Math Problem Statement

Alex is studying the properties of triangles and has plotted the vertices shown below on a coordinate plane. Alex needs to classify the triangle by its angles and sides. Using the given coordinates, classify ∆ABC by angles and sides

Solution

To classify triangle ∆ABC by its angles and sides, we need the coordinates of the vertices A(x1,y1),B(x2,y2),C(x3,y3)A(x_1, y_1), B(x_2, y_2), C(x_3, y_3). The first step is to calculate the lengths of its sides and then use those side lengths to classify the triangle by both its angles and sides.

Step 1: Finding the lengths of the sides

Use the distance formula to find the lengths of the sides: d=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} This formula will be applied to all three pairs of vertices to find the lengths of sides ABAB, BCBC, and ACAC.

Step 2: Classifying by sides

Once the side lengths are calculated, you can classify the triangle as:

  • Equilateral (all sides are equal),
  • Isosceles (two sides are equal),
  • Scalene (no sides are equal).

Step 3: Classifying by angles

To classify the triangle by angles:

  1. Use the side lengths in the Pythagorean theorem to determine if the triangle is:

    • Right (one right angle),
    • Acute (all angles less than 90°),
    • Obtuse (one angle greater than 90°).
  2. For right triangles, the square of the longest side (hypotenuse) should equal the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

Conclusion

Once we have the coordinates of points AA, BB, and CC, we can proceed with these steps to classify ∆ABC.

Please provide the coordinates of the vertices AA, BB, and CC, and I can calculate the necessary information for classification.


Do you want more details on these steps or have any questions about the process?

Here are 5 questions that could follow from this:

  1. What is the formula for determining if a triangle is equilateral?
  2. How can the distance formula be derived?
  3. How do you calculate the area of a triangle from its vertices?
  4. Can we classify triangles based only on angles?
  5. What role do slopes play in analyzing triangles in coordinate geometry?

Tip: Remember that to classify a triangle by angles, using trigonometry is helpful when the side lengths alone do not give direct answers.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Triangle Classification
Distance Formula
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Distance formula: d = √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)
Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10