# Definition:Transversal (Geometry)

## Definition

A transversal of two lines lying in the same plane is a line which intersects them in two different points.

The transversal is said to cut the two lines that it crosses.

### Interior Angles

Interior angles are the angles which are between the two lines cut by a transversal.

In the above figure, the interior angles with respect to the transversal $EF$ are:

$\angle AHJ$
$\angle CJH$
$\angle BHJ$
$\angle DJH$

### Exterior Angles

Exterior angles are the angles which are not between the two lines cut by a transversal.

In the above figure, the exterior angles with respect to the transversal $EF$ are:

$\angle AHE$
$\angle CJF$
$\angle BHE$
$\angle DJF$

### Alternate Interior Angles

Alternate interior angles are the angles which are between two lines cut by a transversal, on opposite sides and different lines.

In the above figure, the pairs of alternate interior angles with respect to the transversal $EF$ are:

$\angle AHJ$ and $\angle DJH$
$\angle CJH$ and $\angle BHJ$

### Corresponding Angles

Corresponding angles are the angles in equivalent positions on the two lines cut by a transversal with respect to that transversal.

In the above figure, the corresponding angles with respect to the transversal $EF$ are:

$\angle AHJ$ and $\angle CJF$
$\angle AHE$ and $\angle CJH$
$\angle BHE$ and $\angle DJH$
$\angle BHJ$ and $\angle DJF$