Isosceles Triangles

Warm up

Determine if the triangles are congruent and explain why.

What is a perpendicular bisector? Draw an Example

Objectives

The geometry students will be able to prove the base angle theorem using a

logical construction and congruence.

The geometry students will be able to apply isosceles triangle theorems.

Purpose

The logical thought process behind proving theorems establishes a deeper

understanding into subject matter.

Standards

Base angles of an isosceles triangle are congruent

 Base Angle Theorem

Step 1: The Line

Step 2: The Midpoint

Proposed Questions Expected Response

What is a midpoint?The point in the middle, the point halfway

a+b
between the other points, and 2
Step 3: The Perpendicular Bisector

Step 4: Connect the Points

Have students work in pairs to determine ac = bc .

Students will most likely use congruent triangles.

Some might use the Pythagorean theorem.

Have students prove the base angles of an isosceles triangle are congruent.

Work in pairs
Proposed Questions Expected Response

What can we say about ax and bx ? They are equal. Midpoint

What does that mean for cax and cbx ? They are congruent. SAS or Pythagorean
Theorem.

Why can we say that ac = bc? CPCTC, Pythagorean Theorem

What kind of triangle is this? Isosceles

What can we say about the base angles They are congruent, CPCTC
and why?

Reasoning

Constructing the figure serves a dual purpose. It shows uses the

pythagorean theorem or the SAS congruence condition to show the sides

of an isosceles triangle are congruent. There is a hidden meaning as well.

It shows an isosceles triangle is formed on a perpendicular bisector.

Working in pairs encourages discussion over the content.

Have questions ready and predicting the responses helps the teacher

form a deeper discussion with the class and promote connected

knowledge.
 Proposed Exercises

Proposed questions Expected response

What is the length of angle x? why? 67 , base angle theorem

What is the length of angle z? why? 113 , x and z are on a flat line.

What is the length of angles r and y? r = 46 , y = 47 , because the angles of

why? a triangle add up to 180

Reasoning

This figure shows is a good example of using the base angle theorem to

determine unknown variables.

It is meant to challenge their knowledge of previous content. This will

make it easier to gain connected knowledge.

 What shape is this? How do you know?

What are the lengths of the sides?

Students should be given time to work on this while the teacher

floats around the room.

Whiteboard problem as an exit ticket.

Possible Questions Explanation/response

Where do I start? Lets start with listing everything we know.

How does knowing the angles help me? What is the sum of the angles of a triangle?
 Reasoning

This figure also provides a task in which students have to use previous

knowledge to find unknowns.

Giving some time to answer individual questions, makes students feel

safer and more likely to ask questions.

Using the whiteboards as an exit ticket is a good way to assess what

students learned for the day.

Homework

Isosceles Triangle H.O

 Isosceles Triangles
Use your knowledge about isosceles triangles and the triangle congruence
conditions to determine the missing parts. Remember the sides of an isosceles triangle
are congruent and the base angles are congruent. Show your work please!!

What is the length of X? How

do you know?

What is the length of Y? How

do you know?

What is the measure of angle

a? How do you know?
What is the length of
X? How do you know?

What is the length of

Y? How do you know?

What is the length of

L? How do you know?
What is the area of the
rectangle?

Sarah is standing 5 meters away from both Jim and Bob. She is also standing 4 meters away
from the midpoint of Jim and Bob.

1. Draw a sketch of the three people. Make sure to include the distances
between them. Label Jim (J), Bob (B), Sarah (S).

2. What kind of shape do they form? How do you know?

3. How far apart are Jim and Bob? How do you know?