GEOMETRIC REASONING
GEOMETRIC
REASONING
THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
PYTHAGORAS THEORM p 94
1. Label the two short sides of the
triangle a and b and the long side c
2. Substitute the known values into
a 2 + b 2 = c 2 and solve
TRIGONOMETRY:
FINDING AN ANGLE p 102
Use to find an angle from two sides
1. Label each side (O, A or H)
2. Cross out one letter
3. Select SOH, CAH, or TOA
4. Draw triangle
5. Substitute lengths in with inverse
sign and brackets
6. Write equation and solve to find the
other length.
Bearings: Problems involving bearings
are very similar to trigonometry prob-
lems except angles are given as clock-
wise from north and written with three
numbers e.g. 030 for 30°
GEOMETRIC
REASONING IN
SOLVING PROBLEMS
4 CREDITS (91031)
TRIGONOMETRY:
FINDING A LENGTH p 98
Use to find a length from an angle and
a length
1. Label each side (O, A or H)
2. Cross out one letter
3. Select SOH, CAH, or TOA
4. Draw triangle
5. Substitute numbers in
6. Write equation and solve to find the
other length.
Bearings: Problems involving bearings
are very similar to trigonometry prob-
lems except angles are given as clock-
wise from north and written with three
numbers e.g. 030 for 30°
SIMILAR SHAPES p 106
1. Substitute in numbers and solve:
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
=
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large)
2. If two shapes have the same angles
then they are similar shapes and will
be in proportion to each other
PAGE 91
ANGLES OF POLYGONS p 110
• The interior angles of a polygon add to 180(n – 2)°, where n is
the number of sides
(int ∠, sum of polygon)
• If a shape is regular (all the sides and angles are the same) to
find each interior angle divide the sum of the interior angles by
the number of sides.
• The exterior angle is the angle between any side of a shape, and
a line extended from the next side.
• The exterior angles of a polygon add to 360°
(ext ∠, sum of polygon)
a + b + c + d + e + f = 360°

ANGLES AROUND INTERSECTING LINES p 113

1. Adjacent angles on a straight line add to 180° ( ∠ s on str. line)
a + b + c = 180°

2. Angles at a point add to 360°

( ∠ s at pt)
a + b + c + d = 360°
3. Vertically opposite angles are equal
(vert opp ∠ s)
a = c and b = d

ANGLES OF PARALLEL LINES p 116

• Corresponding angles on parallel lines are equal
(corr ∠ s // lines)
a=b

• Alternate angles on parallel lines are equal

(alt ∠ s, // lines)
a=b
• Co-interior angles on parallel lines are supplementary
(add to 180°)
(co-int ∠ s, // lines)
a + b = 180°

PAGE 92
 GEOMETRIC REASONING
ANGLES WITHIN CIRCLES p 119
• Angles on the same arc are equal
a=b
(∠s on same arc)
• The angle at the centre is equal to twice the angle at the circumference
on the same arc
2c = d
(∠ at centre)
• The angle in a semicircle is a right angle This is a special case of the
above rule
(∠ in semicircle)

• The angle where the radius meets the tangent is 90°

(rad ⊥ tgt)

• Two tangents coming from the same point are equal (same length and
angles)
(tangs from a point)

• The angle between a chord and a tangent equals the angle in the alter-
nate segment. a = d, c = b.
(∠ in alt seg)

• Remember any chord forms an isosceles triangle with the centre.

ABO and OBC are isosceles triangles.

• Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add to 180°

(opp ∠s cyclic quad)
a + c = 180°, b + d = 180°

• The exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal to the interior oppo-

site angle. a = b
(ext ∠ cyclic quad)

Note: Problems may rely on knowledge from earlier geometric

reasoning sections

PAGE 93
PYTHAGORAS THEORM
SUMMARY a +b = c
2 2 2

1. Use this when 2 sides of a right angled triangle are known and the 3rd is
required. a and b are the short sides and c is the long side.
2. Steps and example:
3. Label the two shorter sides a and
b and the longest side c

a 2 + b2 = c2
4. Substitute into a + b = c
2 2 2

32 + 42 = c 2
known values and solve to find the 9 + 16 = c 2 = 25
length of the other side c=5
For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

NCEA QUESTIONS
1. The triangle FGH is part of a frame for a climbing OT is 90 cm long. OP is 70 cm long.
net. Find the length of PT, x, the distance between the
pole and a support along the ground.
3. Ali and Rob are designing a triathlon course.

HF = 4.4m and the distance along the ground,

HG = 6.2m
Calculate the length of the side of the frame FG.
2. a. The swim leg is around a triangular course ABC.
AB is 250 m. BC is 100 m. The angle at B is 90°.
Calculate the length of AC.

b. The cycle leg is around a triangular course DEF.

A child’s practice goal post has one pole and two EF is 2.1 km.
supports, as shown above, to the left. The two FD is 3.4 km.
supports are each 90 cm long. The pole is always The angle at E is 90°.
perpendicular to the ground. Calculate the length of DE.
The diagram above right, shows the view from the
side.

PAGE 94
 GEOMETRIC REASONING
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
4. There is a bush walk in the Waipoua State Forest 6.
near the large kauri tree, Tane Mahuta (T).
a.

The diagram shows a farm gate.

Angle WXZ is a right angle.
The width of the gate WX is 3.1 m.
The height of the gate XZ is 1.25 m.
Find the length of the brace WZ.

7.
James stands at S, 8 m away from Tane Mahuta
(T).
FT, the height of the lowest branch is 12 m
above ground level.
Calculate the length of SF, the distance of James
from the lowest branch.
Lisa wanted to fly a remote control aeroplane from
b. A to C but there was a tree in the way so instead
she flew it from A to B to C. Calculate the distance
she flew.

8.

