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Higher - Angles
infoWhy this? Angle facts and circle theorems allow us to deduce relationships that a diagram alone cannot establish. Linking facts about polygons, parallel lines, bearings, and circles develops clear geometric arguments, including algebraic solutions supported by explicit reasons.
scheduleWhy now? Following trigonometry, this unit consolidates the angle reasoning used in triangles and bearings and extends it to circle theorems. It also connects with Year 10 work on tangents and perpendicular lines, strengthening deductive reasoning before later constructions and similarity.
neurologyYou need to know
- The angles in a triangle add up to `180^\circ`.
- A polygon with `n` sides can be split from one vertex into `n-2` triangles.
- The sum of the interior angles of an `n`-sided polygon is `(n-2) \times 180^\circ`.
- The exterior angles of any convex polygon add up to `360^\circ`, one at each vertex.
- In a regular polygon, all sides are equal and all interior angles are equal.
- Each interior angle of a regular `n`-sided polygon is `\frac{(n-2) \times 180^\circ}{n}`.
- Each exterior angle of a regular `n`-sided polygon is `\frac{360^\circ}{n}`.
- An interior angle and its adjacent exterior angle in a polygon add up to `180^\circ` because they form a straight line.
- Corresponding angles in parallel lines are equal.
- Alternate angles in parallel lines are equal.
- Co-interior angles in parallel lines add up to `180^\circ`.
- Vertically opposite angles are equal.
- The base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
- Bearings are measured clockwise from north and are written as three figures, such as `047^\circ` or `120^\circ`.
- The angle at the centre of a circle is twice the angle at the circumference when both angles stand on the same arc.
- Angles at the circumference in the same segment of a circle are equal.
- The angle in a semicircle is `90^\circ`.
- Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add up to `180^\circ`.
- The radius of a circle meets a tangent at `90^\circ` at the point of contact.
- The angle between a tangent and a chord is equal to the angle in the alternate segment.
rocket_launchYou must be able to
- Deduce the interior angle sum of a polygon by splitting it into triangles and using `(n-2) \times 180^\circ`.
- Find missing angles in irregular polygons by combining the polygon angle sum with straight-line, full-turn and vertically opposite angle facts.
- Calculate each interior angle of a regular polygon using `\frac{(n-2) \times 180^\circ}{n}` and state the answer in degrees.
- Calculate each exterior angle of a regular polygon using `\frac{360^\circ}{n}` and use interior plus exterior equals `180^\circ` when needed.
- Identify and label corresponding, alternate and co-interior angles in parallel lines, giving a correct reason for each angle found.
- Solve multi-step angle problems by selecting and linking facts about triangles, isosceles triangles, polygons, parallel lines and angles around points.
- Draw and interpret bearings by measuring clockwise from north, using three-figure notation and accurate angle construction.
- Apply individual circle theorems to find missing angles, giving the theorem as the reason.
- Combine several circle theorems with other angle facts to solve multi-step circle geometry problems.
- Use algebra in circle theorem problems by forming equations from angle relationships, solving for the unknown, and substituting back to find required angles.