What did the triangle say to the circle? You're pointless! Class members will get the point when they investigate relationships between side lengths of a triangle using the Triangle Inequality Theorem. Pupils then create an algebraic expression for the number of possible triangles given a condition on the longest side.

Concepts

triangles, triangles inequalities, algebraic thinking, algebraic expressions

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Provide manipulatives, such as spaghetti sticks, for struggling learners

Classroom Considerations

• Be sure learners understand that you expect algebraic generalizations
• Learners should already have an understanding of the Triangle Inequality Theorem from 7.G.2

Pros

• Easily understood context helps cement understanding

Cons

• Inconsistent punctuation and formatting
• Vague directions may lead to many questions or confusion

Common Core

7.G.A.2 HSA-CED.A.3 MP2 MP3 MP6 MP7