4.3 SSA Congruent Triangles Exploration
In the given exploration:
1) You will explore the Side-Side-Angle (SSA) case. If two sides and an angle not included between those sides of one triangle are congruent to the two sides and an angle not included between those sides of another triangle, must the triangles be congruent?
2) Two sides and an angle not included between them of the triangle on the right are constructed so that they are always congruent to their corresponding sides and angle in the triangle on the left. You are free to manipulate (drag) all the vertices of triangle ABC, as well as the position of triangle DEF.
3) Experiment by moving the points around in order to test the theory that Side-Side-Angle (SSA) is a criteria for triangle congruence.
Answer the following questions on binder paper:
4) Can you find a way to make the two triangles look different?
5) Based on your answer to #4, is SSA a valid "shortcut" for triangle congruence?