Standard

G.CO.10

Prove theorems about Triangles

Objective
Discover the Triangle Inequality Theorem The sum of any two side lengths of a triangle is
greater than the length of the third side. Tell whether a triangle can have sides of given lengths.
Accessing Prior Knowledge
Many of the triangle relationships we have learned so far involve a statement of equality. For
example, the circumcenter of a triangle is equidistant from the vertices of the triangle, and the
incenter is equidistant from the sides of a triangle. Students create a list with their partners of
other geometric equalities. Think/Pair/Share
Now we will investigate some triangle relationships that involve inequalities.
Activity #1
Students will go to the website
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/mathematics/ebook_assets/vmf/VMFInterface.html
1. Using the straight line tool, create a large triangle (Triangle #1).
2. Using the pen tool, label the vertices A, B and C.
3. Using the ruler tool on the mm side, measure each side of the triangle. Record the
measures in the chart.
4. Using the protractor tool, measure each angle. Record the measures in the chart.

5. Make a conjecture based on Triangle #1: Where is the longest side in relation to the
largest angle? Where is the shortest side in relation to the smallest angle?
6. Clear objects from your page.
7. Draw three new triangles using the straight line tool, one at a time. (Triangle #2, #3 and
#4).
8. Repeat steps 2-4 above, recording the measures in the chart above.
9. Compare your completed chart with your partner. Discuss similarities and differences.
10.
Based on your data, does your conjecture hold? Explain.
Activity #2
Students will go to the website
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/mathematics/ebook_assets/vmf/VMFInterface.html
1. Using the ruler tool on the mm side and the straight line tool create three segments of
lengths 30 mm, 40 mm and 60 mm.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

By rotating the segments, determine if a triangle can be formed using these lengths.
Repeat steps 1-2 with segments of length 30 mm, 40 mm and 70 mm.
By rotating the segments, determine if a triangle can be formed using these lengths.
Repeat steps 1-2 with segments of length 30 mm, 40 mm and 80 mm.
By rotating the segments, determine if a triangle can be formed using these lengths.
Which lengths could form a triangle?
Make a conjecture: For each set of three lengths, compare the sum of any two lengths with
the third length. What is the relationship?
9. Select a different set of three lengths and try to form a triangle. Does your conjecture
hold? Explain.
Assessment
Students will complete an Exit Slip at the completion of both activities.
1. Tell whether a triangle can be formed with sides of the given lengths. (Yes/No)
1, 2 and 3
1, 2 and 2
3, 5, and 8
4, 5, and 10
2. List three segment lengths that WILL form a triangle.
3. List three segment lengths that will NOT form a triangle.