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Mathematics
Quarter 4 – Module 1
Triangle Inequalities
(Illustrating Theorems on Triangle Inequalities)

ELMA S. ALCARAS
Writer

Teachers, Buenlag National High School

 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. This is about
Theorems on Triangle Inequalities. As you go over the exercises you will
develop your skills to draw conclusions from a given statements. You will also
apply the concepts in solving problems. This module shall focus on different
Theorems in Triangle Inequalities, namely: Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem,
Triangle Inequality Theorem, and Hinge Theorem.

This module is aligned to the following most essential learning competency:

 illustrates theorems on triangle inequalities (Exterior Angle Inequality
Theorem, Triangle Inequality Theorem, Hinge Theorem). (M8GE - IVa–1)

What I Know

Let us determine how much you already know about triangle inequalities. If
you answer all the test items correctly in this pretest, then you may skip
studying this learning material and proceed to the next learning module. This
will assess your prior knowledge and practice some skills that you will need in
studying the lesson.

Direction: Read and understand each item. Choose the letter of your answer
and write it on your answer sheet.

1. Which of the following theorems reveals that the measure of an exterior

angle of a triangle is greater than the measure of either interior angle?
A. Isosceles Triangle Theorem
B. Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem
C. Hinge Theorem
D. Triangle Inequality Theorem

2. What is the angle formed by two distinct sides of a triangle?

A. vertical angle C. right angle
B. included angle D. adjacent angle

3. What is side common to two angles of a triangle?

A. adjacent side C. opposite side
B. included side D. hypotenuse

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4. What is an angle that forms a linear pair with an interior angle of a triangle
when a side of the triangle is extended?
A. interior angle C. exterior angle
B. opposite angle D. vertical angle

5. What is the sum of the measures of the interior angles of a triangle?

A. 1800 B. 900 C. 3600 D. 2700

6. Which of the following can be said to the measure of an exterior angle of a

triangle?
A. greater than the measure of its adjacent interior angle
B. greater than the measure of either remote interior angle
C. less than the measure of its adjacent interior angle
D. less than the measure of either remote interior angle

7. What refers to a statement accepted after it is proven?

A. theorem C. corollary
B. postulate D. conjectures

8. Which of the following theorems states that the sum of the lengths of any
two sides is greater than the length of the third side?
A. Unequal Sides Theorem C. Unequal Angles Theorem
B. Triangle Inequality Theorem D. Hinge Theorem

9. What do you call a statement that is accepted without proof?

A. postulate C. corollary
B. theorem D. conjectures

10. Which of the following theorems states that if two sides of one triangle are
congruent to two sides of another triangle, but the included angle of the
second, then the first side of the first triangle is longer than the third side of
the second triangle?
A. Triangle Inequality Theorem
B. Hinge Theorem
C. Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem
D. Unequal Sides Theorem

11. Which of the following theorems reveals that if one side of a triangle is
longer than the second, then the angle opposite the longer side is larger
than the angle opposite the shorter side?
A. Hinge Theorem C. Triangle Inequality Theorem
B. Unequal Sides Theorem D. Exterior Angle Theorem

12. Which of the following theorems highlights that if one angle of a triangle is
longer than the second, then the side opposite the longer angle is larger
than the side opposite the shorter angle?
A. Unequal Sides Theorem C. Unequal Angles Theorem
B. Hinge Theorem D. Triangle Inequality Theorem

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In problems 13-15, refer to triangle HEY.

13. In a triangle HEY, what are the remote interior angles of ∠2?
A. ∠5 and ∠6 C. ∠1 and ∠6
B. ∠4 and ∠6 D. ∠5 and ∠3

14. In a triangle HEY, m∠1 is equal to the sum of what measures?

A. m∠4 and m∠5 C. m∠6 and m∠3
B. m∠4 and m∠2 D. m∠4 and m∠6

15. In triangle HEY, m∠3 is equal to the sum of what measures?

A. m∠6 and m∠4 C. m∠6 and m∠2
B. m∠5 and m∠4 D. m∠4 and m∠2

Lesson
Illustrating Theorems on
1 Triangle Inequalities

What’s In

In our last topic for the third quarter, you have learned about triangle
congruence, especially on how to illustrate the SAS, ASA, and SSS congruence
postulates, and solve corresponding parts of congruent triangles. The
knowledge and skills you acquired are very important for you to understand
how to illustrate theorems on triangle inequalities. Hence, let us review
triangle congruence and perform the activities that follow.

DEFINITION

: If any two angles and the included side are

the same in both triangles, then the triangles are congruent.

: If two angles and the included side of one

triangle are congruent to the corresponding parts of another triangle, then the
triangles are congruent.

: If three sides of one triangle are equal to

three sides of another triangle, then the triangles are congruent.

