Activity Overview
In this activity, students will investigate the relationship among the similar triangles formed when a segment is constructed parallel to one side of a triangle. They will explore the various ratios that exist between the lengths of the sides of similar triangles.
Before the Activity
Install the Cabri Jr. App on the students' graphing calculators using TI Connect™, a TI Connectivity Cable and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable
Use the TI-Navigator™ to transfer the attached Cabri Jr. AppVar files to each calculator
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 97 - 98 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Use the AppVar to go directly to the exploration section
Construct a triangle and a line intersecting the triangle that is parallel to one of its sides
Measure the lengths of the sides of the two similar triangles formed, and investigate any relationships among the ratios of the measured lengths
After the Activity
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary