Lesson 20

Transformations, Transversals, and Proof

  • Let’s prove statements about parallel lines.

20.1: Math Talk: Angle Relationships

Lines \(\ell\) and \(m\) are parallel. Mentally evaluate the measure \(x\) in each figure.

Figure A

Parallel lines l and m cut by transversal line p, creating two congruent angles above l and m and to the right to the right of the transversal. Upper angle is 40 degrees and lower angle is x degrees.

Figure B

Parallel lines l and m cut by transversal line p, creating two alternate interior angles marked congruent. Upper left angle is 61 degrees and lower right angle is x degrees.

Figure C

Parallel lines l and m cut by transversal line p, creating two same-side inside angles marked congruent. Upper angle is 98 degrees and lower angle is x degrees.

Figure D

Parallel lines l and m cut by transversal line p, creating two congruent angles above l and m and to the right to the right of the transversal. Upper angle is 40 degrees and lower angle is x degrees.

20.2: Make a Mark? Give a Reason.

Here are intersecting lines \(AE\) and \(CD\):

Intersecting lines AE and CD.
  1. Translate lines \(AE\) and \(CD\) by the directed line segment from \(B\) to \(C\). Label the images of \(A, B, C, D, E\) as \(A’, B’, C’, D’, E’\).
  2. What is true about lines \(AE\) and \(A’E’\)? Explain your reasoning.
  3. Take turns with your partner to identify congruent angles.
    1. For each pair of congruent angles that you find, explain to your partner how you know the angles are congruent.
    2. For each match that your partner finds, listen carefully to their explanation. If you disagree, discuss your thinking and work to reach an agreement.

20.3: An Alternate Explanation

  1. Rotate line \(AE\) by 180 degrees around point \(C\). Label the images of \(A, B, C, D, E\) as \(A’, B’, C’, D’, E’\).
  2. What is true about lines \(AB\) and \(A’B’\)? Explain your reasoning.
  3. Take turns with your partner to identify congruent angles.
    1. For each pair of congruent angles that you find, explain to your partner how you know the angles are congruent.
    2. For each match that your partner finds, listen carefully to their explanation. If you disagree, discuss your thinking and work to reach an agreement.


  1. Prove that 180 degree rotations take lines that do not pass through the center of rotation to parallel lines.
  2. What is the image of a line that is rotated 180 degrees around a point on the line?

Summary

There are often several different ways to explain why statements are true. Comparing the different ways can lead to new insights or more flexible understanding. Consider the angles formed when 2 parallel lines \(\ell\) and \(m\) are cut by a transversal:

Parallel lines l and m cut by transversal EF at points B and C and having midpoint M. Point A is to the left of the transversal on l and point G is to the right of the transversal on m.

Suppose we want to explain why angle \(ABE\) is congruent to angle \(GCF\). Label the midpoint of \(BC\) as \(M\). Rotating 180 degrees around \(M\) takes angle \(ABE\) to angle \(GCF\). Why? Well, \(B\) and \(C\) are equidistant from \(M\), so the rotation takes \(B\) to \(C\). Also, it takes the transversal to itself, so it takes the ray \(BE\) to the ray \(CF\). Finally, the rotation takes line \(\ell\) onto line \(m\) because 180 degree rotations take lines onto parallel lines and \(m\) is the only line parallel to \(\ell\) that also goes through \(C\).

A different explanation can prove the same fact using a translation and the idea that vertical angles are congruent. Try thinking of that explanation yourself.