James walks 200 metres North from Tane

Mahuta, point T, to point N.
He then walks west until point W, ending up
600 metres from T.
Sam the dog likes pacing around the back yard. He
Calculate how far James walks to the West,
goes along two fence lines then makes a diagonal
WN.
back to where he started. What is the total distance
5. he travels?
9. A cuboid has a base measuring 10 cm by 12 cm. The
cuboid is 14 cm high.

A flag pole FP is 22 metres high.

A cable FC 36 metres long helps secure the pole.
What is the distance of point C from the base of the
tower P? The cuboid manages to fit exactly inside a sphere.
What would the diameter of the sphere have to be?

PAGE 95
 ANSWERS
NCEA 6. WZ 2 = WX 2 + XZ 2
1. HF 2 + FG 2 = HG 2 WZ 2 = 3.12 + 1.252
FG 2 = HG 2 − HF 2 WZ = 3.12 + 1.252
FG 2 = 6.22 − 4.42 = 3.34 m (2 dp)
(Achieved)
FG = 4.37
(Achieved)
7. AB 2 = 82 + 122
2. PT 2 + OP 2 = OT 2 AB = 82 + 122
2 2 2
x + 70 = 90
= 14.4 m (1 dp)
x 2 = 902 − 702 = 3200
BC = 42 + 32
2

x = 3200 = 56.6 cm (1 dp)

(Achieved) AB = 42 + 32
3. a. =5 m
AB 2 + BC 2 = CA2 Distance = 14.4 + 5 = 19.4 m (Merit)
2 2 2
CA = 250 + 100
8. Diag 2 = 7 2 + 92
2 2
CA = 250 + 100
= 269.3 m (1 dp)
(Achieved) Diag = 7 2 + 92
= 11.4 m (1 dp)
b. DE 2 + EF 2 = FD 2 Distance = 11.4 + 7 + 9 = 27.4 m
DE 2 = FD 2 − EF 2 (Merit)
DE = 3.4 − 2.1 2 2
9. The longest distance is between opposite corners
= 2.67 km (2 dp)
(Achieved) of the box A and C.

PRACTICE
4. a. SF 2 = ST 2 + FT 2
SF 2 = 82 + 122
SF = 82 + 122
= 14.4 m (1 dp)
(Achieved)

b. TW 2 = WN 2 + NT 2
WN 2 = TW 2 − NT 2
WN 2 = 6002 − 2002 This can be found using two right angled triangles.
2 2 First finding length AB then finding length AC.
WN = 600 − 200
= 565.7 m (1 dp)
(Achieved) AB 2 = 102 + 122
AB = 102 + 122
5. FC 2 = FP 2 + CP 2 = 15.62 cm (2 dp)
CP 2 = FC 2 − FP 2 AC = 142 + 15.622
2

CP 2 = 362 − 222
AC = 142 + 15.622
2 2
CP = 36 − 22 = 20.98 cm (2 dp)
= 28.5 m (1 dp)
(Achieved) Therefore the diameter of the sphere is 20.98 cm.
(Excellence)

PAGE 96
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

Study Tip:
Last Minute Study
If you are running out of time:
• Focus on topics that came up often in class
• Don’t bother studying topics that haven’t been covered in
class. They probably won’t be in the exam
• The LearnCoach summaries are a good place to start!

PAGE 97
TRIGONOMETRY: FINDING
A LENGTH
SUMMARY
1. Use when 1 length and one angle of a right angled triangle is know and a second
length is required.
2. Steps and example:
3. Label each side (O, A or H)
4. Cross out one side
5. Select SOH, CAH, or TOA SOH
6. Draw triangle
7. Substitute numbers in

8. Write equation and solve to find x = 10 × sin 30

the other length. =5 m
• Note: Problems involving bearings are very similar to trigonometry problems
except angles are given as clockwise from north and written with three numbers
e.g. 030 for 30° For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

OLD NCEA QUESTIONS

1. A balloon, A, is tied to the ground by the rope
labelled TA.

a. Calculate the height of the shed.

b. Calculate the width of the shed.
The wind is strong and causes the rope, TA, to
make a straight line. The balloon is 40 m above the 3. A ladder has two legs AB and AC. Each leg is 1.8m
ground. The rope TA makes an angle of 26° with the long. Angle ABD = 113°
ground.
Calculate the length of the rope, TA.
2. A shed in the playground has a roof that is 3.6 m
long.
0.4 m of the roof overhangs the wall. The roof is at
an angle of 40° to the horizontal.
The walls of the shed are 3.8 m high.

Calculate the length of c.

PAGE 98

4. A 35 m long bridge BE crosses a river.
The width of the river is BC.
Angle EBC is 18°.
Calculate the length of EC.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
6. Riggers were putting up a circus tent and the first
job is to put up the main centre pole. The pole is
65 m high. 10 m from the top it has a support wire
attached. The support wire is supposed to be at an
angle of 48° to the main pole (ABC).
Calculate the distance away from the pole that the
support wire should be attached (AC).
7. When watching the circus Kim is sitting at K, 25 m
away from the area under where the trapeze artists
are performing, B.
She looks up at them with an angle of an angle of
63°. Calculate how high up the trapeze artists are,
TB.
8. The triangle DEF shows a cross-section of the roof
of a house.
GEOMETRIC REASONING
5. An orienteering course is planned from point O. The
first leg to a point marked A is 120 m on a bearing of
030°. The second leg begins at A and ends at point
B. B is on a bearing of 120° and 110 m from A.
Calculate the distance from O to B giving reasons
for each step.
The house is 6 m wide.
The pitch of one side of the roof, angle EDF, is 27°.
The owners want to put a solar panel on the side EF.
What is the maximum length it could be?
9. The top of a cliff is 40 m above sea level.
A person on a boat floating in the sea manages to
spot a person standing on the cliff when they look
at an angle of 17°
How far is the boat from the cliffs?
10. Ali, Rob, and Sarah are doing a triathlon course.
Ali is doing the running leg of the course.
From the start point, A, she runs 800 m at a bearing
of 060°.
She then runs a distance at a bearing of 150° until
her bearing is 097° from her original position.
Calculate Ali’s distance from the start point A to her
current position.
PAGE 99
 ANSWERS
NCEA 5. Angle OAB = 90°
1. Using SOH
corresponding angles parallel lines
Substituting: 40 Sum of angles on a straight line = 180°
sin 26 TA Length OB = 1202 + 1102

