STEM Excellence Series: Empowering the Next Generation

TRIANGLE

Triangle

Definition Of Triangle

A three-sided polygon is called to be a triangle

A Triangle is a polygon with three sides

More About Triangles

Equilateral Triangle: A triangle with all the sides of same length is called equilateral triangle.
Isosceles Triangle: A three-sided polygon with at least two sides of the same length is called isosceles triangle.
Scalene Triangle: A three-sided polygon with no sides of the same length is called scalene triangle.
Right Triangle: A three-sided polygon with one right angle is called right triangle.
Acute Triangle: A triangle measuring all its angles less than 90o is called acute triangle.A three-sided polygon with all its angles less than 90o is called
acute triangle.
Obtuse Triangle: A triangle with one of its angle measuring more than 90o is called obtuse triangle.

Video Examples: Triangles

Examples of Triangle

Solved Example on Triangle

Ques: A piece of land is in the shape of a triangle with the sides of length 5 m, 5 m and 3 m? What is this triangle called?

Choices:

A. right triangle
B. scalene triangle
C. isosceles triangle
D. equilateral triangle
Correct answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: Two of the three sides are equal to 5 m.
Step 2: Since two sides are equal, the land is in the form of an isosceles triangle.

Quick Summary

  • A triangle has three sides and three angles.
  • The sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees.
  • Triangles can be classified by their sides (equilateral, isosceles, scalene) or by their angles (acute, right, obtuse).
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⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Confusing isosceles and equilateral triangles.
  • Assuming all triangles are the same.
  • Forgetting that the angles must sum to 180 degrees.

🌍 Real-World Uses

  • Structural support in bridges, distributing weight across a wider area.
  • Triangulation in surveying and navigation to determine precise locations.
  • Architecture, where triangular shapes are used in roof design for stability and aesthetics.

📋 Standards Alignment

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.G.A.2

🔗 Related Links

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use visual aids and real-world examples to help students understand the different types of triangles. Hands-on activities, like constructing triangles with straws or paper, can also be very effective.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Basic shapes
  • Counting to three

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: A triangle has sides of length 5, 5, and 3. What type of triangle is it?

Q2: What is the sum of angles in a triangle?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an equilateral triangle?
A: An equilateral triangle has all three sides of equal length and all three angles equal to 60 degrees.

Q: What is a right triangle?
A: A right triangle has one angle that measures 90 degrees.

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