Angles and Parallel Lines

What the resources cover

The unit starts with the idea of parallel lines: two lines in a plane that never meet. Several mind maps called Parallel Lines set out the definition and the properties that follow from it. Others, such as Angles in parallel lines and Angles between parallel lines, focus on the angles made when a line crosses a pair of parallels.

Alongside these sit maps on wider angle work: Angle Rules, Angle Pair Relationships, Right Angles, Measuring angles and Bearings.

Where to start

1. Open a Parallel Lines mind map to see the definition and key properties.
2. Read the Pairs of Angles note, which explains vertically opposite and corresponding angles.
3. Look at the three slide sets on corresponding, alternate and allied angles, one for each angle pair.
4. Work through the slide set Find the angles - parallel lines, where co-interior angles are added to make a straight-line total, then used to find the missing angle.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. The quiz Angles begins with basic vocabulary such as acute angles and perpendicular lines. The Chp 3 Geometry Quiz asks you to find a value of x when two lines are parallel, so you need to choose the right angle pair and then solve.

If a question catches you out, go back to the matching map or slide set and try again. Flashcard decks such as Parallel and Perpendicular Flyswatter Game and Parallel Lines Reasons help you learn the names and reasons you will need to write down.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Geometry, Measurement and Trigonometry strand of Mathematics. Most of the material is aimed at secondary school students, and one or more resources mention GCSE Maths. Teachers can use the maps, slides and quizzes as ready-made starting points for lessons or revision.

Choose one resource that matches what you are stuck on, then try a quiz to see how it went.