Subject: Math7 Plane and Solid Geometry

Module 2 (6 hrs.)

Lesson Title: Triangles and Triangle Congruence

Overview
This module discusses the different kinds of triangles, the relationship between the angles and
sides of a triangle, and the conditions that guarantee triangle congruence.

The triangle is the simplest closed figure bounded by line segments. It is a very important
figure that we encounter in daily life, in the arts, engineering and architecture. Because of its
usefulness, the triangle deserves a detailed treatment in our study of geometry. Postulate and
theorems on triangle congruence are introduced here to prove triangle congruence.

2.1 Kinds of Triangles

Definition: Triangle – A triangle is a closed figure formed by the union of 3 line segments
intersecting at their endpoints.

Triangles can be classified according to the kind of angles they have.

1. Right Triangle –A right triangle has one right

angle. The sides which include the right angle
are called the legs. The third side which is
opposite the right angle is the hypotenuse.

2. Obtuse Triangle – An obtuse triangle has one obtuse angle.

3. Acute Triangle - An acute triangle has three acute angles.

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 3. Equiangular Triangle - Equiangular triangles have three congruent angles.

Another way to classify triangles is according to their sides.

1. Isosceles Triangle –An isosceles triangle has 2 congruent sides.

The congruent sides are called legs. The third side is the base.
The angles on both ends of the base are called base angles.
The angle between the legs is the vertex angle.
Base angles of isosceles  are congruent.

2. Equilateral Triangle – An equilateral triangle has all sides congruent.

Equilateral triangles are also equiangular.

3. Scalene Triangle – A scalene triangle has no side are congruent.

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Exercise:
We can combine the classifications of triangles.

Match the figures with the correct classification below.

A B C D

____ 1. Scalene obtuse Δ ____ 2. Scalene right Δ

____ 3. Isosceles obtuse Δ ____ 4. Isosceles right Δ

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 Activity 2
Constructing 6 Models of Geometric Solids
(5 points each)

Objective: To be able to apply basic constructions in constructing models of geometric solids.

Materials: thin illustration board / cheap board / used folders / recycled cake box, pencil, eraser,
A pair of scissors, cutter, glue, compass, ruler

Model 1 – Square Based Pyramid Step1. Determine the length of one edge of
your pyramid. 8-10 cm is suggested.

Step 2. Construct the square base.

Step 3. Using basic construction, construct

the 4 equilateral triangles above the
square.

Step 4. Give a ¾ cm allowance for connecting

the edges.

Model II - Triangular Pyramid Step 1. Determine the length of one edge of the
Basic Figure : Equilateral Triangle pyramid. 8 - 10 cm is suggested.

Step 2. Using basic construction, construct

the 4 equilateral triangles.

Step 3. Give a ¾ cm allowance for connecting

The edges.

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Model III - Hexahedron
Basic figure : Square

Model IV – Octahedron

Basic Figure: Equilateral Triangle

Model V – Icosahedron
Basic Figure: Equilateral Triangle

Model VI - Dodecahedron
Basic Figure: Pentagon

Construct a pattern for a pentagonal face.

Divide the circle into 5 equal parts. Use the pattern to form the net of the
Connect each point to the succeeding point dodecahedron.
on the circle. Cut out the pentagon.

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2.2 Secondary Parts of a Triangle

Every triangle has three medians, three altitudes, and three angle bisectors.

Definition 1. Median: A median of a triangle is a segment joining a vertex and the midpoint of
the side opposite this vertex.

Definition 2. Altitude: An altitude of a triangle is a segment joining a vertex and is

perpendicular to the side opposite this vertex.

Definition 3. Angle Bisector: An angle bisector of a triangle is a segment which bisects an angle
of the triangle and whose endpoints are the vertex of this angle and a point on the
opposite side.

