Day 4 Transcript
Preston Hu
July 28, 2025
§1 Introduction to Angle Chasing
We have a triangle P QR with a point Z on segment P R such that ∠P ZQ = ∠P QZ and ∠P QR −
∠P RQ = 42. Find ∠RQZ.
The first step to most geometry problems is drawing a diagram. Let’s start with triangle P QR,
where Z is on P R such that ∠P ZQ = ∠P QZ. We’re also given that ∠P QR − ∠P RQ = 42.
Angle-chasing problems often involve algebra because we can assign variables to what we’re trying
to find. Let’s let each of these equal angles be x. Since we don’t have explicit measures for any
angles, we’ll use variables.
The sum of angles in triangle P QZ is 180, so we can write: x + x + ∠QP Z = 180, which gives us
∠QP Z = 180 − 2x.
§2 Setting Up Variables
We can introduce another variable, say y, for ∠ZQR. Then we can find ∠P RQ using the fact that
the sum of angles in a triangle is 180.
In triangle P QR, we have:
∠P QR + ∠QRP + ∠RP Q = 180
This gives us:
∠QRP = 180 − ∠P QR − ∠RP Q = 180 − (x + y) − (180 − 2x) = x − y
Now we can use the condition we haven’t applied yet: the difference between ∠P QR and ∠P RQ is
42.
This gives us: (x + y) − (x − y) = 2y = 42.
Therefore, y = 21, and we’re done.
Angle-chasing problems are mostly about experimenting with different angles. Usually it’s clear
which angles you can assign to variables to make calculations easier. For this problem, it’s relatively
simple algebra.
1
Preston Hu (July 28, 2025) Day 4 Transcript
§3 Parallel Lines and Auxiliary Lines
Let’s move on to a different type of angle chasing problem. Suppose we have two parallel lines with
marked angles of 45, 85, and 50. Find the unknown angle x.
A question often arises: do we use Law of Sines or Law of Cosines in angle chasing? These are
typically for side length problems. The AMC 10 doesn’t require trigonometry—problems usually
have synthetic, elegant solutions that don’t involve trigonometry.
Law of Sines and Law of Cosines can be used if you want to ”bash” a problem, but in general, these
concern side lengths rather than angles. You should avoid using trigonometry unless there’s really
no other approach.
However, such problems won’t appear on the AMC 10. They might appear on the AIME, particularly
problems 8-15, which require more advanced techniques.
§3.1 Using Properties of Parallel Lines
We’re given two parallel lines, but it’s not immediately obvious how to use this fact. We can draw
auxiliary lines—additional parallel lines through the given points.
Why is this helpful? When we have parallel lines, corresponding angles are equal. Since these two
lines are parallel, the corresponding angle is also 45.
This leaves us with 85 − 45 = 40. By the properties of parallel lines, this angle is also 40.
Similarly, by parallel lines again, this angle is 50 because corresponding angles match.
Therefore: x = 40 + 50 = 90
These auxiliary lines are just additional lines we draw to help solve the problem. It’s not always
obvious where to draw auxiliary lines, but for this example, it’s straightforward.
§4 Pentagon and Square Problem
Let’s move to our next problem. We have a regular pentagon ABCDE and a square M N CD such
that M and N are in the interior of the pentagon. Find ∠AM N − ∠EAM .
The problem asks us to find the difference between two angles rather than individual angle measures.
This suggests we don’t necessarily need to evaluate the angle measures themselves. If we assign
variables to these angles, we can use a system of equations to cancel out some variables.
Angle chasing involves experimentation. Let’s start by finding key angles. First, we need to know
the interior angles of a regular pentagon.
§4.1 Interior Angles of Regular Polygons
The interior angles of a regular pentagon sum to (5 − 2) × 180 = 540, so each interior angle is 108.
For a general n-gon, the sum of interior angles is (n − 2) × 180.
We know that a square has interior angles of 90 each. Since the pentagon and square share side
CD, we can find the angle between them.
2
Preston Hu (July 28, 2025) Day 4 Transcript
The angle between the pentagon side and the square side is 108 − 90 = 18.
§4.2 Key Observations
What do we notice about triangle AM C? This triangle is isosceles!
Why? All five sides of the pentagon are congruent, and all four sides of the square are congruent.
Since the square and pentagon share side CD, all relevant sides are congruent.
Therefore, triangle AM C is isosceles, and its base angles are each:
180 − 18 162
= = 81
2 2
§4.3 Setting Up Variables
Let ∠EAM = x. Then we can analyze triangle EAM .
Since ∠AEM = 108 − 81 = 27, we can find the remaining angle of triangle EAM :
∠EM A = 180 − x − 27 = 153 − x
Now, considering the angles around point M :
∠AM N + ∠EM A + 90 + 81 = 360
This gives us:
∠AM N = 360 − 81 − 90 − (153 − x) = 36 + x
Therefore:
∠AM N − ∠EAM = (36 + x) − x = 36
§5 Triangle with Angle Bisector
Consider a triangle ABC with ∠A = 60, ∠B = 45. The angle bisector of ∠A meets BC at D, and
AD = 24. Find the area of triangle ABC.
