Geometric reasoning and simple proofs worksheet — GCSE Higher

1.Triangle XYZ has angle X = 90°. Angle Y = 34°. Work out angle Z.

2.A roof truss is shaped like an isosceles triangle resting on a horizontal ceiling joist. The truss's sloping edges are equal in length, and the angle at its apex is 40°. The ceiling joist continues in a straight line beyond the foot of the truss. Work out the angle between the truss's sloping edge and the extended joist, on the outside of the truss.

3.A builder props a straight plank against a vertical wall to reach a window ledge. The foot of the plank is 2.1 m from the base of the wall, and the plank is 3.5 m long. Work out how high up the wall the plank reaches.

4.A children's slide is built as a right-angled triangle: the vertical ladder side is 2.4 m, the horizontal base along the ground is 3.2 m, and the sloping slide is the third side. Work out the exact length of the sloping slide.

5.Triangle DEF is isosceles, with DE = DF. Angle E = 58°. Work out angle F.

6.Triangles LMN and XYZ have LM = XY, MN = YZ and LN = XZ. Give a reason why triangle LMN is congruent to triangle XYZ.

7.Lines JK and LM are parallel. A straight line crosses JK at point P and crosses LM at point Q. Angle KPQ = 118°. Angle KPQ and angle MQP are co-interior (allied) angles. Work out angle MQP.

8.Triangle PQR has angle P = 90°. The side PQ = 9 cm and the hypotenuse QR = 15 cm. Work out the length of PR.

9.Lines GH and JK are parallel. A straight line crosses GH at point M and crosses JK at point N. Angle HMN = 71°. Angle HMN and angle MNK are alternate angles. Work out angle MNK.

10.Triangle ABC is extended so that side BC is extended beyond C to a point D, forming exterior angle ACD. Angle BAC = 48° and angle ABC = 67°. Which single angle fact gives angle ACD = 115° in one step, without first working out the interior angle at C?

11.Lines AB and CD are parallel. A straight line EF crosses AB at point P and crosses CD at point Q. At P, angle APE = 65°. Angle APE and angle BPQ are vertically opposite. Angle BPQ and angle PQD are co-interior (allied) angles. Work out angle PQD.

12.Triangle DEF is isosceles, with DE = DF. Angle E = 58°. Give a reason why angle F = 58°.

13.A hexagon has interior angles of 130°, 142°, 125°, 150°, 135° and x°. Work out the value of x.

14.Two triangular offcuts of wood, PQR and STU, are cut for a construction project. PQ = 8 cm, QR = 6 cm and angle PQR = 90°. ST = 8 cm, TU = 6 cm and angle STU = 90°. A carpenter wants to check the two pieces are identical in shape and size before using them as a matching pair. Using only the measurements given, and without working out any further lengths, which condition proves that triangle PQR is congruent to triangle STU?

15.A rectangular gate is braced with a diagonal strut. The gate is 1.2 m wide and 0.9 m tall. Work out the exact length of the diagonal strut.