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SSA Exploration

Author:Heather O'Brien, nbianculli, kjordanlghs
SSA Congruence Exploration

Procedure

  1. Observe the two triangles. Notice some parts are congruent.
  2. You will find some parts cannot be changed, and some can. Point R rotates and the x allows you to slide the triangles.
  3. If parts of the figure on the right are moved in a certain way, the interior of the figure will become shaded. This means that you were able to make a triangle. If the part does not shade in, keep trying. (Hint Rotate line segment PR.)
  4. Then answer the questions that follow. Check your answers, and transfer the correct responses to your paper.

Look at the two triangles in the sketch. Which of the following statements describes the parts of the two triangles that are congruent?

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
Check my answer (3)

Move point R in the 2nd triangle around as much as you can. Describe what happens.

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
Check my answer (3)

When R is positioned just right, a triangle is formed and the interior of the figure shades in. How many different triangles were you able to make?

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
Check my answer (3)

This combination of pieces is known as SSA. The shortcut you looked at last time also had two sides and one angle, but it was labelled SAS. What is the difference between SAS and SSA?

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
Check my answer (3)

Based upon the results of this investigation, is SSA a reliable way to show that two triangles with these parts the same must be congruent?

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
Check my answer (3)

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