A Maths Revision Notes >>

Plane geometry

Angle properties

Angle between two intersecting lines:

diagram

$ \angle a = \angle b \phantom{0} ($ $ \text{Vertically opposite angles} $ $\text{)}$

Angle bisector:

diagram

$ \text{If } DB \text{ bisects } \angle ABC, \text{ then }$ $ \angle ABD = \angle CBD $

Parallel lines:

diagram

$ \angle a = \angle b \phantom{0} ($ $ \text{Alternate angles} $ $\text{)}$

$ \angle a + \angle c = $ $ 180^\circ \text{ (Interior angles} $$\text{)}$

$ \angle a = \angle d \phantom{0} ($ $ \text{Corresponding angles} $ $\text{)}$

Common angle:

diagram

$ \angle BAC = $ $ \angle CAD $ $ \text{ (Common angle)}$

Midpoint theorem

sketch

If D is the midpoint of AB and E is the midpoint of AC, then

$ DE \phantom{.} // \phantom{.} BC $ $\text{ and } $ $ DE = {1 \over 2} BC $


Circle properties

Properties from E maths:

sketch

$ \angle ACB = \angle ADB \text{ (}$ $ \text{Angles in the same segment} $ $ \text{)} $


sketch

If O is the centre of the circle,

$ \angle AOB = 2 \times \angle ACB \text{ (}$ $ \text{Angle at centre} = 2 \times \text{Angle at circumference} $ $ \text{)} $


sketch

$ \angle ACB + \angle ADB = 180^\circ \text{ (}$ $ \text{Angles in opposite segments} $ $ \text{)} $


sketch

If AOB is the diameter of the circle,

$ \angle ACB = 90^\circ \text{ (}$ $ \text{Right-angle in semi-circle} $ $ \text{)} $


sketch

If O is the centre of the circle and the line AC is tangent to the circle at B,

$ \angle OBA = 90^\circ \text{ (}$ $ \text{Tangent perpendicular to radius} $ $ \text{)} $


sketch

If O is the centre of the circle and tangents to the circle at A and at B meet at an external point T, then

$ AT = BT $ $ \text{ and } $ $ \angle OTA = \angle OTB $

Alternate segment theorem (or tangent-chord theorem):

sketch

If the line AC is tangent to the circle at B,

$ \angle DBA = $$ \angle DEB $ $ \text{ (Alternate segment theorem)} $

$ \angle EBC = $$ \angle EDB $ $ \text{ (Alternate segment theorem)} $


Proving questions

Congruency tests for triangles:

  • Side-Side-Side (SSS)
  • Angle-Side-Angle (ASA)
  • Angle-Angle-Side (AAS)
  • Right angle-Hypotenuse-Side (RHS)
  • Side-Angle-Side (SAS)

Similarity tests for triangles:

  • Side-Side-Side (SSS)
  • Angle-angle (AA)
  • Side-Angle-Side (SAS)

Examples

diagram

1. In the diagram, $AB$ is a diameter of the circle with centre $O$. Chords $AD$ and $BC$ intersect at $P$. $\angle POB = 90^\circ$. The tangent to the circle at $B$ meets $AD$ produced at $Q$. $AQ$ bisects $ \angle CAB$.

(from think! Workbook Worksheet 17C)

(i) Show that $ DB $ bisects $\angle PBQ$.

Solutions

(ii) Show that triangles $AOP$ and $ADB$ are similar.

Solutions

(iii) Show that $ AO^2 = {1 \over 2} \times AP \times AD $.

Solutions


diagram

2. The diagram shows a circle passing through $A$, $B$, $C$ and $D$. The tangent to the circle at $A$ and $CB$ produced intersect at the point $P$. $DA$ is parallel to $CB$ and $DA = DC$.

(from think! Workbook Specimen Paper B)

(i) Show that triangle $PAB$ is isosceles.

Solutions

(ii) Show that $AP$ and $DB$ are parallel.

Solutions

Past year O level questions

Year & paper Comments
2025 P2 Question 10 [Part (b)(ii) is difficult]
2024 P1 Question 6
2023 P2 Question 2 (b) Deduce the type of quadrilateral formed
2022 P1 Question 7 (ii) Prove isosceles triangle
2021 P1 Question 11 (a) Prove isosceles triangle
2020 P2 Question 4 Prove that two lines are parallel
2019 P1 Question 6
2018 P2 Question 3 Prove that line bisects angle
2017 P1 Question 10 (ii) Prove equation
2016 P2 Question 5 (ii) Prove that two lines are parallel
2015 P1 Question 9 (ii) Prove isosceles triangle
2014 P2 Question 6 Prove various equations
2013 P2 Question 2 Prove isosceles triangle (Link - Subscription required)
2012 P2 Question 4 (ii) Prove equation (Link - Subscription required)
2011 P2 Question 7 (ii) Prove equation (Link - Subscription required)
2010 P2 Question 6 (i) Prove isosceles triangle
(ii) Prove line bisects angle
(iii) Prove similar triangle
2009 P2 Question 4 Prove isosceles triangle (need to use congruent triangles) (Link - Subscription required)
2008 P2 Question 6 Prove that E is the midpoint of AD (need to use similar triangles & congruent triangles) (Link - Subscription required)


Linear law Trigonometry: Sine graph