Download Worksheet A: SSS and AAA investigations

Name: Thomas Haas
Lesson Title: Congruent Triangles Challenge
Activity Title: Congruence shortcuts
Contact Info: [email protected]
Unit #:
3
Lesson #:
2
Date:24-Jul-13
Activity #:
1
Worksheet:
a
Worksheet Title: Testing SSS and AAA
Investigation 1: Is SSS a way to determine congruent triangles?
The question that will be answered: If the three sides of one triangle are congruent to the three sides
of another, must the two triangles be congruent?
Each member of the group will complete step 1 on their own.
Step 1: Construct a triangle from the three parts shown above. Be sure you match up the endpoints
labeled with the same letter.
Step 2: Compare your triangle with the triangles made by others in your group. Make sure that your
comparison is valid. Is it possible to construct different triangles with three congruent sides or will
all the triangles always be congruent?
Step 3: Talk with your group and develop a conjecture about the SSS case.
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Investigation 2: Is AAA a way to determine congruent triangles?
The question that will be answered: If the three angles of one triangle are congruent to the three
angles of another, must the two triangles be congruent?
Draw a 60 degree angle using a protractor below. Do not use the protractor for any other part
during this activity.
Each member of the group will complete step 1 on their own.
Step 1: Construct a triangle with each angle equal the 60 degree angle above.
Step 2: Compare your triangle with the triangles made by others in your group. Is it possible to
construct different triangles with three congruent pairs of angles?
Step 4: Talk with your group and develop a conjecture about the AAA case.
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