Unit 5, Lesson 6. Proving Theorems about Triangles Isosceles triangles can be seen throughout our daily lives in structures, supports, architectural details, and even bicycle frames. Isosceles triangles are a distinct classification of triangles with unique characteristics and parts that have specific names. In this lesson, you will explore the qualities of isosceles triangles. Isosceles triangles have at least two congruent sides, called legs. The angle created by the intersection of the legs is called the vertex angle. The side that is opposite the vertex angle is the base of the isosceles triangle. Each of the remaining angles is referred to as a base angle. The intersection of a leg and the base of the isosceles triangle creates a base angle. The following theorem is true of every isosceles triangle. Isosceles Triangle Theorem If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then the angles opposite the congruent sides are congruent. If the Isosceles Triangle Theorem is reversed, then that statement is also true. This is known as the converse of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem. onverse of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem If two angles of a triangle are congruent, then the sides opposite those angles are congruent. MUnit5Lesson6. 1 11/4/018
If the vertex angle of an isosceles triangle is bisected, the bisector is perpendicular to the base, creating two right triangles. In the diagram that follows, D is the midpoint of. Equilateral triangles are a special type of isosceles triangle, for which each side of the triangle is congruent. If all sides of a triangle are congruent, then all angles have the same measure. Theorem If a triangle is equilateral then it is equiangular, or has equal angles. Each angle of an equilateral triangle measures 60 (180 3 60 ). onversely, if a triangle has equal angles, it is equilateral. Theorem If a triangle is equiangular, then it is equilateral. These theorems and properties can be used to solve many triangle problems. ommon Errors/Misconceptions incorrectly identifying parts of isosceles triangles not identifying equilateral triangles as having the same properties of isosceles triangles incorrectly setting up and solving equations to find unknown measures of triangles misidentifying or leaving out theorems, postulates, or definitions when writing proofs MUnit5Lesson6. 11/4/018
Example 1 Find the measure of each angle of. 1. Identify the congruent sides and angles. The legs of an isosceles triangle are congruent; therefore,. The base of is. and are base angles and are congruent. ( 4x) ( 6x 36 ). alculate the value of x. ongruent angles have the same measure. reate an equation. The measures of base angles of isosceles triangles are equal 4x 6x 36 Substitute values for m and x 36 Subtract 6x from both sides x 18 Divide both sides by The value of x is 18. 3. alculate each angle measure. m 4x Given 4(18 ) Substitute the known value of x into the expression for m 7 Solve for m 6x 36 Given 6(18 ) 36 Substitute the known value of x into the expression for 108 36 Simplify 7 Solve for 180 The sum of the angles of a triangle is 180 7 7 180 Substitute the known values 144 180 Simplify 36 Solve for m 4. Summarize your findings. 36 7 7 MUnit5Lesson6. 3 11/4/018
Example Determine whether with vertices ( 4,5 ), ( 1, 4), and (5,) is an isosceles triangle. If it is isosceles, name a pair of congruent angles. 1. Use the distance formula to calculate the length of each side. alculate the length of. d ( x x1) ( y y1) Distance formula (( 1) ( 4)) (( 4 ) 5) Substitute ( 4,5 ) and ( 1, 4 ) for ( x 1,y 1) and ( 1 4 ) (( 4 ) 5) ( x,y ) 3 ( 9) 9 81 90 3 10 The length of is 3 10 units alculate the length of. d ( x x1) ( y y1) Distance formula ( 5 ( 1)) ( ( 4 )) Substitute ( 1, 4 ) and ( 5, ) for ( x 1,y 1) and ( 5 1) ( 4) ( x,y ) 6 6 36 36 7 6 The length of is 6 units alculate the length of. d ( x x1) ( y y1) Distance formula ( 5 ( 4)) ( 5) Substitute ( 4,5 ) and ( 5, ) for ( x 1,y 1) and ( 5 4 ) ( 3) ( x,y ) 9 ( 3 ) 81 9 90 3 10 The length of is 3 10 units. Determine if the triangle is isosceles. triangle with at least two congruent sides is an isosceles triangle., so is isosceles. 3. Identify congruent angles. If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then the angles opposite the sides are congruent. So since,. MUnit5Lesson6. 4 11/4/018
Example 3 Given, prove that. 1. State the given information.. Draw the angle bisector of and extend it to, creating the perpendicular bisector of. Label the point of intersection D. Indicate congruent sides. and are congruent corresponding parts. Example 4 3. Write the information in a two-column proof. Statements Reasons 1. 1. Given. Draw the angle bisector of. There is exactly one line through two points. and extend it to, creating a perpendicular bisector of and the midpoint of. 3. D 3. Definition of midpoint 4. D D 4. Reflexive Property 5. D D 5. SSS ongruence Statement 6. 6. orresponding Parts of ongruent Triangles are congruent Find the values of x and y. D D 1. Make observations about the figure. The triangle in the diagram has three congruent sides. triangle with three congruent sides is equilateral. Equilateral triangles are also equiangular. The measure of each angle of an equilateral triangle is 60. n exterior angle is also included in the diagram. The measure of an exterior angle is the supplement of the adjacent interior angle. MUnit5Lesson6. 5 11/4/018
Example 4 (continued). Determine the value of x. The measure of each angle of an equilateral triangle is 60. reate and solve an equation for x using this information. 4x 4 60 Equation 4x 36 Subtract 4 from both sides x 9 Divide both sides by 4 The value of x is 9. 3. Determine the value of y. The exterior angle is the supplement to the interior angle. The interior angle is 60 by the properties of equilateral triangles. The sum of the measures of an exterior angle and interior angle pair equals 180. reate and solve an equation for y using this information. 11y 3 60 180 Equation 11y 37 180 Simplify 11y 143 Subtract 37 from both sides y 13 Divide both sides by 11 The value of y is 13. Example 5 is equilateral. Prove that it is equiangular. 1. State the given information. is an equilateral triangle.. Plan the proof. Equilateral triangles are also isosceles triangles. Isosceles triangles have at least two congruent sides. and are base angles in relation to and. because of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem. and are base angles in relation to and. because of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem. y the Transitive Property, ; so, is equilangular. 3. Write the information in a paragraph proof. Since is equilateral, and. y the Isosceles Triangle Theorem, and. y the Transitive Property, ; therefore, is equilangular. MUnit5Lesson6. 6 11/4/018