= 162.8 m (1 dp) (Merit)
40
TA = = 91.25 m (2 dp) (Merit)
sin 26° PRACTICE
2. a. Using SOH 6. Using TOA
O Substituting:
AC
Substituting:
3.6 65
sin 40 - 0.4 tan 48 -10

O = 3.2 × sin 40 = 2.06 (2 dp) AC = 55 × tan 48 = 61.1 m (1 dp)

(Achieved)
Height = 2.06 + 3.8 = 5.86 m
b. Using CAH 7. Using TOA
Substituting: TB
Substituting: A
3.6 tan 63 25
cos 40 - 0.4 =TB 25
= tan 63 49.1 m (1 dp) (Achieved)

A = 3.2 × cos 40 = 2.45 (2 dp)
Width = 2 × 2.45 = 4.90 m 8. Using SOH
(Achieved - a or b correct) Substituting: KM
(Merit - a and b correct, any method)
(Excellence - a and b correct, sin 27 6
correct working)
KM = 6 × sin 27 = 2.72 m (2
dp) (Achieved)
3.
9. Using TOA
Substituting: A
tan 17 40
40
=A = 130.8 m (1 dp)
(Achieved)
Split into two right angled triangles and solve tan 17
Angle ABC = 180 – 113 = 67° (angles on a line)
Using CAH
10.
Substituting: A
cos 67 1.8
A = 1.8 × cos 67 = 0.7 (1 dp)
c = 2 × 0.70 = 1.4 m
(Merit - Answer without support)
(Excellence - Answer with support)
4. Using SOH The change in direction is 90° (Co-interior angles,
Substituting: EC parallel lines and angles at a point)
Using TOA
sin 18 35 Substituting:
x
EC = 35 × sin 18 = 10.8 m (1
dp) (Achieved)
cos 37 800
800
=x = 1001.7 m (1 dp)
(Excellence)
cos 37

PAGE 100
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

Study Tip:
Evaluation
After Each Exam ask yourself:
• Where did most of the questions come from?
• Which parts ate up most of my time?
• Was I anxious during the exam? If so why?
• What could I do differently next time?

PAGE 101
TRIGONOMETRY: FINDING
AN ANGLE
SUMMARY
1. Use when 2 lengths of a right angled triangle are known and an angle is required
2. Steps and example:
3. Label each side (O, A or H)
4. Cross out one side
5. Select SOH, CAH, or TOA SOH
6. Draw triangle
7. Substitute lengths in with inverse
sign and brackets (4
sin-1 10)
 4
8. Write equation and solve to find x = sin −1  
the angle.  10 
= 23.6° (1 dp)
• Note: Problems involving bearings are very similar to trigonometry problems
except angles are given as clockwise from north and written with three numbers
e.g. 030 for 30° For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

OLD NCEA QUESTIONS

1. The triangle FGH is part of a frame for a climbing 3.
net.

HF = 4.4 m and the distance along the ground,

HG = 6.2 m. Calculate the angle the frame makes
with the ground at FGH.
2. A cuboid has a base measuring 5 cm by 6 cm. The
cuboid is 7 cm high.
What is the angle between the line AB shown and
the 5 cm edge of the cuboid?
A child’s practice goal post has one pole and two
supports, as shown above, to the left.
The two supports are each 90 cm long.
The pole is always perpendicular to the ground.
The diagram above right, shows the view from the
side.
OT is 90 cm long.
OP is 70 cm long.
Calculate the size of angle PTO.

PAGE 102
 GEOMETRIC REASONING
4. The diagram shows a square pyramid, with base 5. An orienteering course is planned from point O. The
ABCD. first leg to a point marked A is 120 m on a bearing of
030°. The second leg begins at A and ends at point
B. B is on a bearing of 120° and 110 m from A.

Each side of the base is 220 metres long.

FG = 110 m
The height of the pyramid EF is 140 m. Calculate the bearing of the starting point O from
Calculate the angle EGF. the finish B.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
6.

Ben bought a new fridge but wants to use a shelf

from the old one as there are not many shelves in
the new fridge.
The problem is that the new fridge is narrower than Calculate Ali’s bearing from the start point A to the
the old one. The old shelf, AB, is 84 cm long. end point of the run.
When he fits it into the new fridge it sits at an angle
with one end 4 cm above the other.
9.
Calculate the angle the shelf AB makes with the
horizontal AC.
7. A carver was given a wooden block and asked
to replicate it. The base is a horizontal regular
hexagon, with sides of 6 cm shown in the diagrams
and a height of 25 cm.
[A regular hexagon is a polygon made up from 6
equilateral triangles.]

A pool player needs to hit a ball into a corner

pocket. It sits 81 cm from the back wall and 62 cm
from the side wall. What angle does the ball need
to travel at to be sunk?

10.

Calculate the angle between each triangular face of

the block and the horizontal hexagon base.
8. Ali and Rob are designing a triathlon course. A plywood bike jump was created with a 1.5 m long
Ali is doing the running leg of the course. angled ramp and that is 0.3 m high. At what angle
From the start point, A, she runs 800 m at a bearing does the rider ride up at?
of 060°.
She then runs 600 m at a bearing of 150°.

