Properties of Triangles

Properties of triangles are generally used to study triangles in detail,

but we can use them to compare two or more triangles as well. With
the help of these properties, we can not only determine the equality in
a triangle but inequalities as well. Let’s see how!

Properties of Triangles

Triangles are three-sided closed figures. Depending on the

measurement of sides and angles triangles are of following types:

● Equilateral Triangles: An ​equilateral triangle​ has all the sides

and ​angles​ of equal measurement. This type of triangle is also
called an acute triangle as all its sides measure 60° in
measurement.
● Isosceles triangle: An isosceles triangle is the one with two
sides equal and two equal angles.
● Scalene triangle: In a scalene triangle, no sides and angles are
equal to each other.
Depending on angles, triangles are of following types:

● Acute Triangle: Triangles, where all sides are acute-angled to

each other, are called acute triangles. The best example of this
kind of triangle is the equilateral triangle.
● Obtuse Triangle: The obtuse angled triangle is the one with one
obtuse angled side. Isosceles triangles and scalene triangles
come under this category of triangles.
● Right Angled triangle: A triangle with one angle equal to 90° is
called right-angled triangle.

When we study the properties of a triangle we generally take into

consideration​ the ​isosceles triangles​, as this triangle is the ​mixture​ of
equality and inequalities. Let’s see the figure given below before
studying further about properties of triangles.
The figure given above is of an isosceles triangle PQR. What do you
observe in the figure? The two sides of the triangle are equal. Now
using a protractor, measure the angles as well. On measuring the
angles we observe that ∠Q and ∠R are also equal. This implies that
in every isosceles triangle, the angles opposite to the equal sides are
also equal.

The following ​properties of triangles​ shall make the concept more

clear to you:

1. Angles opposite to equal sides of an isosceles triangle are also

equal

In an isosceles triangle XYZ, two sides of the triangle are equal. We

have XY=XZ. Here we need to prove that ∠Y =∠Z. Let’s draw the
triangle first, with a point W as the bisector of ∠X.
In Δ YXW and Δ ZXW,

XY=XZ (as given)

∠YXW = ∠ZXW (W bisects the angle ∠X)

XW=XW (Common side)

So by the Side-Angle-Side (SAS) rule; Δ YXW ≅ Δ ZXW

As the corresponding angles of ​congruent triangles​, ∠XYW =

∠XZW

Hence ∠Y = ∠Z

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2. The sides opposite to equal angles of a triangle are also equal

This property is the converse of the above property. For this, we need
to measure the sides of the triangle with scale and angles with a
protractor. On measuring the sides and angles respectively we come to
the ​conclusion​ that the sides opposite to equal angles are also equal.
We use the ASA congruence rule to prove the property.

Solved Question for you

Question: The figure below shows a triangle PQR with PQ=PR, S and
T are two points on QR such that QT=RS. Show that PS=PT.

Solution​: In Δ PQS and Δ PRT, PQ=PR. Since angles opposite to

equal sides are equal sides ∠Q = ∠R

Also, QT= RS

So, QT-ST = RS-ST

that is, QS = TR
So, Using the SAS congruence rule we come to the conclusion thatΔ
PQS ≅ Δ PRT

Hence, PS = PT
Congruent Triangles

Triangles are the most primary shapes we learn. As closed figures

with three-sides, triangles are of different types depending on their
sides and ​angles​. The common variants are ​equilateral​, isosceles,
scalene etc. What are congruent triangles then, in this chapter we shall
learn about the same.

Congruent Triangles

We all know that a triangle has three angles, three sides and three
vertices. Depending on similarities in the ​measurement​ of sides,
triangles are classified as equilateral, isosceles and scalene. The
comparison​ done in this case is between the sides and angles of the
same ​triangle​. When we compare two different triangles we follow a
different set of rules.

Two similar figures are called congruent figures. These figures are a
photocopy of each other. You must have noticed two bangles of the
same size, and ​shape​, these are said to be congruent with each other.
When an ​object​ is exactly similar to the other, then both are said to be
congruent with each other.

