Explore! Parallel Lines Intersected by a Transversal
a and b are parallel lines. They are cut by transversal c.
A transversal is a line that passes through two lines at two distinct points. Line c graphed below is a transversal.
Do the following:
1) Drag the blue point under the parallel lines left and right to move the transversal.
2) Drag the blue point above the parallel lines to move the transversal left and right. Then drag the blue point under the parallel lines to move the transversal.
(Note: Do not allow the blue points to fall inside the parallel lines or the angles will disappear!)
Think about the following question as you are moving the blue points on line c.
How does moving the transversal affect the angles formed by the intersection of a and b with c?
Answer the questions below.
Which angles are always equal? Describe the angles position around line a and line b. Use vocabulary words in your explanation.
Which angles are always supplementary? Describe the angles positions around line a and line b. Use vocabulary words!