PAGE 103
 ANSWERS
NCEA 7. There are two steps to this. First
calculate the distance from the
1. Using SOH edge of the base to the centre,
Substituting: (4.4 then find the angle.
Step 1: Either
sin-1 6.2) x = 62 − 32
  4.4 = 5.20 m (2 dp)
G = sin −1

 = 45.2°
 (Achieved)
OR
 6.2  x
2. Using TOA tan 60 3
Substituting: 6 x = 3 tan 60 = 5.20 m (2 dp)
tan 5) -1 OR
x
6
θ = tan −1   = 50.2° (1 dp)
(Achieved) sin 60 6
5 x = 6 sin 60 = 5.20 m (2 dp)
3. Using SOH Step 2:
Substituting: (70 Using TOA
(25
Substituting:
-1
sin 90) tan-1 5.2)
−1 7
θ = sin   = 51.1° (1
dp) (Achieved)  25 
θ = tan −1 
9  = 78.3° (1 dp) (Excellence)
 5.20 
4. Using TOA 8. Angle is a right angle
Substituting: (140 (Co-interior angles, parallel
lines and angles at a point)
tan-1110) Using TOA
−1  14  Substituting: (600
EGF = tan   = 51.8°
(1 dp) (Achieved)
 11 
tan-1800)
5. Angle OAB is a right angle (Co-interior angles, 3
parallel lines and angles at a point) θ = tan −1   = 36.9° (1 dp)
Using TOA 4
Substituting: (120 Bearing = 60 + 36.9 = 097° (Merit)

tan-1110) 9. Using TOA

Substituting: (62
 120 
−1
ABO = tan   = 47.5° (1 dp)
 110  tan-1 81)
Bearing = 360 − (60 + 47.5) = 252.5° −1  62 
θ = tan   = 37.4° (1
dp) (Achieved)
(Excellence)  81 
PRACTICE 10. Using TOA
Substituting: (0.3
6. Using SOH
(4
Substituting:
-1 sin-1 1.5)
sin 84)
 0.3 
 1  θ = sin −1  = 11.5° (1
 dp) (Achieved)
 1.5 
−1
θ = sin   = 2.73° (2 dp)
(Achieved)
 21 

PAGE 104
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

Study Tip:
Motivation
When you study well for an exam:
• Treat yourself for giving it your best shot
• Watch a movie with friends or get some takeaways
Small rewards motivate you to try your best in whatever you do.

PAGE 105
SIMILAR SHAPES
SUMMARY
• If  two polygons are similar, then:
▶▶ Corresponding angles are equal
▶▶ Corresponding sides are in proportion
1. Substitute in numbers and solve:
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
=
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large) Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
=
• If two shapes have the same angles then Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large)
they are similar shapes and will be in 1.5 2
=
proportion to each other x 6
6
x = 1.5 × = 4.5 m
For a complete tutorial on this topic2visit www.learncoach.co.nz

OLD NCEA QUESTIONS

1. A ladder has two legs AB and AC. Each leg is 1.8m 2. A child’s practice goal
long. Angle ABD = 113° post has one pole and two
supports, as shown to the
right.
The two supports are each
90 cm long.
The pole is always
perpendicular to the
ground.

The diagram below, shows

Express b in terms of c. the view from the side.
OT is 90 cm long.
OP is 70 cm long.
A support bar, QR, is added
at Q, where OQ = 30 cm.
Calculate the distance of
the Length OR.
Show your working and
explain your reasoning.

PAGE 106

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
3. 6.
Two crosses are shown which are similar. Each arm
of the large cross is 12 cm wide and 5 cm wide for
the small cross. If each arm on the large cross is 33
cm long, how long are the arms on the small cross?
4.
Two arrows are drawn which are similar. The large
arrow has an overall length of 30 cm and a tail length
of 22 cm. If the small arrow has a tail length of
13.5 cm, what is its overall length?
5.
ABCEG has similar shape DEFHI inside it.
DE = 8 cm, EF = 6 cm, and FG = 4 cm.
Find the length CD.
GEOMETRIC REASONING
The Egyptian pyramids originally had a cap stone
at the top which was made of a different material.
The angled side of the pyramid is 78 m long and the
base is 85 m wide. If the cap stone is 3.5 m wide,
how far down the angled side of the pyramid does
it extend?
7.
At a BMX track there are two jumps next to each
other. The smaller one has a ramp that is 2.5 m long
and a 1.3 m drop off. If the larger ramp has a 6.5 m
long ramp, how high is the drop off?
8.
These two shapes are similar. Use the given lengths
to find the length BC.
PAGE 107
 ANSWERS
NCEA 5.
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
=
1. a. Side 1 ( small ) = Side 2 ( small ) Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large)
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large) EF DE
=
b 0.475 EG CE
= 6 8
1.8 c =
0.86 10 CE
b=
(Merit) 10
c CE = 8 × = 13.33 cm (2 dp)
6
2. OQR and OPT are similar triangles: CD = 13.3 - 8 = 5.3 cm (Merit)
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
= Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large) 6. =
OR OQ Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large)
= 3.5 x
OT OP =
OR 30 85 78
= 3.5
90 70 x = 78 × = 3.21 m (2 dp) (Merit)
30 85
y = 90 × = 38.6 cm (1 dp) (Merit)
70
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
7. =
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large)
PRACTICE 2.5 1.3
=
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small ) 6.5 h
3. =
6.5
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large) h = 1.3 × = 3.38 m (Merit)
5 x 2.5
=
12 33
5 Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small )
x =
33 × = 13.75 cm (Merit) 8. =
12 Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large)
13.5 6
Side 1 ( small ) Side 2 ( small ) =
4. = 22 AC
Side 1 (large) Side 2 (large) 22
AC = 6 × = 9.78 cm (2 dp)
13.5 l 13.5
=
22 30 BC = 9.8 - 6 = 3.8 cm (Merit)
13.5
l = 30 × = 18.41 cm (2 dp) (Merit)
22

PAGE 108
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

Study Tip:
Study Enhancement
If you are spending long hours studying or
working remember to:
• Drink fluids
• Eat well
• Sleep well
• Do regular exercise and move around occasionally while stud-
ying
It’s the basics that can make some of the biggest differences.