Every congruent object, when placed over its other counterpart, seems
like the same figure. Similarly, congruent triangles are those triangles
which are the exact replica of each other in terms of measurement of
sides and angles. Let’s take two triangles If Δ XYZ and Δ LMN.

Both are equal in sides and angles. that is, side XY = LM, YZ = MN
and ZX= NL. When these two triangles are put over each other, ∠X
covers ∠L, ∠Y covers ∠M and ∠N covers ∠Z. Both these
triangles are said to be congruent to each other and are written as Δ
XYZ ≅ Δ LMN.

It must, however, be noted that Δ XYZ ≅ Δ LMN but Δ ZYX is not

congruent to Δ LMN. This means that it is not necessary that the
triangle be congruent to each other if the sides are inverted the other
way round.
This makes it clear that the correct representation of sides and vertices
is necessary, to show that two triangles are congruent to each other.

Properties of Congruent Triangles

1. Sides and Angles

Before understanding the necessary criterion for congruence it is

essential that you understand how many equal sides and angles make a
congruent pair. For this, it is necessary that you do the following
activity. Draw two triangles, with one of the sides of both triangles
measuring 5 cm. Do these triangles look congruent?
The answer is no! Now redraw these triangles with one of the angles
being 45° and one side 5cm. What do you notice? These two aren’t
congruent as well!

Now re-do the same activity with two equal sides and one equal angle,
forming the same two sides. What do you notice? The resulting
triangles seem similar. This brings us to a ​conclusion​ that for two
triangles to be congruent, they should have two equal sides and one
equal angle comprising the same sides. The figure below will make
things clear:

This is the very first criterion of congruence.

2. SAS Congruence Rule

SAS stands for Side-Angle-Side. A triangle is said to be congruent to

each other if two sides and the included angle of one triangle is equal
to the sides and included angle of the other triangle. This ​axiom​ is an
accepted truth and does not need any proofs to support the criterion.

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3. ASA Congruence Rule

ASA stands for Angle Side Angle congruence. Two triangles are said
to be congruent to each other if two angles and the included side of
one triangle is equal to the two angles and the included side of the
other triangle. When we have to prove that two triangles are equal,
through this criterion we look at the following aspect of two triangles:

In triangles ABC and PQR, we know that, ∠ B = ∠Q, ∠C = ∠R

and BC=QR. Now we need to prove that ΔABC ≅ ΔPQR. We prove
the same by considering three cases:

Case 1: Let AB= PQ, this means that

∠B=∠Q

BC= QR
So by SAS rule, ΔABC ≅ ΔPQR

Case 2: If possible let AB > PQ,

Now we take a point O on AB such that OB= PQ

Now consider triangles OBC and PQR

In ΔOBC and ΔPQR,

OB=PQ,

∠B =∠Q

and BC= QR

So by the SAS axiom, we conclude that ΔOBC ≅ ΔPQR

Since the triangles are congruent to each other, their related parts shall
also be equal, so ∠ACB =∠PRQ and ∠ACB =∠OCB, which is
possible only if O coincides with A, or if BA= QP. So, ΔABC ≅
ΔPQR
Case 3:

If AB < PQ, we choose a point X on PQ so that XQ = AB. Using the

case 2 theory for the ΔPQR, we can prove that ΔABC ≅ ΔPQR.

4. AAS Congruence

AAS stands for Angle-Angle Side congruence. Two triangles are

congruent to each other if any of the two pairs of angles and one pair
of corresponding sides are equal to each other. The basis of this theory
is the Angle sum property of triangles.

According to the angle sum property, the sum of three angles in a

triangle is 180°. So if two triangles are equal, automatically the third
side is also equal, hence making triangles perfectly congruent.

5. SSS Congruence

SSS congruence means Side Side Side congruence. In two triangles, is

all the three sides of one triangle are equal to the three sides of the
other triangle, then both triangles are said to be congruent with each
other.

