Question 10
Context: Sidelengths of a triangle are , , and .
Q. Is this information sufficient to replicate the triangle with the same size and shape? If yes, can you do so?
- Given the three side lengths of a triangle: , , and .
- By the SSS (Side-Side-Side) congruence criterion, if all three sides of a triangle are fixed, its size and shape are uniquely determined. Any two triangles with the same three side lengths will be congruent (identical in shape and size).
- Therefore, this information is sufficient to replicate the triangle uniquely using a ruler and compass.
Step 1 · Check Sufficiency using SSS Criterion
Given side lengths of the triangle:
-
Triangle Inequality: Since the sum of any two sides is greater than the third side, a triangle can be formed.
-
SSS Congruence Criterion: Knowing all three side lengths fixes both the shape and the size of the triangle uniquely.
Therefore, the information is sufficient to replicate the triangle.
Step 2 · Replicate the Triangle using Ruler and Compass
Step 1: Draw a base line segment using a ruler.
Step 2: With center and radius , draw an arc using a compass above the line segment .
Step 3: With center and radius , draw another arc intersecting the previous arc at point .
Step 4: Join and .
Triangle is the required replica with sides , , and .
Yes, the information is sufficient, and the triangle can be replicated using a ruler and compass via SSS construction.
- Triangle Inequality Check: Always verify that the sum of the two smaller sides exceeds the longest side () before concluding a triangle exists.
- AAA vs SSS: Knowing three angles (AAA) only fixes shape (similarity), not size. Knowing three sides (SSS) uniquely fixes both size and shape (congruence).
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