PAGE 109
ANGLES OF POLYGONS
SUMMARY
• The angles inside a polygon are called interior an-
gles.
• A Polygon with n sides has n interior angles
• The Exterior Angle is the angle between any side of a
shape, and a line extended from the next side.

• The interior angles of a polygon add to 180(n – 2)°,

where n is the number of sides
(int ∠, sum of polygon)
e.g. to the right n = 5
Sum of interior angles = 180(5 - 2) = 540°
• If a shape is regular (all the sides and angles are the
same) to find each interior angle divide the sum of
the interior angles by the number of sides.

• The exterior angles of a polygon add to 360°

(ext ∠, sum of polygon)
a + b + c + d + e + f = 360°

For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

OLD NCEA QUESTIONS

1. ABCDE is a regular pentagon.
a. Calculate the size of angle ABC giving reasons
for each step.
b. If many objects of the same shape fit together
to form a pattern, without leaving any spaces,
the shape is said to tessellate.
Explain whether or not a regular pentagon will
tessellate, giving reasons for your answer.

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 GEOMETRIC REASONING
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
2. 6. A fire tower is placed at a high place overlooking a
huge pine plantation.

In the regular pentagon shown, what is the value

of a and all exterior angles and b and all interior
angles.
3. Calculate both the interiors and exterior angles of a
a. regular hexagon
b. regular decagon (10 sided figure)
c. regular nine sided figure
4. In the STOP sign below, what is the value of any
interior angle (assume it is a regular figure). Give
reasons.
a. Given angle b = 140°, calculate angle a, giving
reasons.
b. Given angle a = 160°, calculate angle b, giving
reasons.
c. Find angle c.
d. In a differently sized fire tower, x = 152° and y =
74°, find angle c.
5. In the soccer ball calculate angles a and b, assuming
7. Fencing mesh is commonly made up of either 4 or
all panels are regular.
6 sided figures. Although in reality this is not the
case, assume the figures are regular and calculate
angles a, b, c, d, and e giving reasons.

f. Give geometric reasons why both these

geometric shapes tessellate.

PAGE 111
 ANSWERS
NCEA b. Sum of interior angle of a pentagon is:
= 180(5 − 2) = 540°
1. a. Sum of interior angles of a pentagon
90 + 90 + 110 + 160 + b = 540
b = 540 − 160 − 110 − 90 − 90
= 3 ×180° = 540° 540 b = 90°
Each interior angle is = = 108° (Merit)
ABC = 108° 5 c. Sum of interior angle of a pentagon is:
= 180(5 − 2) = 540°
(Achieved - Attempted to find
108 + 108 + 120 + 120 + c = 540
interior angle)
(Merit - correct angle) c = 540 − 120 − 120 − 108 − 108
b. For a shape to tessellate the interior angles c = 84° (Merit)
must be factors of 360°. d.
108° is not a factor of 360°, so a pentagon will
not tessellate.
This is based on the principal of angles at a
point adding to 360°. (Excellence)

PRACTICE
c above = c below as they are vertically opposite.
2. Sum of the angles = 360° (ext ∠, sum of polygon) Sum of interior angle of a pentagon is:
360 = 180(5 − 2) = 540°
a(and all other exterior angles) = = 72° x + x + y + y + c = 540°
5
Sum of the interior angles of a pentagon c = 540 − (2 × 152) − (2 × 74)
= 180(5 − 2) = 540° = 88° (Merit)
Regular pentagon has 5 equal interior angles
540 7. a. a=
180(6 − 2) 720
= = 120°
b (and all other interior angles) = = 108° 6 6
5
(Merit) int ∠, sum of polygon (Merit)
b. b = 360 - a = 360 - 120 = 240° ∠s at pt
3. a. Hexagon Interior angle = 180(6 − 2) = 720 = 120° (Merit)
6
360
6 c. c = 360 - 2a = 360 - 240 = 120° ∠s at pt
Hexagon exterior angle = = 60° (Merit)
6 180(4 − 2) 360
b. Decagon interior angle d. d = = = 90°
4 4
180(10 − 2) 1440 (int ∠, sum of polygon)
= = = 144° (Merit)
10 10
Decagon exterior angle =
360
= 36°
e. e = 360 - d = 360 - 90 = 270° ∠s at pt
10 (Merit)
c. Nonagon interior angle
f. For a shape to tessellate the interior angles
must be factors of 360°.
180(9 − 2) 1260
= = = 140° For the hexagon the interior angles are 120°
9 9
360 which is a factor of 360°.
Nonagon exterior angle = = 40°
9 For the diamond the interior angles are 90°
(Merit - 2 out of 3 correct) which are also a factor of 360°.
This is based on the principal of angles at a
4. Octagon interior angle = 180(8 − 2) = 1080 = 135° point adding to 360°. (Excellence)
8 8
int ∠, sum of polygon
(Merit)
5. a. a = 180(5 − 2) = 540 = 108° int ∠, sum of
5 5 polygon
b. b = 360 -108 = 252° ∠s at pt
(Merit)
6. a. Sum of interior angle of a pentagon is:
= 180(5 − 2) = 540°
90 + 90 + 110 + 140 + a = 540
a = 540 − 140 − 110 − 90 − 90
a = 110° (Merit)

PAGE 112
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

ANGLES AROUND
INTERSECTING LINES
SUMMARY
Rules: Example:
• Adjacent angles on a straight
line add to 180° x = 180 – 112 = 68°
( ∠ s on str. line) ( ∠ s on str. line)
a + b + c = 180°

