Triangle Inequality
Please follow the steps below and complete on the applet.
1. Create a line segment that connects A and C.
2. Place a point where the two circles meet. (Pick one intersection point not both). Label this point E.
3. Construct a line segment that connects A and E and then another line segment that connects C and E.
4. Use the cm tool to measure the length of each side of your triangle.
Use the applet below to complete the activity.
Please record the length of AC AE, and CE.
What is the length of AE+CE?
What do you notice about AE+CE compared to AC?
Drag point C above to make AC longer. What eventually happens to your triangle? Why do you think this happens?
What is the measure of the following angles? m<A = _____ m<C = _____ m<E = _____
Fill in the blanks: AC is opposite angle ______ AE is opposite angle ______ CE is opposite angle ______
What conjecture can you make about side lengths and their opposite angles?