Math Problem Statement

Determine whether the following pairs of triangles are congruent. If not, explain what is needed. If they are congruent, write the congruence statement and the theorem that proves it.

Solution

To determine whether triangles WIN\triangle WIN and WND\triangle WND are congruent, let's analyze the given information in the diagram:

  1. Shared Side (WN): Both triangles WIN\triangle WIN and WND\triangle WND share side WNWN. This means that WNWN is congruent to itself by the Reflexive Property.

  2. Angle Markings (Base Angles): Both triangles have congruent base angles at II and DD, as indicated by the identical angle markings at these points. We can assume ID\angle I \cong \angle D.

  3. Vertical Angles (at Vertex W): The two triangles also have a common vertex at WW, where they form vertical angles across the line segment NDND. Therefore, WINWND\angle WIN \cong \angle WND by the Vertical Angles Theorem.

Conclusion

Since we have:

  • WNWN congruent to itself (shared side),
  • ID\angle I \cong \angle D (corresponding base angles),
  • WINWND\angle WIN \cong \angle WND (vertical angles),

we can use the Angle-Angle-Side (AAS) Congruence Theorem to conclude that WINWND\triangle WIN \cong \triangle WND.

Answer

So the congruence statement and theorem that proves it would be:

WINWNDby AAS\triangle WIN \cong \triangle WND \quad \text{by AAS}

Would you like further details on the reasoning behind this or any additional explanation?


Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

  1. What other congruence theorems could be applicable if we had additional information?
  2. How does the Reflexive Property help in proving congruence between triangles?
  3. What is the difference between AAS and ASA congruence theorems?
  4. Can two triangles be congruent if they share no sides but have congruent angles?
  5. How would the solution change if only one angle pair was congruent?

Tip: Always look for shared sides or angles in diagrams, as they often provide useful clues for proving congruence.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangle Congruence

Formulas

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Theorems

Angle-Angle-Side (AAS) Congruence Theorem
Reflexive Property
Vertical Angles Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10