• Angles at a point add to 360° x = 360 – 98 – 155

( ∠ s at pt) = 107°
a + b + c + d = 360° ( ∠ s at pt)
d
• Vertically opposite angles
are equal x = 139°
(vert opp ∠ s) (vert opp ∠ s)
a = c and b = d
For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Find the size of the angles shown and give a reason (the diagrams are not to scale):
1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

PAGE 113
ANSWERS
PRACTICE
1. x = 180 – 95 – 45 = 40° ∠ s on str. line
(Achieved)
2. x = 360 – 139 – 132 = 89° ∠ s at pt
(Achieved)
3. x = 180 – 90 – 68 = 22° ∠ s on str. line
(Achieved)
4. a = 180 – 30 = 150° ∠ s on str. line
b = 30° vert opp ∠ s
c= 150° ∠ s on str. line OR
vert opp ∠ s
(Achieved)
5. a = 180 – 162 = 18° ∠ s on str. line
b = 180 – 108 = 72° ∠ s on str. line
(Achieved)
6. x = 360 – 90 – 59 = 211° ∠ s at pt
(Achieved)
7. x = 180 – 80 – 55 = 45° ∠ s on str. line and
vert opp ∠ s
(Achieved)
8. x = (180 – 90) / 2 = 45° ∠ s on str. line
(Achieved)

Study Tip:
Pre-Exam
Before an Important Exam:
Don’t: spend a lot of time talking with classmates who haven’t
studied.
Do: Avoid negative vibes and focus on your own preparation
and goals.

PAGE 114
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

Study Tip:
Cramming
Cramming helps some people.
But don’t lose sleep. Getting your normal sleep will ensure you
are your best physically and mentally for the exam.

PAGE 115
ANGLES OF PARALLEL
LINES
SUMMARY
Rules: Example:
• Corresponding angles on parallel
lines are equal x = 63°
(corr ∠ s // lines) (corr ∠ s // lines)
a=b

• Alternate angles on parallel lines

are equal x = 56°
(alt ∠ s, // lines) (alt ∠ s, // lines)
a=b

• Co-interior angles on parallel lines

are supplementary (add to 180°) x = 180 – 40 = 140°
(co-int ∠ s, // lines) (co-int ∠ s, // lines)
a + b = 180°
For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

OLD NCEA QUESTIONS

1. ABCD is an isosceles trapezium. Angle CBA = 78°. 3. Metal railings are fitted to the edge of a deck.
AD = BC. XZ is parallel to AD.
BY is parallel to CZ.
One section of railing is shown in the diagram
below:

Calculate the size of angle EDA giving reasons for

each step of your answer.
2. The diagram shows part of a climbing frame.

a. Find the size of angle YBC.

Give geometric reasons for each step in your
solution.
b. XYB is an isosceles triangle.
LM = LN. Use geometric reasoning for each step to show
KL is parallel to NM. that XB and YC cannot be parallel.
LM is parallel to KN.
Angle LNK = 54°.
Calculate the size of angle LMN, explaining the
reason for each step of your answer

PAGE 116
 GEOMETRIC REASONING
4. PR and QR are the same length. a. If x is 110°, find the size of angle PRQ.
Angle RQS is x. Give geometric reasons.
RT is parallel to PS. b. Prove that angle PRT and angle RQS are equal
for all values of x.
Explain your geometric reasoning clearly and
logically.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Find the size of the angles shown and give a reason (the diagrams are not to scale):
5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10.

11. 12.

a. In the diagram find angles x and y

b. Find any sets of parallel lines and give reasons
13. Toby has bought some expanding trellis. All 14. Explain why c = a + b
pieces of wood pointing in the same direction
are parallel. In the diagram below the trellis
is fully expanded. What is angle a? Give a
reason

PAGE 117
 ANSWERS
NCEA PRACTICE
1. ∠ BAD = 78° Isosceles trapezium 5. x = 65° corr ∠ s, // lines
∠ EDA = 78° Alt ∠ s, // lines (Achieved)
(Achieved - Both angles correct)
(Merit - Angles and explanations correct)
6. x = 75° alt ∠ s, // lines
(Achieved)
2. ∠ NLM = 54° Alt ∠ s, // lines (or rotation 7. a. a =
about mid point of LN) 60° vert opp ∠ s
∠ LMN = 63° Base ∠ , isos Δ (Achieved)
(Achieved - Both angles correct) b. b = 180 – 60 = 120° alt ∠s, // lines OR adj
(Merit - Angles and explanations correct) ∠s on str. Line
3. a. (Achieved)

