Curated OER
Finding the Area of an Equilateral Triangle
The problem seems simple: find the area of the equilateral triangle whose sides are each length 1. In fact, this same problem is solved in 8th grade, addressing a different Common Core standard, using the formula for area of a triangle...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Evaluating Statements About Length and Area
Class members complete an assessment task by identifying whether statements about triangles and quadrilaterals are always true, sometimes true, or never true. They then participate in a sorting activity with the same objective.
EngageNY
Thales’ Theorem
Isn't paper pushing supposed to be boring? Learners attempt a paper-pushing puzzle to develop ideas about angles inscribed on a diameter of a circle. Learners then formalize Thales' theorem and use geometric properties to develop a proof...
Inside Mathematics
Circles in Triangles
Challenge the class with inscribed circles in triangles. The assessment task requests class members use their knowledge of circles and right triangles to prove two triangles are congruent. They go on to utilize their knowledge of...
EngageNY
Prove the Pythagorean Theorem Using Similarity
Amaze your classes with the ability to find side lengths of triangles immediately — they'll all want to know your trick! Learners use the Pythagorean Theorem and special right triangle relationships to find missing side lengths.
Curated OER
The Truth About Triangles And Proofs
Students engage in a lesson that is about the classification of triangles and the mathematical proofs involved in working with them. They work on a variety of problems that are created by the teacher with the focus upon the importance of...
Virginia Department of Education
Congruent Triangles
Is this enough to show the two triangles are congruent? Small groups work through different combinations of constructing triangles from congruent parts to determine which combinations create only congruent triangles. Participants use the...
EngageNY
Congruence Criteria for Triangles—AAS and HL
How can you prove it? Guide classes through an exploration of two possible triangle congruence criteria: AAS and HL. Learners connect this criteria to those previous learned and also explore criteria that does not work. The lesson...
University of Utah
Geometry: Angles, Triangles, and Distance
The Pythagorean Theorem is a staple of middle school geometry. Scholars first investigate angle relationships, both in triangles and in parallel lines with a transversal, before proving and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
EngageNY
Informal Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
Prove the Pythagorean Theorem using multiple informal proofs. Scholars first develop an understanding of the origins of the Pythagorean Theorem through proofs. They round out the lesson by using the theorem to find missing side lengths...
Illustrative Mathematics
Similar Triangles
Proving triangles are similar is often an exercise in applying one of the many theorems young geometers memorize, like the AA similarity criteria. But proving that the criteria themselves are valid from basic principles is a great...
Curated OER
Exploring Characteristics Needed to Prove Two Trianlges Congruent
Tenth graders explore congruent triangles. In this geometry lesson, 10th graders investigate the conditions necessary to prove two triangles congruent. The lesson combines dry erase board activities and the use of technology.
Curated OER
Central Valley Math Project
Middle schoolers study the Pythagorean Theorem. They describe what it means to square a number. Pupilsuse the Pythagorean Theorem to prove the sides of given triangles, and use geometric pieces of paper to create a right triangle and...
Curated OER
Proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem
Working individually and collaboratively, geometers gain a clear understanding of the Pythagorean theorem. They create, explain, and compare proofs of the theorem. Proofs involve areas of trapezoids, squares, and triangles, congruent...
EngageNY
Angle Sum of a Triangle
Prove the Angle Sum Theorem of a triangle using parallel line and transversal angle relationships. Pupils create a triangle from parallel lines and transversals. They find angle measures to show that the angles of a triangle must total...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Solving Problems with Circles and Triangles
After completing a task involving examining the ratio of areas of triangles and circles in a given figure, scholars examine sample responses to identify other strategies they could use to solve the problem.
EngageNY
Base Angles of Isosceles Triangles
Build confidence in proofs by proving a known property. Pupils explore two approaches to proving base angles of isosceles triangles are congruent: transformations and SAS. They then apply their understanding of the proof to more complex...
EngageNY
Triangle Congruency Proofs (part 1)
Can they put it all together? Ninth graders apply what they know about proofs and triangle congruence to complete these proofs. These proofs go beyond the basic triangle congruence proofs and use various properties, theorems, and...
EngageNY
Unknown Angle Problems with Inscribed Angles in Circles
We know theorems about circles—now what? Class members prove a theorem, with half the class taking the case where a point is inside the circle and half the class taking the case where a point is outside the circle. The lesson then...
EngageNY
More on the Angles of a Triangle
Angles and triangles: they're all connected. Uncover the connections between angles in triangles. Scholars learn how to find both exterior and interior angle measures in triangles. The lesson emphasizes the vocabulary related to these...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Hopewell Geometry
Right triangles from 2,000 years ago? Learners investigate different right triangles found in the earthworks of the Hopewell people, a Native American culture that populated the United States from 200BC to AD 500. Learners apply concepts...
Curated OER
Exterior and Interior Angles of Triangles
Tenth graders explore the exterior and interior angles of triangles. They use a theorem in order to prove a theorem about all polygons. Students use the theorem and its applications to find the angles of different types of triangles.
EngageNY
Informal Proof of AA Criterion for Similarity
What does it take to show two triangles are similar? The 11th segment in a series of 16 introduces the AA Criterion for Similarity. A discussion provides an informal proof of the theorem. Exercises and problems require scholars to apply...
EngageNY
Properties of Parallelograms
Everyone knows that opposite sides of a parallelogram are congruent, but can you prove it? Challenge pupils to use triangle congruence to prove properties of quadrilaterals. Learners complete formal two-column proofs before moving on to...