Let’s start by drawing a diagram. We have ∠A = 60 and ∠B = 45, so ∠C = 75.
The angle bisector divides ∠A into two 30 angles.
In triangle ABD: ∠BAD = 30, ∠ABD = 45, so ∠ADB = 105. In triangle ACD: ∠CAD = 30,
∠ACD = 75, so ∠ADC = 75.
Notice that triangle ACD is isosceles since ∠CAD = ∠ACD = 75. Wait, that’s not right. Let me
recalculate.
Actually, ∠ACD = 75 and ∠CAD = 30, so ∠ADC = 180 − 75 − 30 = 75.
Since ∠ACD = ∠ADC = 75, triangle ACD is isosceles with AC = AD = 24.
Now we can find the area. Triangle ABC consists of two special right triangles: a 30-60-90 triangle
and a 45-45-90 triangle.
3
Preston Hu (July 28, 2025) Day 4 Transcript
Using the properties of these special
√ triangles: - In the 30-60-90 portion: if the side opposite 30° is
12, then the side opposite 60° is 12 3 - In the 45-45-90 portion: both legs are equal
The area of triangle ABC is:
1 1 √ √
Area = × AC × h = × 24 × 12 3 = 144 3
2 2
§6 Complex Angle Chasing with Reflections
Consider triangle ABC where AB = AC, ∠BAC = 99.4, and point D is in the interior such that
AD = DB and ∠BAD = 19.7. Find ∠BDC.
This problem initially appears intractable through standard angle chasing. However, we can use a
reflection technique.
Since ∠BAC = 99.4 and ∠BAD = 19.7, we have ∠CAD = 79.7.
Notice that 40.3 + 19.7 = 60. This suggests we should look for a way to create a 60° angle.
We can reflect point B over line AD to create point B ′ . This reflection creates several important
properties: - AB = AB ′ (property of reflection) - ∠BAD = ∠B ′ AD = 19.7 - ∠CAB ′ = ∠CAD +
∠DAB ′ = 79.7 + 19.7 = 99.4 = 60
Wait, let me recalculate: ∠CAB ′ = 79.7 + 19.7 = 99.4. But we want 60.
Actually, we should reflect to get: ∠CAB ′ = 79.7 − 19.7 = 60.
Since triangle AB ′ C has AB ′ = AC (isosceles) and ∠BAC = 60, triangle AB ′ C is equilateral.
This gives us the key insight to solve the problem using properties of equilateral triangles and
congruent triangles.
The final answer is ∠BDC = 149.1.
§7 Similar and Congruent Triangles
We have several criteria for triangle similarity and congruence: - ASA (Angle-Side-Angle) - SAS
(Side-Angle-Side) - SSS (Side-Side-Side) - AAS (Angle-Angle-Side) - AA (Angle-Angle for similarity)
Let’s work through a problem involving similar triangles.
§7.1 Equilateral Triangle Construction
Given triangle ABC, construct equilateral triangles on each side externally. Let the vertices be D,
E, and F . Prove that AD = BE = CF .
The key insight is to look for congruent triangles. We can prove that triangle ABD ∼
= triangle BF C
using SAS: - AB = BF (sides of equilateral triangles) - BD = BC (sides of equilateral triangles) -
∠ABD = ∠F BC (both equal 60 + ∠ABC)
Therefore AD = CF . By symmetry, all three segments are equal.
4
Preston Hu (July 28, 2025) Day 4 Transcript
§8 Advanced Triangle Properties
§8.1 Right Triangle with Angle Bisector
Consider a right triangle ABC with ∠C = 90 and ∠A = 49. The angle bisectors of ∠A and ∠B
meet the opposite sides at P and Q. The feet of perpendiculars from P and Q to the hypotenuse
are M and N . Find ∠M CN .
For problems like this, it’s often helpful to ignore specific angle measures initially and work with
the general configuration.
We can prove that triangles ACP ∼
= AM P and BCQ ∼
= BN Q using AAS congruence.
This gives us ∠P CM = ∠P M C and ∠QCN = ∠QN C.
By the properties of the configuration and the fact that the three lines CM , CN , and the altitude
are parallel, we can show that:
∠ACB 90
∠M CN = = = 45
2 2
Interestingly, this result doesn’t depend on the specific value of ∠A = 49—it’s always 45 for any
right triangle.
§9 Conclusion
These problems demonstrate various techniques in angle chasing: 1. Variable assignment and
algebraic manipulation 2. Recognition of special triangles (isosceles, equilateral) 3. Use of auxiliary
lines and reflections 4. Properties of parallel lines 5. Triangle congruence and similarity 6. Working
with general configurations before specific values
The key to success in angle chasing is practice with these fundamental techniques and recognizing
when to apply each approach.