Alternate Exterior Angles Theorem

Pronunciation: /ˈɔl.tər.nɪt ɪkˈstɪər.i.ər ˈæŋ.gəlz ˈθɪər.əm/ Explain

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Manipulative 1 - Alternate Interior Angles Created with GeoGebra.

The Alternate Interior Angles Theorem states that if two parallel lines are cut by a transversal, then each pair of alternate interior angles is congruent.

Two parallel lines labeled 'a' and 'b'. A transversal line intersects both parallel lines. Eight angles formed by the intersections of the transversal with the parallel lines are labeled. On the lower intersection, starting with the upper right angle and going clockwise, the intersections are labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. On the upper intersection, starting with the upper right angle and going clockwise, the angles are labeled 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Figure 2: Transversal.

The Transitivity of Congruence of Angles Theorem states that if two angles are congruent to the same angle, they are congruent to each other. In this case since ∠1 ≅ ∠5 and ∠5 ≅ ∠7, then ∠1 ≅ ∠7.
Proof of the Alternate Interior Angles Theorem
StepDescriptionJustification
1 a || b This is a criterion, a necessary condition.
2 ∠1 ≅ ∠5 The Parallel Line Postulate states that, given a transversal of parallel lines, corresponding angles are congruent.
3 ∠5 ≅ ∠7 The Vertical Angle Congruence Theorem states that vertical angles are always congruent.
4 ∠1 ≅ ∠7
5 ∠2 ≅ ∠8
Q.E.D.		 A similar argument can be made to show that ∠2 ≅ ∠8.
Table 1: Proof of the Alternate Interior Angles Theorem

References

  1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, Alternate Exterior Angles Theorem. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 13. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

 McAdams, David E. Alternate Exterior Angles Theorem. 4/11/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/a/altexterioranglestheorem.html.

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Revision History

4/11/2019: Changed equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
6/13/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
5/5/2011: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)

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