∠ XYB = 62° corr ∠ s, // lines 8. x = 180 – 102 = 78° corr ∠ s, // lines and
adj ∠ s on str. line
∠ YBC= 62° alt ∠ s, // lines (Achieved)
(Achieved - Both angles correct)
(Merit - Angles and explanations correct) 9. x = 180 – 37 = 143° alt. ∠ s, // lines
b. XYB is an isosceles triangle, so two of its interior (Achieved)
angles must be equal. If XB and YC are parallel 10. a. a = 180 – 39 = 141°
co-int ∠ s, // lines
then:
(Achieved)
∠ XBA= 64° corr ∠ s, // lines b. b = 60° alt ∠ s, // lines
∠ YBX = 180 - ∠ YBC - ∠ XBA (Achieved)
=180 - 62 - 64 11. a. a = 180 – 42 – 59 = 79° adj ∠ s on str line
=54° ∠ sum Δ
(Achieved)
∠ BXY = 180 - ∠ YBX - ∠ XYB b. b = 59° alt. ∠ s, // lines
=180 - 54 - 62 (Achieved)
=64° ∠ sum Δ c. c = 59 + a = 59 + 79 = 138° alt. ∠ s, // lines OR
If this is the case then no two interior angles of co-int ∠ s, // lines
XYB are equal, which is a contradiction. XYB is (Achieved)
actually an isosceles triangle, therefore, XB and
YC cannot be parallel. 12. a. x = 180 – 98 = 82° adj, ∠ s on str. line
(Achieved - two angles correct) ∠ LJK = 87° ∠ s on str. line
(Merit - Angles and explanations correct) ∠ JKM = 93° ∠ s on str. line
4. a. ∠ LMK =88° int. ∠ s of quadrilateral
y = 99° ∠ s on str. line
∠ RQP = 180 - x = 70° ∠ s on str. line (Merit)
∠ PRQ = 180 - 2 x 70 Base ∠ , isos Δ b. Lines AB and CD are parallel alt. ∠ s, // lines
= 40° Lines FG and HI are parallel corr ∠ s // lines
(Achieved - Both angles correct) (Merit)
(Merit - Angles and explanations correct) 13. a = 180 – 68 = 112° alt. ∠ s, // lines
b. (Merit)
∠QRT = 180 − x co-int ∠ s, // lines
14. ∠ XYU = a and ∠ ZYU = b alt. ∠ s, // lines
∠PRQ = 180 − 2 × ∠RQP Base ∠ , isos Δ ∠ XYZ = ∠ XYU + ∠ ZYU = a + b vert opp ∠ s
= 180 − 2 × (180 − x) ∠ s on str. line ∠ XYZ = c = a + b (Merit)
= 180 − 360 + 2 x
= −180 + 2 x
Therefore:
∠PRT = ∠PQR + ∠QRT
= −180 + 2 x + 180 − x
=x
= ∠RQS (Achieved - 2 angles correct)
(Merit - Angles and explanations
correct)

PAGE 118
 GEOMETRIC REASONING

ANGLES WITHIN CIRCLES

SUMMARY
The parts of a circle are shown below:

Rules: Example:
• Angles on the same arc are equal
x = 35°
a=b
(∠s on same arc)
(∠s on same arc)
• The angle at the centre is equal to twice
the angle at the circumference on the x = 43 x 2 = 86°
same arc 2c = d (∠ at centre)
(∠ at centre)
• The angle in a semicircle is a right angle x = 90 – 72
This is a special case of the above rule = 18°
(∠ in semicircle) (∠ in semicircle)

• The angle where the radius meets the x = 180 – 56 – 90

tangent is 90° = 34°
(rad ⊥ tgt) (rad ⊥ tgt)
• Two tangents coming from the same x = (180 – 52) / 2
point are equal (same length and an- = 64°
gles) (tangs from a point
(tangs from a point) and base ∠ isos Δ)
• The angle between a chord and a tan-
x = 32°
gent equals the angle in the alternate
y = 73°
segment. a = d, c = b.
(∠ in alt seg)
(∠ in alt seg)
• Remember any chord forms an isosce- x = 180 – 2 x 34
les triangle with the centre. = 112°
ABO and OBC are isosceles triangles. ( ∠ sum isos Δ)
• Opposite angles in a cyclic
quadrilateral add to 180° x = 72°
(opp ∠s cyclic quad) (opp ∠s cyclic quad)
a + c = 180°, b + d = 180°
• The exterior angle of a cyclic quadri-
lateral is equal to the interior opposite x = 96°
angle. a = b (ext ∠ cyclic quad)
(ext ∠ cyclic quad) For a complete tutorial on this topic visit www.learncoach.co.nz

PAGE 119
 OLD NCEA QUESTIONS
1. DAC is a tangent. O is the centre of the circle. 5.

Calculate the size of angle DAB, explaining the

reason for each step of your answer. EFGD is a cyclic quadrilateral with angle EDG = 82°.
O is the centre of the circle.
2. A, B, and C are points on the circumference of the
Find the size of angle HFJ.
circle. O is the centre of the circle.
Explain your geometric reasoning clearly and
AB is parallel to OC. Angle CAO = x°.
logically.
6. a.

Calculate the size of angle ACB in terms of x.

3.

The points A, Q, Z, N lie on the circumference

of a circle centre O.
AQ is parallel to NZ.
Find the size of angle NZQ, in terms of x.
Explain your geometric reasoning clearly and
logically.
For the diagram above: b.
a. Find the size of angle reflex COA, x.
Explain your reasoning.
b. Find the size of angle DCO, y.
Give geometric reasons for each step in your
solution.
4. For the diagram below, prove that angle C + angle
A = 180°.

What angle properties does a cyclic

parallelogram have?
Explain your answer with geometric reasoning.
Use the blank diagram above (where O is the
centre of the circle) if you wish.
Give geometric reasons for each step in your
solution.

PAGE 120
 GEOMETRIC REASONING
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
You must give a geometric reason for each step leading to your answer in every question.
7. 11.

In the diagram above, AB is a tangent to the circle In the diagram, WX and YZ are parallel.
and TD is a diameter of the circle. WZ and XZ are equal length.
∠ABC = 42°. Angle WXZ = 37°.
Calculate the size of ∠CED. Calculate the size of angle YXZ.
8. 12.

In the diagram P, Q, R and S lie on a circle, centre, O.

In the diagram above, points A and T lie on a circle TR is a tangent to the circle at R.
with centre C. Angle PQR = 29°.
TCF is a straight line. BF = BT. Angle SRT = 22°.
DE is a tangent that touches the circle at T. Find the size of angle SPO.
∠TFB = 54°. Find the size of ∠ADT.
13.
9.

ABE and ACF are two triangles.

Angle BCD = 25°.
O is the centre of the circle. Angle DEF = 38°.
Angle BAC = 39°. Find the size of angle FDE
Lines CB and BA are the same length. Line OB is
perpendicular to line AC. Find the size of angle OCA.
14.
10.

