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...
Virginia Department of Education
Similar Triangles
Pupils work in pairs to investigate what it takes to prove that two triangles are similar. They work through various shortcuts to find which are enough to show a similarity relationship between the triangles. Small groups work with the...
EngageNY
More About Similar Triangles
Determine whether two triangles are similar. The lesson plan presents opportunities for pupils to find the criterion needed to show that two triangles are similar. Scholars use the definition of similarity to find any missing side...
EngageNY
Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
What does similarity have to do with the Pythagorean Theorem? The activity steps through the proof of the Pythagorean Theorem by using similar triangles. Next, the teacher leads a discussion of the proof and follows it by an animated...
Illustrative Mathematics
Joining Two Midpoints of Sides of a Triangle
Without ever using the actual term, this exercise has the learner develop the key properties of the midsegment of a triangle. This task leads the class to discover a proof of similar triangles using the properties of parallel...
Illustrative Mathematics
Are They Similar?
Learners separate things that just appear similar from those that are actually similar. A diagram of triangles is given, and then a variety of geometric characteristics changed and the similarity of the triangles analyzed. Because the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Right Triangles Inscribed in Circles I
One of the basic properties of inscribed angles gets a triangle proof treatment in a short but detailed exercise. Leading directions take the learner through identifying characteristics of a circle and how they relate to angles and...
Mathematics Vision Project
Similarity and Right Triangle Trigonometry
Starting with similar triangles and dilation factors, this unit quickly and thoroughly progresses into the world of right triangle features and trigonometric relationships. Presented in easy-to-attack modules with copious application...
Illustrative Mathematics
Right Triangles Inscribed in Circles II
So many times the characteristics of triangles are presented as a vocabulary-type of instructional activity, but in this activity they are key to unraveling a proof. A unique attack on proving that an inscribed angle that subtends a...
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
Congruence, Proof, and Constructions
This amazingly extensive unit covers a wealth of geometric ground, ranging from constructions to angle properties, triangle theorems, rigid transformations, and fundamentals of formal proofs. Each of the almost-forty lessons...
Curated OER
Identifying Similar Triangles
For this identifying similar triangles worksheet, 10th graders solve 5 different proofs related to similar triangles. First, they identify the similar triangles in each figure and explain why they are similar, using the information to...
Curated OER
Triangle's Interior Angles
Given a pair of parallel lines and a triangle in between, geometers prove that the sum of the interior angles is 180 degrees. This quick quest can be used as a pop quiz or exit ticket for your geometry class.
EngageNY
Special Relationships Within Right Triangles—Dividing into Two Similar Sub-Triangles
Why are right triangles so special? Pupils begin their study of right triangles by examining similar right triangles. Verifying through proofs, scholars recognize the three similar right triangles formed by drawing the altitude. Once...
Curated OER
Identify Similar Triangles With Proofs
In this similar triangle worksheet, students write a two-column proof to explain why determined triangles are similar. Given some line lengths and angle measurements, students use proofs to identify the ratio of specified angles. This...
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.
Flipped Math
Prove Triangles Similar
Show more than one way to prove similarity. Scholars learn three different methods to show two triangles are similar, Angle-Angle, Side-Side-Side, and Side-Angle-Side. Pupils practice applying these methods to determine whether two given...
Curated OER
Triangles and Congruence
Can your class construct triangles and determine congruence? Find out with this well put together worksheet. THey construct triangles to given specifications and identify if they are congruent. There are 3 muti-step problems to solve.
Inside Mathematics
Rhombuses
Just what does it take to show two rhombuses are similar? The assessment task asks pupils to develop an argument to show that given quadrilaterals are rhombuses. Class members also use their knowledge of similar triangles to show two...
Curated OER
Analyzing Congruence Proofs
Looking at numerous examples of triangles, each with different properties, geometers develop their understanding of congruency. They use the notation of a counter-example to disprove certain conjectures and prove geometric theorems and...
EngageNY
Pythagorean Theorem, Revisited
Transform your pupils into mathematicians as they learn to prove the popular Pythagorean Theorem. The 16th lesson in the series of 25 continues by teaching learners how to develop a proof. It shows how to prove the Pythagorean Theorem...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equal Area Triangles on the Same Base II
A deceptively simple question setup leads to a number of attack methods and a surprisingly sophisticated solution set in this open-ended problem. Young geometers of different strengths can go about defining the solutions graphically,...
Flipped Math
Unit 6 Review: Similar Figures
After a short review of the material from the Similar Figures Unit, pupils work through 18 problems to further practice the skills from the unit. Scholars apply those skills in the application problems at the end of the review.
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...