Education Technology


Constructing Triangles

Activity Overview

This activity focuses on the various ways to construct the different types of triangles such as isosceles, equilateral, right, and right isosceles triangles. Students will begin by constructing triangles based on a minimal definition of the shape of the triangle. They will then make constructions using a variety of techniques based on the other properties of the 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
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 79 - 80 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Construct a simple triangle, an isosceles triangle, an equilateral triangle, a right triangle, and an isosceles right triangle using the given minimal definitions
  • Construct each type of triangle again using a different method, taking advantage of other properties of the triangle
  • After the Activity

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary