Day 7 ­ Right Triangles

Objective:
1) Review the definition of a Right Triangle and the parts of a Right Triangle
2) Right Triangle Congruence Theorems

1) Definition of Right Triangle


A triangle with one right angle


Parts of a Right Triangle


Hypotenuse-the side opposite the right angle
Legs-the other sides of the right triangle not opposite the right angle

2) Construct two congruent right triangles and prove they are congruent by SAS theorem. Since right triangles are special cases, the SAS test for congruence can be adjusted to establish a Leg-Leg Theorem.

Leg-Leg (LL) Thm: If two legs of one right triangle are congruent to the corresponding legs of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent

Now prove the right triangles are congruent by the AAS theorem using the hypotenuse as the side. Since right triangles are special cases the AAS test for congruence can be adjusted to establish a Hypotenuse-Acute Angle Theorem

Hypotenuse-Acute Angle Thm: If the hypotenuse and an acute angle of one right triangle are congruent to the hypotenuse and corresponding angle of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent

Next prove the right triangles are congruent by AAS theorem and ASA theorem using one of the legs as the side. Since right triangles are special cases the AAS test and the ASA test for congruence can be adjusted to establish a Leg-Acute Angle Theorem


Leg-Acute Angle Thm: If one leg and an acute angle of a right triangle are congruent to the corresponding leg and angle of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent


Hypotenuse-Leg Postulate: If the hypotenuse and a leg of one right triangle are congruent to the hypotenuse and corresponding leg of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent

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