6. RHS congruence
RHS stands for Right angle Hypotenuse Side congruence. In two
right-angled triangle, if the hypotenuse and one side of a triangle are
equal to the hypotenuse and one side of the other triangle, then both
the triangles are congruent to each other. From the above discussion,
we can now understand the basic properties of congruence in triangles.

Solved Examples for You

Question: In a rectangle PQRS, QS is diagonal. Then ΔPQS

________________ ΔRSQ.

A. is similar to
B. is not equal
C. is congruent to
D. is not congruent to

Solution: In a rectangle PQRS, QS is diagonal.

We know that in a rectangle opposite sides are equal.

∴PQ = SR

Also, ​∠R = ∠P = 900

Ans ​QS is​ the hypotenuse for both right-angled triangles PQS and RSQ.
Thus, according to R.H.S condition for congruence, ΔPQS ≅ ΔRSQ.
Similarity of Triangles

To understand the meaning of similarity, imagine the Taj Mahal. Now

imagine a mini version of it. Did you get it? The mini version is just a
scaled-down version of the actual monument. The shape remains the
same just the size changes. Same is the situation with the Triangles.
Here is how to check the similarity of triangles.

​Similarity of Triangles

Two triangles are said to be similar when they have two corresponding
angles ​congruent​ and the sides proportional.
In the above diagram, we see that triangle EFG is an enlarged version
of triangle ABC i.e., they have the same shape. The same shape of the
triangle depends on the angle of the triangles.

∠ABC=∠EGF,∠BAC=∠GEF,∠EFG=∠ACB

The area, altitude, and volume of Similar triangles are in the same
ratio as the ratio of the length of their sides.

Properties of Similar Triangles:

(A) Reflexivity: A triangle (△) is similar to itself

(B) Symmetry: If △ ABC ∼ △ DEF, Then △ DEF ∼ △ ABC

(C) Transitivity: If△ ABC ∼△ DEF and△ DEF ∼△ XYZ, then △

ABC ∼△ XYZ

Tests to prove that a triangle is similar

Angle-Angle Similarity(AA)

If two corresponding angles of the two triangles are congruent, the

triangle must be similar.
Side-Side-Side Similarity(SSS)

If the corresponding sides of the two triangles are proportional the

triangles must be similar.

Side Angle Side Similarity (SAS)

If two sides of two triangles are proportional and they have one
corresponding angle congruent, the two triangles are said to be
similar.

Theorem

The ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is equal to the square of
the ratio of their corresponding sides

Given: A(△ABC)~A(△PQR)

To Prove: A(△ABC)/A(△PQR)=AB​2​/PQ​2

Construction: Construct seg AM perpendicular side BC and seg PN

perpendicular side QR
Proof:

A(△ABC)/A(△PQR)=(BC)(AM)/(QR)(PN) …(1)

A(△ABC)~A(△PQR)

Therefore,

∠B=∠Q

AB/PQ=BC/QR=AC/PR …(2)

In triangle ABM and triangle PQN,

∠ABM=∠PQN

…(from 1)

∠AMB=∠PNQ

…(each side is a right angle)

Therefore, △ ABM ~△ PQN …(AA

test of similarity)
AB/PQ=AM/PN (c.s.s.t) …(3)

A(△ABC)/A(△PQR)=[(BC)/(QR)][(AB)/(PQ)] …(from 1,
2 and 3)

A(△ABC)/A(△PQR)=[(AB)/(PQ)][(AB)/(PQ)] …(from
3)

A(△ABC)/A(△PQR)=AB²/PQ²

Similarly, we can show that,

A(△ABC)/A(△PQR)=BC²/QR²=AC²/PR²

Hence, we have proved that the ratio of the areas of two similar
triangles is equal to the square of the ratio of their corresponding
sides.

Solved Examples

Q: It’s given that △ DEF ~△ MNK. If DE= 5 and MN=6, find

A(△DEF)/A(△MNK)
Solution: A(△DEF)/A(△MNK)=DE²/MN² (areas of similar
triangles)

=5²/6² =25/36

Inequalities of Triangle

Triangles are three-sided closed figures and show a ​variance​ in

properties depending on the measurement of sides and angles. From
equilaterals to scalene triangles, we come across a variety of triangles,
yet while studying ​triangle inequality​ we need to keep in mind some
properties that let us study the variance. In the chapter below we shall
throw light on the many properties that determine the triangle
inequality.

