[list=1][*][b]Observe the two triangles. Try to move parts around. [/b][/*][*][b]You will find some parts cannot be changed, and some can. [/b][/*][*][b] If parts of the figure on the right are moved in a certain way, the interior of the shape will shade in. This means that you were able to make a triangle. If the part does not shade in, keep trying. [/b][/*][*][b]Then answer the questions that follow. Check your answers, and transfer the correct responses to your paper. [/b][/*][/list]
Look at the two triangles in the sketch. Which of the following statements describes the parts of the two triangles that are congruent?
Move point R in the 2nd triangle around as much as you can. Describe what happens.
When R is positioned just right, a triangle is formed and the interior of the figure shades in. How many different triangles were you able to make?
This combination of pieces is known as SSA. The shortcut you looked at last time also had two sides and one angle, but it was labelled SAS. What is the difference between SAS and SSA?
Based upon the results of this investigation, is SSA a reliable way to show that two triangles with these parts the same must be congruent?