# Proof that Vertical Angles Are Congruent

A pair of angles whose sides form two lines is called vertical angles. In the figure below, angles 1 and 3 are vertical angles since their sides form lines l and m. Similarly, angles 2 and 4 are vertical angles  for the same reason.

Vertical angles are congruent and it is easy to prove. We just use the fact that a linear pair of angles are supplementary; that is their measures add up to $180^\circ$.  In the figure above, to prove that vertical angles are congruent,  we have to show that $\angle 1$ and $\angle 3$ are congruent or $\angle 2$ and $\angle 4$ are congruent.

Theorem

Vertical angles are congruent.

Proof

We show that $\angle 1 \cong \angle 3$.

$m \angle 1 + m \angle 2 = 180^\circ$ ** Linear pair of angles are supplementary.

$m \angle 2 + m\angle 3 = 180^\circ$ **Linear pair of angles are supplementary.

$m \angle 1 + m \angle 2 = m \angle 2 + m \angle 3$ ** Substitution property of equality; that is $180^\circ = 180^\circ$.

Substracting $\angle 2$ from both sides, we have

$m \angle 1 = m \angle 3$.

Therefore, vertical angles are congruent. $\blacksquare$

As an exercise, show that $m \angle 2 = m \angle 4$.