Chapter 4 Congruent Traingles

The Bigger Picture

-Properties of Triangles and their classification based on their
sides and angles
-Extension of the angle theorems to help solve problems
regarding angle measures
-The applicability of the properties of triangles in the areas of
art, architecture, and engineering

The What and the Why

Classifying triangles by their sides
and their angles
Finding angle measures in triangles
-Laying the foundation understanding the
angles that underlie the design of objects

-Identify congruent figures and

corresponding parts
- Analyzing patterns in order to make
conjectures regarding future or repeating
patterns

-Use congruent triangles to plan and

write proofs
- Prove triangular parts of the framework of a
bridge or other engineering design are
congruent

Prove that Triangles are Congruent

-Using corresponding sides and angles
-Using the SSS and SAS Congruence Postulates
-Using the ASA Congruence Postulate
-Using the AAS Congruence Theorem
-Using the HL Congruency Theorem
-Using Coordinate Geometry

Use properties of Isosceles, equilateral, and

right triangles
-Applying the laws of physics such as the law of reflection
-Identifying and using triangle relationships in architectural
and engineering design

Congruent Triangles
On a cable stayed bridge the cables
attached to each tower transfer the
weight of the roadway to the tower.
You can see from the smaller diagram
that the cables balance the weight
of the roadway on both sides of
each tower.
In the diagrams what type of angles are
formed by each individual cable
with the tower and roadway?
What do you notice about the triangles
on opposite sides of the towers?
Why is that so important?

Names of Triangles
Classification by Sides:
Isosceles Triangle

Equilateral Triangle

3 Congruent Sides

Scalene Triangle

At least 2 congruent sides

No Congruent sides

Classification by Angles:
Acute Triangle

3 acute angles

Equiangular Triangle

Right Triangle

Obtuse Triangle

3 congruent angles

1 right angle

1 obtuse angle

Terminology
Vertex: Point where two segments meet

Adjacent Sides: Two sides sharing a common

vertex
Opposite Side Non Adjacent

Opposite Side
<A
Adjacent
Sides

Right and Isosceles Triangles:

Legs In a Right Triangle, the sides
that form the right angle; In an
Isosceles Triangle, the two congruent
sides.
Hypotenuse In a Right Triangle, the
side opposite the right angle
Base In an Isosceles Triangle, the
third side.

Leg

Hypotenuse

Leg

Leg

Leg

Base

Theorems Regarding Congruent Triangles

B

Theorem 4.1: Triangle Sum Theorem

The sum of the measures of the interior angles
of a triangle is 180*
m<A + m<B + m<C = 180*

C
B

Theorem 4.2: Exterior Angle Theorem

The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle
is equal to the sum of the measures of the two
non-adjacent interior angles.
m<1 = m<A + m<B

Corollary to the Triangle Sum Theorem:

1
A

The acute angles of a right triangle are

complementary.
m<A + m<B = 90*

B
C

Proving Measures of a Triangle equal 180*

Given: ABC
Prove: m<1 + m<2 + m<3 = 180*
Statements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Reasons

Finding Angle Measures

65*

x*

(2x + 10)*

2x*

x*