#118
Angles in polygons
Geometry · Grade 4–6
Strand: Geometry
Substrand: Angles
Sparx code: U427
Sparx levels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Key steps (method)
- Mark the given angles clearly on the diagram.
- Use the correct angle facts (straight line 180°, around a point 360°, triangle 180°, parallel line rules, etc.).
- Work step-by-step, stating the reason for each angle you find.
- If algebraic, set up an equation using the angle rule then solve.
- Check the size is sensible for the diagram.
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong angle rule (e.g. confusing corresponding and alternate angles).
- Not justifying steps — missing easy method marks.
- Arithmetic/sign errors when solving the resulting equation.
Quick notes
- If you get stuck, try a simpler version of the problem first or plug in easy numbers to test your method.
- For multi-step questions, label each step and keep intermediate results.
- For exam questions, always aim to make your work “mark-scheme readable”.
Self-assessment
- Can I define it? Write a one-sentence definition of Angles in polygons (or the key term in the question).
- Can I do it? Do 3 questions: one easy, one standard, one harder. Don’t look at notes until you’ve tried.
- Can I explain it? In 2–3 sentences, explain why the method works (or what would go wrong with a common mistake).
- Can I check it? State one quick check (estimate, units, sign, reasonableness).
Support videos
- YouTube (Edexcel GCSE Maths): https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=edexcel%20gcse%20maths%20Angles%20in%20polygons
- YouTube (Corbettmaths): https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=corbettmaths%20Angles%20in%20polygons
- YouTube (Maths Genie): https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=maths%20genie%20Angles%20in%20polygons
Revision links
- Sparx topic code: U427 (paste into Sparx search)
- 1st Class Maths video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZw0XTHA2Eo
- 1st Class Maths exam questions: https://www.1stclassmaths.com/_files/ugd/9f3fb0_e1b9b3f31d6b4616bbf4b76861c8c2a6.pdf
- Solutions: https://www.1stclassmaths.com/_files/ugd/9f3fb0_f94afd593c5b457f83c909cd28b47fed.pdf
- Edexcel past papers (pack): (to be added)
- Maths Genie (topic questions): https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/gcse.html
- Physics & Maths Tutor (Edexcel GCSE Maths): https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/maths-revision/gcse-edexcel/