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2.3 Angles and Sides of a Triangle X
1

Definition 1. An exterior angle is an angle which is

adjacent and supplementary to one of the angles
of the triangle. 2 3 4
In Δ XYZ on the right, 4 is an exterior angle. Y Z

Definition 2. Remote Interior Angles are two angles which are not adjacent with respect to the
given exterior angle of the triangle. In Δ XYZ, 1 and 2 are remote interior angles with
respect to 4 .

Definition 3. An adjacent interior angle is an angle which is adjacent and supplementary to

the given exterior angle of the triangle. In Δ XYZ, 3 is the adjacent angle to 4 .

Theorem 2-1. Exterior Angle Equality Theorem

The measure of an exterior angle is equal to the sum of its 2 remote interior angles.
R
Given: 4 is an exterior angle of Δ RED. 1
Prove: m 1 + m 2 = m 4

2 3 4
D E B

Statements Reason

1. 4 is an exterior angle of Δ RED. 1. Given

2. m 1 + m 2 + m 3 = 180º 2. The sum of the angles in a triangle is 180º.
3. m 4 + m 3 = 180º 3. Linear pairs are supplementary.
4. m 1 + m 2 + m 3 = m 4 + m 3 4. ___________________________________
5. m 1 + m 2 = m 4 5. ___________________________________

Postulate 10: The whole is equal to the sum of its parts.

Theorem 2-2: The whole is greater than any of its parts.

Theorem 2-3: Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem

The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is greater
than the measure of either of the two remote interior angle.

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Definition 4: Inequality : An inequality is a statement that two quantities are not equal.
If a < b, then b > a. If c > d, then d < c.

Properties of Inequalities

Let a, b, c, d denote real numbers, d ≠ 0.

The following properties of equality hold for inequalities: Addition property, Transitive
property, and multiplication property, provided the multiplier c > 0.
If a > b, c > 0, then ac > bc. Example 1) x > 6, then 2x > 12

If a > b, d < 0, then ad < bc. Example 2) y > 9, then -3y < -27
Example 3) z < -4, then -5z > 20 or 5z < -20

Theorem 2-4: Triangle Inequality Theorem

In any triangle, the sum of the lengths of any two of its sides is greater than the third side.

Example: Determine which of the given sets of lengths cannot form a triangle.

a) 8 cm, 7 cm, 4 cm b) 7 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm c) 12 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm

Hint: Compare the longest side to the sum of the two other sides. If the sum of the
lengths of the two shorter sides is greater than the longest side, then a triangle
can be formed.

Solutions:
a) 7 + 4 > 8 b) 4 + 3 = 7 c) 6 + 5 < 12
This set can form a Δ. This set cannot form a Δ. This set cannot form a Δ.

Theorem 2 – 5: Pythagorean Theorem A

In any right triangle, the sqare of the length of the hypotenuse
is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. b c

c 2 = a 2 + b2
C a B

The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the most useful theorems in geometry. It was named
after Pythagoras of Samos who is believed to have given the first proof of the theorem around
500 BC. However, the Babylonians Knew this theorem and its application about 1000 years
earlier.

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 a b
Area of the big square – Area of
c small square = ?
(a + b)2 – c2 = ?
c2
c
c
b

A Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem

Prove the Pythagorean theorem
a by using the Pythagoras of Samos
relationships between the areas of the squares above. [Link]

Proof:
(a + b)2 – c2 = 4 (1/2 ab)
a2 + 2ab + b2 = 2ab + c2

a 2 + b2 = c 2

Exercises:

Find the values of the missing sides of right triangle ABC with c as the hypotenuse.

Right Triangle a b c

1 6 8

2 9 15

3 4 4

4 5 5 3

1. a = 6, b = 8, c = ?

c 2 = 62 + 82

c2 = 36 + 64 = 100

c = √100 = 10

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2.4 Triangle Congruence
A D

C B F E

Figure 1. Congruent Triangles

Definition1 : Congruent Triangles - Two triangles are congruent if their corresponding

parts are congruent.

The acronym CPCTC meaning “Corresponding Parts of Congruent Triangles are Congruent”
can be used to state this definition.

