Similar Triangles - SSS Similarity
Exploring SSS (Side-Side-Side) Similarity
Q1: For triangle ABC what is the interior angle A and for triangle A’B’C’ what is the interior angle A’? Are angle A, and angle A’ the same?
Q2: For triangle ABC what is interior angle B and for triangle A’B’C’ what is interior angle B’ ? Are angle B and angle B’ the same?
Q3: For triangle ABC what is interior angle C ? And for triangle A’B’C’ what is the interior angle C’? Are angle C and angle C’ the same?
Q4: If 2 or more angles are the same in both triangles are they similar triangles? (Hint think back to AAA similar triangles).
Q5: What happens to triangle A’B’C’ when you stretch triangle ABC?
Q6: What happens to triangle A’B’C' when you shrink triangle ABC?
Q7: Drag point A so that it is on top of point A’, then manipulate points B and C. What do you notice? What happens to triangle ABC and triangle A’B’C’? Does the relationship between the two triangles change?
Q8: Drag point B so that it is top of point B’, then manipulate points A and C. What do you notice? What happens to triangle ABC and triangle A’B’C’? Does the relationship between the two triangles change?
Q9: Drag point C so that it is top of point C’, then manipulate points A and C. What do you notice? What happens to triangle ABC and triangle A’B’C’? Does the relationship between the two triangles change?
Q10: When AB=5 or another whole number, what does side length A’B’ equal? Is there a relationship between AB and A’B’?
Q11: When AC=5 or another whole number, what does side length A’C’ equal? Is there a relationship between AC and A’C'?
Q12: When BC=5 or another whole number, what does side length B’C’ equal? Is there a relationship between BC and B’C’?
Q13: What could we conclude from this? Can you think of a similar triangle rule that could be created regarding Side-Side-Side (SSS)? [Please answer this question before moving on.]
Stretch or shrink your triangles and please measure all six side lengths to see if holds true. Please record your ratios below.
Thank you for taking your time to complete this exploration good luck with the rest of your similar triangle exploration. Please comment below if you have any questions or if something was confusing to you.