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Back to Unit 4

Lesson 4-2: Triangle Properties & Classification

Scenario: Construction Engineering - Learn about triangle properties through building and structural design!

Duration: 60-75 minutesScenario: Construction Engineering

Learning Objectives

  • Classify triangles by sides and angles
  • Apply the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem
  • Understand triangle side relationships
  • Solve construction and engineering problems

Construction Engineering Scenario

The Problem

You're designing a triangular roof truss for a house. The truss must be strong and stable. You need to determine the angles and classify the triangle type to ensure proper structural support.

Design Challenge:
A triangular truss has angles of 60°, 60°, and 60°. What type of triangle is this, and what are its properties?

Visual Representation

60°
60°
60°

Equilateral triangle - all sides equal, all angles equal to 60°

Triangle Classification

By Sides

Equilateral

All three sides are equal

All angles = 60°

Isosceles

Two sides are equal

Two angles are equal

Scalene

All sides are different

All angles are different

By Angles

Acute

All angles < 90°

Example: 60°, 60°, 60°

Right

One angle = 90°

Example: 30°, 60°, 90°

Obtuse

One angle > 90°

Example: 20°, 30°, 130°

Triangle Angle Sum Theorem

The Rule

Triangle Angle Sum Theorem: The sum of the interior angles of any triangle is always 180°.

This is true for ALL triangles, regardless of their size or shape.

Construction Example

A construction worker needs to build a triangular support beam. Two angles are 45° and 60°. What is the measure of the third angle?

Given: Two angles are 45° and 60°

Step 1: Add the known angles

45° + 60° = 105°

Step 2: Subtract from 180°

180° - 105° = 75°

Answer: The third angle is 75°

Triangle Side Relationships

Triangle Inequality Theorem

Triangle Inequality Theorem: The sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.

This means: a + b > c, a + c > b, and b + c > a

Engineering Example

An engineer is designing a triangular bridge support. Can a triangle be formed with sides of 5 ft, 8 ft, and 15 ft?

Check 1: 5 + 8 = 13, 13 > 15? No!

Check 2: 5 + 15 = 20, 20 > 8? Yes!

Check 3: 8 + 15 = 23, 23 > 5? Yes!

Answer: No, this triangle cannot be formed because 5 + 8 = 13 < 15

Practice Problems

Problem 1: Angle Sum

A triangle has angles of 30° and 80°. Find the third angle and classify the triangle by angles.

Your solution:

Problem 2: Triangle Classification

Classify a triangle with sides of 6 cm, 6 cm, and 8 cm by both sides and angles.

Your answer: