prove that opposite angles formed by two intersecting lines are of equal measure
Answers
In a pair of intersecting lines the vertically opposite angles are equal.
Proof: Consider two lines AB←→ and CD←→ which intersect each other at O. The two pairs of vertical angles are:
i) ∠AOD and ∠COB
ii) ∠AOC and ∠BOD
Vertically opposite angles
It can be seen that ray OA¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ stands on the line CD←→ and according to Linear Pair Axiom, if a ray stands on a line, then the adjacent angles form a linear pair of angles.
Therefore, ∠AOD + ∠AOC = 180° —(1) (Linear pair of angles)
Similarly, OC¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ stands on the line AB←→.
Therefore, ∠AOC + ∠BOC = 180° —(2) (Linear pair of angles)
From (1) and (2),
∠AOD + ∠AOC = ∠AOC + ∠BOC
⇒ ∠AOD = ∠BOC —(3)
Also, OD¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ stands on the line AB←→.
Therefore, ∠AOD + ∠BOD = 180° —(4) (Linear pair of angles)
From (1) and (4),
∠AOD + ∠AOC = ∠AOD + ∠BOD
⇒ ∠AOC = ∠BOD —(5)
Thus, the pair of opposite angles are equal.
Hence, proved.
Solved Example
Consider the figure given below to understand this concept.
Vertically Opposite Angles - Example
In the given figure ∠AOC = ∠BOD and ∠COB = ∠AOD(Vertical Angles)
⇒ ∠BOD = 105° and ∠AOD = 75°
A pair of vertically opposite angles are always equal to each other. Also, a vertical angle and its adjacent angle are supplementary angles, i.e., they add up to 180 degrees. For example, if two lines intersect and make an angle, say X=45°, then its opposite angle is also equal to 45°.