Education Technology

Triangle Inequality Theorem

Subject Area
Math: Geometry: Triangles
Level
9-12
Activity Time
90 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-83 Plus Family
TI-84 series
Other Materials
This is Activity 14 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
Cabri Jr.: Interactive Geometry Activities and Investigations.
Resource Types
Lessons

Triangle Inequality Theorem

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will explore the concepts underlying the Triangle Inequality Theorem by comparing side lengths and angle measures of a triangle. They will use an interactive construction to see why this theorem is true.

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 91 - 93 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
  • Draw a triangle and measure its angles and sides
  • Observe the relationship between the angle measures and the length of the side opposite the angle
  • Construct a special triangle with its first vertex as the center of a circle, its second vertex as a point within the circle, and its third vertex as a point on the circle
  • Observe the relationship among the three sides of a triangle
  • After the Activity

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • Subject Area
    Math: Geometry: Triangles
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    90 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-83 Plus Family
    TI-84 series
    Other Materials
    This is Activity 14 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Cabri Jr.: Interactive Geometry Activities and Investigations.
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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