5.
Angles and Constructions
5.1 A Sum of 360°
Key Idea
• A full turn around a point measures 360°.
• Whenever angles meet at a single point and completely surround that point, the total of
all those angles is always 360°.
Why 360°?
• A circle represents one complete rotation.
• Ancient mathematicians divided the circle into 360 equal parts because of early
astronomical systems and because 360 is easy to divide.
Important Facts
• Angles around a point add to 360°.
• Reflex angle: An angle larger than 180° but less than 360°.
• Full rotation: 360°.
How to Use This in Problems
• If several angles around a point are given and one is missing, you can find the missing
one by subtraction.
Example
Three angles around a point measure 120°, 95°, and 80°.
Find the missing angle.
Total = 360°
Known angles = 120 + 95 + 80 = 295°
Missing angle = 360° – 295° = 65°
5.2 Intersecting Lines
Key Concepts
When two lines cross each other, they create several important types of angles.
1. Vertical (Opposite) Angles
• These are angles directly across from each other.
• They are always equal.
Example:
If one angle is 45°, the vertical opposite angle is also 45°.
2. Adjacent Angles
• Angles that share a common arm and sit next to each other.
• Adjacent angles that form a straight line sum to 180°.
These are called linear pair angles.
3. Angle Relationships When Lines Intersect
• Opposite angles are equal.
• Adjacent angles add up to 180°.
Parallel Lines + Transversal (If introduced at this level)
Although usually covered later, some books introduce:
• Corresponding angles
• Alternate angles
• Interior angles
But the main focus in Book 7 is on intersecting (crossing) lines only.
Main Skills
• Recognising equal angles.
• Using addition or subtraction to find missing angles.
• Understanding that straight lines = 180° and full turns = 360°.
5.3 Drawing Lines and Quadrilaterals
This section focuses on accurate construction with geometry tools.
Tools You Must Use
• Ruler – for drawing straight lines of exact lengths.
• Protractor – for measuring and drawing angles.
• Compass (sometimes) – depending on the quadrilateral.
Constructing Straight Lines
• Use a ruler to draw line segments with exact lengths (e.g., 6 cm).
• Mark start and end points clearly.
Constructing Angles
To draw an angle of a given size:
1. Draw a straight base line.
2. Place the protractor so the centre point is on one endpoint.
3. Align the zero line with the base line.
4. Make a small mark at the required degree.
5. Remove protractor and join the point to the vertex.
Drawing Quadrilaterals
Quadrilaterals are 4-sided shapes. You must often draw them using specific lengths and angles.
Common Quadrilaterals
1. Square
• 4 equal sides
• 4 right angles
• Opposite sides parallel
2. Rectangle
• Opposite sides equal
• All angles = 90°
• Opposite sides parallel
3. Parallelogram
• Opposite sides equal
• Opposite angles equal
• Sides slant (not perpendicular)
4. Rhombus
• All sides equal
• Opposite angles equal
• Shape looks like a “diamond”
5. Trapezium
• One pair of parallel sides
Steps for Constructing a Quadrilateral
1. Draw the first side accurately.
2. Use a protractor to create the required angles at each vertex.
3. Measure the next sides using a ruler.
4. Connect all vertices in order.
5. Check parallel sides if needed using equal spacing or a ruler.
Example Construction
Draw a square with side 5 cm:
1. Draw a line segment AB = 5 cm.
2. At A and B, draw 90° angles using a protractor.
3. Mark AD = 5 cm and BC = 5 cm.
4. Join D and C to complete the square.