^{\circ}

50^{\circ} \text{ and } 50^{\circ}

$3x$ and $5x-30$ are corresponding angles and so are equal. Therefore we can write $3x=5x-30$ .
We can then solve this:
$\begin{aligned} 3x&=5x-30\\ 0&=2x-30\\ 30&=2x\\ 15&=x \end{aligned}$
$\begin{array}{l} 3\times 15 = 45^{\circ}\\ 5\times 15-30 = 45^{\circ} \end{array}$

Corresponding Angles GCSE questions

(a) Work out the size of angle m. Give reasons for your answer.

(b) Work out the size of angle n.

(4 marks)

Show answer

(a) m and 74 $^{\circ}$ are corresponding

(1)

m=74^{\circ}

(1)

(b) Corresponding angles are equal:

(1)

Angles on a straight line add to 180 so,
$180-74=106^{\circ}$

(1)

(a) Work out the size of angle a.

(b) Work out the size of angle b.

(3 marks)

Show answer

(a) $a=37^{\circ}$ as corresponding angles are equal

(1)

(b) $98^{\circ}$ is corresponding with $b+37^{\circ}$
so $b+37=98$

(1)

b=61^{\circ}

(1)

3. Work out the value of $x$ .

(3 marks)

Show answer

Opposite angles equal

(1)

$2x+9=4x-3$ as corresponding angles are equal

(1)

\begin{aligned} 2x+9&=4x-3\\ 9&=2x-3\\ 12&=2x\\ 6&=x \end{aligned}

(1)

Learning checklist

You have now learned how to:

Apply the properties of angles at a point, angles at a point on a straight line, vertically opposite angles

Understand and use the relationship between parallel lines and alternate and corresponding angles

The next lessons are

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