O is the centre of the circle. TQ and RQ are tangents The corners of ABCD lie on a circle.
to the circle. Angle RST is 42°. The angle AOC is 132° and the angle FAB is 101°.
Lines SR and ST are the same length. Find the angle CED.
Find the size of angle QRS.

PAGE 121
 ANSWERS
NCEA 4. Let c = angle C and a = angle A, then:
∠ DOB (reflex) = 2c
1. ∠ at centre
∠ CAO = 90° rad ⊥ tangent ∠ BOD (reflex) = 2a
∠ AOC = 58° ∠ sum Δ 2a + 2c = 360° ∠ s at pt
2(a + c) = 360°
∠ AOB = 122° ∠s on a line
360
a+c = = 180°
∠ OAB = 29° base ∠ , isos Δ and ∠ sum Δ 2 (Merit)
∠ DAB = 61° rad ⊥ tangent 5.
(Achieved - Two angles correct)
(Merit - Two angles and explanations correct) ∠ EFG = 180 - 82 = 98° opp ∠s cyclic quad
(Excellence - Full answer with coherent steps and ∠ HFJ= ∠ EFG = 98° vert opp ∠s
explanations) (Merit)
2. 6. a.
∠ ACO = x base ∠ , isos Δ
∠ AQZ = 180 - ∠ ZNA opp ∠s cyclic quad
Obtuse ∠ AOC = 180 - 2x ∠ sum Δ = 180 - x
Reflex ∠ AOC = 180 + 2x ∠ s at pt ∠ NZQ = 180 - ∠ AQZ Co-int ∠s, // lines
∠ ABC = 90 + x ∠ at centre = 180 - (180 - x)
= x° (Merit)
∠ CAB = x alt ∠s, // lines
b.
∠ ACB = 90 - 2x ∠ sum Δ
(Achieved - Two angles correct)
(Merit - Two angles and explanations correct)
(Excellence - Full answer with coherent steps and
explanations)
3. a.
Obtuse ∠ AOC = 2 x 72 = 144° ∠ at centre
x = Reflex ∠ COA = 360 - 144 ∠ s at pt
= 216°
(Merit) Let ANZQ be a cyclic parallelogram. From (a)
b. above we know that:
∠ ZNA = ∠ NZQ and ∠ NAQ = ∠ AQZ
AN and QZ are also parallel so we also know:
∠ ZNA = ∠ NAQ and ∠ AQZ= ∠ NZQ
Therefore all interior angles are equal.
Since the interior angles of a quadrilateral add
to (4 - 2) x 180 = 360°, each interior angle is 90°.
Therefore a cyclic parallelogram must be a
rectangle. (Excellence)

Draw line segment OD. ODA is an isosceles

triangle:
∠ AOC = 38° base ∠ , isos Δ
∠ ODC = 72 - 38 = 34°
y = ∠ DCO = 34° base ∠ , isos Δ
(Excellence)

PAGE 122
 GEOMETRIC REASONING
PRACTICE
7. 12.
∠ BTD = 90° rad ⊥ tangent ∠ at centre
∠ POR = 2 x 29 = 58°
∠ BDT = 90 – 42 = 48° ∠ sum Δ ∠ PSR = 180 – 29 = 151° opp ∠s cyclic quad
∠ CET = 48° ∠ on same arc ∠ SRO = 90 – 22 = 68° rad ⊥ tangent
∠ DET = 90° ∠ in a semi-circle ∠ SPO = 360 – 151 - 68 - 58 ∠ sum quad
∠ CED = ∠ DET - ∠ CET = 83° (Excellence) h
= 90 – 48 = 42° (Excellence) h
13.
8. x= ∠ FDE = ∠ BDC vert opp ∠s
∠ ABT = 180 - 2 x 54 = 72° ∠ sum isos Δ ∠ DFE = 180 – 38 – x ∠ sum Δ
∠ ACT = 72 x 2 = 144° ∠ at centre = 142 – x
∠ ATF = (180 – 144) / 2 = 18° base ∠ , isos Δ ∠ DFA = 180 –(142 – x) ∠s on a line
∠ ADT = 90 - 18 = 72° Rad ⊥ tan = 38° + x
(Excellence) h ∠ DBC = 180 – 25 – x ∠ sum Δ
9. = 155 – x

∠ BOC = 39 x 2 = 78° ∠ at centre ∠ DBA = 180 –(155 – x) ∠s on a line

= 25° + x
∠ OCB = (180 – 78) / 2 = 51° base ∠ , isos Δ
∠ DFA + ∠ DBA = 180° opp ∠ s cyclic quad
∠ BCA = 39° base ∠ , isos Δ Solve: 38° + x + 25° + x = 180°
∠ OCA = ∠ OCB- ∠ BCA 2x = 117°
= 51 - 39 = 12° (Excellence) h x = 58.5° (Excellence)
10. 14.
∠ RSO = 42 / 2 = 21° symmetry ∠ ABC = 132 / 2 = 66° ∠ at centre
∠ SRO = 21° base ∠ s, isos Δ ∠ CDE = 66° ext ∠ s cyclic quad
∠ QRS = 90 + 21 = 111° rad ⊥ tangent ∠ BAD = 180 –101 = 79° ∠s on a line
(Excellence)h
∠ DCE = 79° ext ∠ s cyclic quad
11. ∠ CED = 180 – 66 – 79 ∠ sum Δ
∠ XZY = 37° alt∠ s, // lines =35° (Excellence) h
∠ XZW = (180 – 37) / 2 = 71.5° base ∠ s, isos Δ
∠ WZY = 71.5 + 37 = 108.5° sum adj ∠
∠ WXY = 180 - 108.5 = 71.5° opp ∠s cyclic
quad
∠ YXZ = 71.5 - 37 = 34.5° (Excellence) h

PAGE 123