SSA Exploration Spherical Geometry
In this activity we are exploring the SSA (Side-Side-Angle) Triangle Condition in Spherical Geometry. Adjust the two lengths for the two sides of a triangle and the measure of the interior angle opposite the first side by the sliders and/or input boxes. Angles are given in radians.
Experiment with different combinations of lengths and angle measures until you are sure that you have explored all of the cases.
If such a triangle exists, then how many different congruence classes (different sizes of triangles) may result?
If two triangles exist and they have two corresponding pairs of congruent angles and the corresponding pair of included sides are congruent,do the two triangles have to be congruent?
Are there different cases? Under what conditions is no triangle possible? Under what conditions is only one triangle (1 congruence class) possible? Under what conditions are two triangles (2 congruence classes) possible? Can you ever get more than two triangles?