​Inequalities of Triangle

In the previous chapter, we have studied the equality of sides and

angles between two triangles or in a triangle. There may be instances
when we come across unequal ​objects​ and this is when we start
comparing them to reach to ​conclusions​.
In our instances of comparisons, we take into consideration every part
of the object. Likewise, when we compare various parts of a triangle,
we compare its every part individually. For instance, take the ​line
segment​ shown in the figure:

We can see that line segment AB is smaller than line segment PQ. The
difference is visually clear, yet to know the difference and affirm our
findings we measure both of them. After measuring both, we reach the
conclusion which was visually clear. Likewise, see the figure of
angles below:
The angles AOB and POQ are unequal. We can clearly see that ∠
POQ is greater than ∠AOB. These figures of unequal line segments
and unequal ​angles​ have a close ​relationship​ between unequal sides
and unequal angles of a triangle. Let’s see how:

1. If two sides of a triangle are unequal, the angle opposite to the

longer side is greater than others.

For proving this point we need to do an activity. On a drawing board

fix three pins at points PQR. A line segment is drawn at PQ. Taking P
as center and some radius we draw an arc at A. Similarly with
different ​radius​ we draw a few more arcs at point B, C, and D.

On joining these points with P as well as B we observe that as we

move from A to D, the ∠P is becoming larger with every arc. Now,
what happens to the side opposite to the angle. We observe here that
the length of the side is also increasing.

Let’s take another triangle, which seems scalene in appearance. A

scalene has all sides of different length. On measuring the length of
the sides in a scalene triangle, we come to a conclusion that angle
opposite to the longer side is the greatest while the angle opposite to
the shortest side is the smallest.
2. The side opposite to the larger angle is longer, in any triangle.

Now, let’s draw a triangle with all three unequal sides. Measure each
side of the triangle. In this triangle when we measure with a
protractor, we find that the side opposite to the largest angle is the
longest as compared to the other two sides.

3. The sum of any two sides of a triangle is always greater than the
third side.

Take a triangle XYZ with the ​measurement​ of its sides known to you.
Find the sum of sides XY + YZ, YZ+ZX and ZX+XY separately.
What do you observe, in all the three cases, the sum of two sides is
greater than the third side. From the above set of properties of lines
and angles, we can easily understand the basis of various triangle
inequality.

Solved Example for You on Triangle Inequality

X is a point on side QR of ΔPQR such that PX=PR. Show that PQ>PX

Solution: The figure shown above is of ΔPQR, with a point X on the
line QR We join P with X to form a line segment PX. In ΔXPR, we
see that PX = PR, which is given in the question. This gives us that
∠PXR = ∠PRX because angles opposite to equal sides are also
equal.

Now, ∠PXR is an exterior angle for ΔPQX. So we have that ∠PXR

> ∠PQX This can also be written as

∠PRX > ∠PQX

or, ∠PRQ > ∠PQR

So, PQ>PR as the side opposite to larger angle is longer.

or, PQ>PX
Pythagoras Theorem and Its
Applications

You are at one end of the amusement park and your friend is at the
other end. There are two ways you can reach your friend, either you
go west for 3 miles and then walk north for another 4 miles which
makes it a total of 7 miles, or you go right through the centre of the
amusement park walking diagonally. You need to find the distance
you need to travel for the second option. How do you do it? Well, you
take the help of the Pythagoras Theorem…

The Pythagoras Theorem

Let’s have a look at what Mr Pythagoras stated when he came up with
the Theorem,

Statement: In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is

equal to the sum of the squares of the remaining two sides.

To understand it better we break down the statement.

1. A right-angled triangle is a triangle with a 90-degree angle.

2. The hypotenuse is the longest side of the right-angled triangle.
3. The remaining sides of the triangle are called the base and the
perpendicular.

