Defining Vertical Angles

Let us consider the intersection of two lines. In the image there are two lines AB and
CD intersecting at the point O.

Also in the image, ∠AOC and ∠BOD, and, ∠COB and ∠AOD are vertical
angles and are also known as vertically opposite angles. So, whenever two lines
intersect there are two pairs of vertical angles that are formed at the point of
intersection of the two lines.

Explaining the Vertical Angles Theorem

The vertical angle theorem states that the vertical angles that are formed when two
lines intersect are congruent.

From the image we can understand that:

 ∠AOC = ∠BOD = ∠x
  ∠COB = ∠AOD = ∠y
These two equations are proved by the vertical angle theorem.

Proving the Vertical Angle Theorem

In order to prove the vertical angle theorem let us consider the example mentioned
earlier in this article.

In the image lines AB and CD intersect at point O.

Angles formed:

 ∠AOC = ∠1
 ∠AOD = ∠2
 ∠DOB = ∠3

Statement 1:
∠1 + ∠2 = 180° – Linear pair of angles are supplementary

Statement 2:
∠2 + ∠3 = 180° – Linear pair of angles are supplementary

Statement 3:
∠1 + ∠2 = ∠2 + ∠3 = 180° – As mentioned in Statements 1 and 2
Statement 4:
∠1 = ∠3 – Subtracting ∠2 from both sides of the equation

Hence, the opposite pairs of vertical angles are equal:

∠AOC = ∠DOB.

Rapid Recall

Solved Examples
[Note:The images are representative and the actual angles may be different.]

Example 1:
Find the value of ‘x’ and the value of the vertical angles in the following images:

1. If ∠KNH is 2x + 20 and ∠KNI is 3x – 15

2. If ∠QFS is 2x + 22 and ∠QFR is 2x + 14

Solution

1. If ∠KNH is 2x + 20 and ∠KNI is 3x – 15

Solving to find x:
∠KNH + ∠KNI = 180° [Pair of linear angles]

(2x + 20) + (3x – 15) = 180° [Substituting the values]

2x + 3x + 20 – 15 = 180° [Grouping like terms]

5x + 5 = 180° [Simplify]

5x = 175 [Subtracting 5 from both sides]

x = 35 [Simplify]

So, 2x + 20 = 90° = ∠KNH

3x – 15 = 90° = ∠KNI

Hence all four vertical angles are 90° in measure.

2. If ∠QFS is 2x +22 and ∠QFR is 2x + 14

Solving to find x:

∠QFS + ∠QFR = 180° [Pair of linear angles]

(2x + 22)+ (2x + 14) = 180° [Substituting the values]

2x + 2x + 22 + 14 = 180° [Grouping like terms]

4x + 36 = 180° [Simplify]

4x = 144 [Subtracting 36 from both sides]

x = 36 [Simplify]
So, 2x + 22 = 94° = ∠QFS

2x + 14 = 86°= ∠QFR

Hence:
∠QFS = ∠RFP = 94°
∠QFR = ∠PFS = 86°

Example 2:
Find the value of ‘a’ and ‘b’ from from the following images:

A.

B.

Solution
A.
36 + b = 180° [Pair of linear angles]

b = 144° [Simplify]

So, a = 144° [Pair of vertical angles]

Hence:
∠a = ∠b = 144°

B.

∠a = 112° [Pair of vertical angles]

112 + b = 180° [Pair of linear angles]

b = 68° [Simplify]

Hence:
∠a = 112°
∠b = 68°