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Geometric proof and congruence - Teacher Slides.pptx
The lesson slides with the teacher's notes on each slide, and every question and mark scheme built in. Built from the lesson script on 30 September 2026.
EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Geometric proof and congruence
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
Answer each one, then check.
1
Name the four conditions for congruent triangles.
2
What are alternate angles?
3
What do the diagonals of a parallelogram do?
4
What is a proof?
5
Are vertically opposite angles equal?
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up - Answers
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
1
Name the four conditions for congruent triangles.
SSS, SAS, ASA, RHS
2
What are alternate angles?
Equal angles between parallel lines, in a Z shape
3
What do the diagonals of a parallelogram do?
Bisect each other
4
What is a proof?
A logical argument that shows a statement is always true
5
Are vertically opposite angles equal?
Yes
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Learning Objectives
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
1
Set out a geometric proof with statements and reasons.
2
Prove triangles congruent.
3
Use congruent triangles to prove other facts.
4
Use standard reasons for angles in parallel lines and triangles.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Writing a Proof
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
A proof is a chain of statements, each with a reason.
1
State what you are given
Write down the facts from the question
2
Find equal sides and angles
Give a reason for each: "opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal"
3
Name the congruence condition
SSS, SAS, ASA or RHS
4
State the conclusion
"Therefore triangle ABC is congruent to triangle DEF"
5
Use it
Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are equal
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Diagonals of a Parallelogram
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5

Triangles AMB and CMD are congruent, which shows the diagonals bisect each other.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Proving Diagonals Bisect
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
ABCD is a parallelogram with diagonals AC and BD meeting at M. Prove that AM = MC and BM = MD.
1
AB = DC
Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal
2
Angle BAM = angle DCM
Alternate angles (AB parallel to DC)
3
Angle ABM = angle CDM
Alternate angles (AB parallel to DC)
4
Triangles AMB and CMD are congruent
ASA (two angles and the corresponding side)
5
So AM = CM and BM = DM
Corresponding sides of congruent triangles
ANSWER
The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other, because triangles AMB and CMD are congruent (ASA).
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Base Angles of an Isosceles Triangle
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
In triangle ABC, AB = AC. D is the midpoint of BC. Prove that angle ABC = angle ACB.
1
AB = AC
Given
2
BD = DC
D is the midpoint of BC
3
AD = AD
Common side
4
Triangles ABD and ACD are congruent
SSS
5
So angle ABD = angle ACD
Corresponding angles of congruent triangles
ANSWER
The base angles are equal because triangles ABD and ACD are congruent (SSS).
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Good Proof, Weak Proof
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
A GOOD PROOF
• Every statement has a reason.
• Uses correct mathematical language.
• Names the congruence condition.
• Ends with a clear conclusion.
A WEAK PROOF
• Says "it is obvious" or "it looks equal".
• Uses measurements from a drawing.
• Misses out a step.
• Does not say why triangles are congruent.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Reasons You Can Use
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
Choose the exact words the mark scheme expects.
Parallel lines
Alternate angles are equal; corresponding angles are equal; co-interior angles add to 180°.
Triangles
Angles in a triangle add to 180°; base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
Parallelograms
Opposite sides are equal and parallel; diagonals bisect each other.
Common side
Write "AD is common" when two triangles share a side.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Key Terms
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
Proof
A logical argument showing a statement is always true.
Statement
A fact written in a proof.
Reason
The rule that justifies a statement.
Corresponding
In matching positions in congruent triangles.
Common side
A side shared by two triangles.
Bisect
Cut exactly in half.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
YOUR TASK
Complete the Proof
15 minutes
PQRS is a kite with PQ = PS and RQ = RS. Prove that triangles PQR and PSR are congruent, and hence that angle PQR = angle PSR.
1
List equal sides.
2
Name SSS.
3
Conclude.
WHAT A GOOD ANSWER SHOWS
PQ = PS (given), RQ = RS (given), PR = PR (common side). The triangles are congruent by SSS. Corresponding angles are equal, so angle PQR = angle PSR.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Can I...?
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
Set out statements and reasons.
Use alternate angles in a proof.
Name a common side.
Choose SSS, SAS, ASA or RHS.
Use corresponding parts of congruent triangles.
Prove diagonals bisect.
Prove base angles are equal.
Finish with a conclusion.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Summary & Exam Focus
Every step needs a reason.
Give the congruence condition in words or letters.
Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are equal.
End with a conclusion that answers the question.
EXAM FOCUS
ABCD is a parallelogram. The diagonals AC and BD meet at M. Prove that triangles AMB and CMD are congruent. (4 marks)
Write each fact with its reason: opposite sides equal, alternate angles equal. Then name the condition (ASA here).
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Geometric Proof and Congruence
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
Answer all questions. Give reasons for every step. · 30 minutes
Question 1 · 4 marks · Prove
ABCD is a parallelogram. The diagonals AC and BD meet at M. Prove that triangles AMB and CMD are congruent.
Question 2 · 2 marks · Prove
Using the congruent triangles from the last question, prove that AM = MC.
Question 3 · 4 marks · Prove
Triangle ABC is isosceles with AB = AC. D is the midpoint of BC. Prove that angle ABC = angle ACB.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Geometric Proof and Congruence (cont.)
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
Question 4 · 3 marks · Prove
PQRS is a kite with PQ = PS and RQ = RS. Prove that angle PQR = angle PSR.
Question 5 · 2 marks · Explain
Explain why "the triangles look the same" is not a good reason in a proof.
Question 6 · 3 marks · Prove
ABCD is a rectangle. The diagonals AC and BD are drawn. Prove that AC = BD.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · 4 marks · Prove
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5

ABCD is a parallelogram. The diagonals AC and BD meet at M. Prove that triangles AMB and CMD are congruent. (4 marks)
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · mark scheme
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
AB = DC with a reason
B1
One pair of equal angles with a reason
M1
The second pair of equal angles with a reason
M1
Congruent by ASA
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · 2 marks · Prove
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
“
Using the congruent triangles from the last question, prove that AM = MC.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Prove. Worth 2 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · mark scheme
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Corresponding sides of congruent triangles
M1
AM = MC
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · 4 marks · Prove
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5

Triangle ABC is isosceles with AB = AC. D is the midpoint of BC. Prove that angle ABC = angle ACB. (4 marks)
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · mark scheme
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
AB = AC and BD = DC with reasons
M1
AD common
M1
SSS
A1
Conclusion about angles
C1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · 3 marks · Prove
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
“
PQRS is a kite with PQ = PS and RQ = RS. Prove that angle PQR = angle PSR.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Prove. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · mark scheme
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Equal sides and common side
M1
SSS
M1
Conclusion
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · 2 marks · Explain
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
“
Explain why "the triangles look the same" is not a good reason in a proof.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Explain. Worth 2 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · mark scheme
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Not appearances or measurements
M1
Each step needs a mathematical reason
C1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 6 · 3 marks · Prove
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
“
ABCD is a rectangle. The diagonals AC and BD are drawn. Prove that AC = BD.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Prove. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 6 · mark scheme
Similarity and congruence
Lesson 2 of 5
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Equal sides and right angles
M1
SAS
M1
AC = BD
A1
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