In the diagram above,

∠ABC is a right angle.

AC is the hypotenuse.

AB is known as the perpendicular.

BC is the base.

So according to the Pythagoras Theorem,

(AC)²=(AB)²+(BC)²

But then should we merely trust a single statement? I don’t think so.
We need a proof!

Proof of the Pythagoras Theorem using Similarity of Triangles:

Given: In ΔABC, m∠ABC=90°

Construction: BD is a perpendicular on side AC

To Prove: (AC)²=(AB)²+(BC)²

Proof:

In △ABC,

m∠ABC=90° (Given)

seg BD is perpendicular to hypotenuse AC (Construction)

Therefore, △ADB∼△ABC∼△BDC (Similarity of

right-angled triangle)

△ABC∼△ADB

(AB/AC)=(AD/AB) (congruent
sides of similar triangles)

AB​2​=AD×AC (1)
△BDC∼△ABC

CD/BC=BC/AC (congruent sides of

similar triangles)

BC​2​=CD×AC (2)

Adding the equations (1) and (2),

AB​2​+BC​2​=AD×AC+CD×AC

AB​2​+BC​2​=AC(AD+CD)

Since, AD + CD = AC

Therefore, AC​2​=AB​2​+BC​2

Hence Proved.

There also exists a Converse of the Pythagoras theorem that states, “If
the square of one side of a triangle is equal to the sum of the squares
of the other two sides, then the triangle is a right triangle”.
Solved Examples

Now that we proved the theorem lets work with some examples to
understand it better.

Q: In a right-angled triangle △LMN, LM is 3, MN is 4 find the

hypotenuse LN.

Solution:

Given: LM= 3, MN=4

To find: Hypotenuse LN=?

Since △LMN is a right-angled triangle, we use the Pythagoras

theorem to find the hypotenuse.

By Pythagoras Theorem,

LN​2​=LM​2​+MN​2

= 3² + 4² = 9 + 16
LN²= 25

LN= √25 =5

Therefore LM is 5.

Q: In a right-angled triangle △PQR, PQ is 5, hypotenuse PR is 13

find the base QR.

Solution:

Given: PQ= 5, PR=13

To find: QR=?

Since △PQR is a right-angled triangle, we use the Pythagoras

theorem to find the SIDE QR.

By Pythagoras Theorem,

PR²=PQ²+QR²

13²= 5²+QR²
169= 25 + QR²

QR²= 169-25

QR²=144

QR= √144 =12

Therefore QR is 12.

The Pythagorean Triples

Pythagorean Triples are a set of 3 numbers (with each number

representing a side of the triangle) that are most commonly used for
the Pythagoras theorem.

Let us assume ​a​ to be the perpendicular, ​b​ to be the base and ​c​ to be
the hypotenuse of any given right angle triangle.
The simplest triple is 1, 0, 1

The following is a list of some of the commonly used Pythagorean

Triples.

a b c

1 0 1

3 4 5

5 12 13

7 24 25

9 40 41

11 60 61

13 84 85
 15 112 113

Let us try solving them.

For example, we take the triplet 5,12,13.

Since the longest side of the triangle is the hypotenuse, c=13, a=5 and
b=12

The square of 12 and 13 is 144 and 169 respectively while the square
of 5 is 25.

c²=169

a²+b²= 25+144 = 169

Therefore c²=a²+b²

Let us take another example of the triplet 2 3, 4, 5

c=5, a=3 and b=4

The square of 4 and 5 is 16 and 25 respectively while the square of 3
is 9.

c²=25

a²+b²= 9+16 = 25

Therefore c²=a²+b²

Scaling up the Triples

The primitive Pythagorean Triples can be scaled up to create further

sets of triples.

For example, multiplying (3,4,5) by 2 will give us the triple(6,8,10)

Basic Proportionality Theorem and
Equal Intercept Theorem

Basic Proportionality Theorem: If a line is parallel to a side of a

triangle​ which intersects the other sides into two distinct points, then
the line divides those sides in proportion. Let’s not stop at the
statement, we need to find a proof that its true. So shall we begin?