In Figure 1 above, Δ ABC is congruent to Δ DEF. We have the following congruence

correspondence. Fill in the blank spaces with the correct correspondence.

Corresponding Vertices Corresponding Angles Corresponding Sides

A & D A  D AC  DF
B & F
C & E

Theorem 2-6 Triangle congruence has the following properties: Symmetric, Reflexive and
Transitive Property.

Conditions that Guarantee Triangle Congruence

Postulate 11. SSS Congruence Postulate: If three sides of one triangle are congruent
respectively to three sides of another triangle , then the two triangles are congruent.

Postulate 12: SAS Congruence Postulate: If two sides and the included angle of one triangle
are congruent respectively to two sides and the included angle of another triangle , then the
two triangles are congruent.

Postulate 13: ASA Congruence Postulate: If two angles and the included side of one triangle
are congruent respectively to two angles and the included side of another triangle , then the
two triangles are congruent.

Theorem 2-7 SAA Congruence Theorem: If two angles and a non- included side of one
triangle are congruent respectively to two angles and a non- included side of another
triangle , then the two triangles are congruent.

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2.6 Proving Triangle Congruence by Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning starts with some accepted facts, like definitions, axioms, postulates, and
theorems to prove specific situations. It is important to learn how to prove in mathematics to
enable a student to go through the process of reasoning that early mathematicians went through
and in so doing, gain skill in deductive reasoning and appreciate both the process and the result.
B
Prove the following congruences deductively.

Example 1. Given: AB  AD , BC  DC.

Prove: ABC  ADC A C

D
A C
Example 2. Given: AB  CD , AB ⊥ BD, CD ⊥ BD
E is the midpoint of BD
Prove: ABE  CDE
1  2 1 2
B E D

A
Example 3. Given: D is the midpoint of BC
AD ⊥ BC
Prove: ADB  ADC
AB  AC
B D C

Example 4. Given: AC  BD, C  D D

Prove: ACE  BDE
AE  EB
A E B

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Properties of Isosceles Triangles
A
Isosceles  Theorem
If 2 sides of a  are congruent., then the angles opposite
these sides are congruent.

* Prove the Isosceles  Theorem

Given :  ABC , with AB  AC B D C
Prove : B  C

Hint : Draw the bisector of BAC and let it intersect BC at D.

Prove the congruence between the 2 triangles, then by CPCTC, B  C .

Converse of Isosceles  Theorem

If 2 angles of a  are congruent., then the sides opposite these angles are congruent
A

* Prove the Converse of the Isosceles  Theorem A

Given :  ABC , with B  C
Prove : AB  AC
Hint : Draw the bisector of BAC and let it intersect BC
at D. BB D CC

Prove the congruence between the 2 triangles, then by CPCTC, AB  AC .

Right Triangle Congruence

The following Theorems give sufficient conditions

for congruence between two right triangles. Leg hypotenuse

Theorem 2-10: Leg-Leg Congruence Theorem

(LL Congruence Theorem or SAS )
Leg
Theorem 2-11: Leg-Acute Angle Congruence Theorem
(LA Congruence Theorem or ASA)

Theorem 2-12: Hypotenuse-Leg Congruence Theorem (Hy-L Congruence Theorem or SSS)

Theorem 2-13: Hypotenuse-Acute Angle Congruence Theorem

(Hy-A Congruence Theorem or SAA)

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Definition 2. Distance from a Point to a Line: The distance from a point to a line is the length of
the perpendicular segment from the point to the line.

Theorem 2-14: A point on the bisector of an angle is equidistant from the sides of the angle.

P
d

Theorem 2-15: A point equidistant from the sides of an angle lies on the bisector of the angle.

Theorem 2-16: A point on the perpendicular bisector of a segment is equidistant from the
endpoints of the segment.

d d

Theorem 2-17: There is one and only one line perpendicular to a given line from an external
point P.

Assessment

Take a Module Exam in Moodle.

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