Lesson 10

Drawing Triangles (Part 2)

Let’s draw some more triangles.

10.1: Using a Compass to Estimate Length

  1. Draw a \(40^\circ\) angle.
  2. Use a compass to make sure both sides of your angle have a length of 5 centimeters.

  3. If you connect the ends of the sides you drew to make a triangle, is the third side longer or shorter than 5 centimeters? How can you use a compass to explain your answer?

10.2: Revisiting How Many Can You Draw?

Use the applet to draw triangles.

  1. Draw as many different triangles as you can with each of these sets of measurements:

    1. One angle measures \(40^\circ\), one side measures 4 cm and one side measures 5 cm.
    2. Two sides measure 6 cm and one angle measures \(100^\circ\). 

  2. Did either of these sets of measurements determine one unique triangle? How do you know? 

 

10.3: Three Angles

Use the applet to draw triangles. Sides can overlap.

  1. Draw as many different triangles as you can with each of these sets of measurements:
    1. One angle measures \(50^\circ\), one measures \(60^\circ\), and one measures \(70^\circ\).
    2. One angle measures \(50^\circ\), one measures \(60^\circ\), and one measures \(100^\circ\).
  2. Did either of these sets of measurements determine one unique triangle? How do you know?

 


Using only the point, segment, and compass tools provided, create an equilateral triangle. You are only successful if the triangle remains equilateral while dragging its vertices around. 

Summary

A triangle has six measures: three side lengths and three angle measures.

If we are given three measures, then sometimes, there is no triangle that can be made. For example, there is no triangle with side lengths 1, 2, 5, and there is no triangle with all three angles measuring \(150^\circ\).

Two images. First, a segment 5 units, a circle radius 1 unit centered at an endpoint, a circle radius 2 centered at the other endpoint. Second, 4 segments, joined end to end, each angle 150 degrees.

Sometimes, only one triangle can be made. By this we mean that any triangle we make will be the same, having the same six measures. For example, if a triangle can be made with three given side lengths, then the corresponding angles will have the same measures. Another example is shown here: an angle measuring \(45^\circ\) between two side lengths of 6 and 8 units. With this information, one unique triangle can be made.

Two angles.  First, segments length 6 and 8 meet at a 45 degree angle.  Second, segments length 6 and 8 meet at a 45 degree angle, a dotted line connects the other endpoints.

Sometimes, two or more different triangles can be made with three given measures. For example, here are two different triangles that can be made with an angle measuring \(45^\circ\) and side lengths 6 and 8. Notice the angle is not between the given sides.

Two different triangles are shown.  Both triangles have sides with length 6 and 8, both triangles have 45 degree angles, but one triangle is bigger than the other.

Three pieces of information about a triangle’s side lengths and angle measures may determine no triangles, one unique triangle, or more than one triangle. It depends on the information.

Video Summary

Video VLS G7U7V2 Drawing Polygons with Given Conditions (Lessons 6–10) available at https://player.vimeo.com/video/516924015.