​Introduction

Basic Proportionality Theorem was first stated by Thales, a Greek

mathematician. Hence it is also known as Thales Theorem. Thales
first initiated and formulated the Theoretical Study of ​Geometry​ to
make astronomy a more exact science. What is this theorem that
Thales found important for his study of astronomy? Let us find it out.

Basic Proportionality Theorem (can be abbreviated as BPT) states

that, if a line is parallel to a side of a triangle which intersects the
other sides into two distinct points, then the line divides those sides in
proportion.

In the figure alongside, if we consider DE is parallel to BC, then

according to the theorem,

AD

BD
 =

AE

CE

Let’s not stop at the statement, we need to find a proof that its true. So
shall we begin?

PROOF OF BPT

Given: In ΔABC, DE is parallel to BC

Line​ DE intersects sides AB and AC in points D and E respectively.

To Prove:

AD

BD

AE

CE
Construction: Draw EF ⟂ AD and DG⟂ AE and join the segments BE
and CD.

Proof:

Area of Triangle= ½ × base × height

In ΔADE and ΔBDE,

Ar(ADE)

Ar(DBE)

=
1

×AD×EF
1

×DB×EF

AD
 DB

(1)

In ΔADE and ΔCDE,

Ar(ADE)

Ar(ECD)

=
1

×AE×DG
1

×EC×DG

AE

EC

(2)
 Note that ΔDBE and ΔECD have a common base DE and lie between
the same parallels DE and BC. Also, we know that triangles having
the same base and lying between the same parallels are equal in area.

So, we can say that

Ar(ΔDBE)=Ar(ΔECD)

Therefore,

A(ΔADE)

A(ΔBDE)

A(ΔADE)

A(ΔCDE)

Therefore,

AD

BD

=
AE

CE

Hence Proved.

The BPT also has a converse which states, if a line divides any two
sides of a triangle in the same ​ratio​, then the line is parallel to the third
side.

(Note: A converse of any theorem is just a reverse of the original

theorem, just like we have active and passive voices in English.)

Read the ​properties of Triangles and Quadrilaterals here​.

PROPERTIES OF BPT

The BPT has 2 properties.

1. Property of an angle bisector.

2. Property of Intercepts made by three parallel lines on a
transversal.

Property of an Angle Bisector

Statement: In a triangle, the ​angle​ bisector divides the side opposite to
the angle in the ratio of the remaining sides.

In the given figure, seg AD is the angle bisector of ∠BAC.

According to the property,

BD

DC

AB

AC

Property of Intercepts made by three parallel lines on a transversal

 Statement: The ratio of the intercepts made on the transversal by three
parallel lines is equal to the ratio of the corresponding intercepts made
on any other transversal of the same parallel line.

Consider the above figure, line l, m, and n are parallel to each other.
Transversals p and q intersect the lines at point A, B, C and D, E, F.
So according to the property,

AB

BC

DE

EF
Learn more about ​Similarity of Triangles here​.

Solved Example

Q: In triangle ABC, seg AD is the angle bisector of∠BAC. BD=6,

DC=8, AB=15 Find AC.

Solution:

segments AD bisects ∠BAC (given)

.’. AB/AC=BD/DC (Angle bisector property)

Assume AC= x

.’. 15/x=6/8
.’. 15 × 8 = 6 × x

.’. x= (15 × 8) / 6 = 20.

Therefore, AC = 20.

Q: We are given that in triangle PQR, MN intersects PQ and PR at M

and N respectively such that PM = 3 cm, MQ = 9 cm, PN = 2 cm and
NR = 6 cm. Is MN parallel to QR?

Solution:

PM= 3 cm, MQ=9 cm

Now, PM/MQ=3/9=1/3

Also, PN=2 cm, NR=6 cm.

Now, PN/NR= 2/6=1/3

Therefore, PM/MQ=PN/NR
Hence, by the converse of basic proportionality theorem, we have MN parallel
to QR.