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Activity 1. Form Me If You Can!
STICK TRIANGLE
Materials Needed:
 sticks (if not available, you may use soft wires or straws)
 scissors
 paper
 ruler
Note: Be safe in handling the scissor or the wire.
Instructions:
1. Cut the sticks/soft wires/straws according to the set of measurements
below:
a. 4 cm, 2 cm, 8 cm
b. 3 cm, 5 cm, 7 cm
c. 7 cm, 5 cm, 9 cm
2. For every set, try to form a triangle by connecting/joining the ends.
3. Observe if you can form a triangle out of the given measurements.

What’s New

At this point of the module, you are about to learn the Triangle Inequality
Theorem. To understand this lesson better, you will have to perform the simple
activity below.

Activity 2. Let’s Discover!

You were asked to form a triangle using the following sets of measurements:
a. 4 cm, 2 cm, 8 cm
b. 3 cm, 5 cm, 7 cm
c. 7 cm, 5 cm, 9 cm

Examine the first set of sticks. Choose at least two sticks, add their lengths,
then compare the sum to the length of the remaining one. After which, do it to
all given measurement. Finally, compare the sum to the length of the
remaining one.

Stick 1 Stick 2 Sum Stick 3

4 2 6 8
3 5 8 7
7 5 12 9
What did you observe about the sums and the lengths of the remaining
side (stick 3)? Were you able to form a triangle using these sets of sticks?

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Note: The sums are always greater than the lengths of the third side. You must
be able to create a triangle using the set of the given data.

Repeat the process using the second set of measurement.

Stick 1 Stick 2 Sum Stick 3

3 4 7 7
6 5 11 4
7 10 17 8

What did you notice? Are the sums greater than the length of the third side?
Were you able to create a triangle using the given set of data?

Were you able to complete the task? If yes, you may proceed to the next page.
If no, take time to finish for you to understand better the next discussions.

What Is It

How did you find Activity 2? Do you have an idea now on how to illustrate
theorems on triangle inequalities?
In Triangle Inequality Theorem:
Any side of a triangle must be shorter than the other two sides added
together.

Why? Imagine one side is not shorter, then the following scenarios are
possible to occur.

 If a side is longer, then the other two sides will not meet.

 If a side is equal to the other two sides, it is not a triangle (just a straight
line back and forth).

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 DEFINITION

If one side of a triangle is longer than a second side, then the angle opposite
the first side is larger than the angle opposite the second side.

If one angle of a triangle is larger than a second angle, then the side opposite
the first angle is longer than the side opposite the second angle.

The sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is greater than the length
of the third side.

states that the sum of any 2 sides of a

triangle must be greater than the measure of the third side.

Triangle Inequality Theorem 1 (Ss → Aa)

̅̅̅̅ > ̅̅̅̅ → m∠A > m∠B

Triangle Inequality Theorem 2 (Aa → Ss)

m∠A > m∠B → ̅̅̅̅ > ̅̅̅̅

Example 1: List the sides of each triangle in ascending order.

Solution:

In triangle TRY, the sides of each triangle in ascending order will be

̅̅̅̅, ̅̅̅̅, ̅̅̅̅.

Example 2: List the sides of each triangle in descending order.

Solution:

In triangle MET, the sides of each triangle in descending order will be

̅̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅̅.

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The Triangle Inequality Theorem 3 (S1 + S2 > S3)

A+B>C
B+C>A
A+C>B

Note: This rule must be satisfied for all 3 conditions of the sides.

In other words, as soon as you know that the sum of 2 sides is less than (or
equal to) the measure of a third side, then you know that the sides do not
make up a triangle. All 3 sets of sides must satisfy the rule.

Example 3: Determine whether the following measures can be lengths of the

sides of a triangle.

a. 12 cm, 6cm, 3cm

12 + 3 6
12 + 6 3
6 + 3 12

With the given measurement, one pair does not sum up to a greater length
than the third, therefore that the three sides CANNOT make a triangle.

b. 6cm, 10cm, 17cm

6 + 10 17
6 + 17 10
10 + 17 6

This set of side lengths satisfies the Triangle Inequality Theorem.

c. 4cm, 7cm, 13cm

4+7 13
4 + 13 7
7 + 13 4

In this example, one pair does not sum up to a greater length than the third
(i.e. 4 + 7 13). Hence, the three sides CANNOT make a triangle.

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 DEFINITION

The
fied formeasure of an exterior angle of a triangle is greater than the measure
all 3 condit
of either
i remote interior angle.

In the figure MNO below, recall that ∠MNO, ∠OMN, and ∠NOM are interior
angles.

In MNO, ∠MOP is an exterior angle because it forms a linear pair with ∠MON.

Hence, an exterior angle of a triangle is an angle that forms a linear pair with
one of the angles of the triangle.

In the figure, m∠MOP > m∠N and m ∠MOP > m∠M.

Consequently, m∠MOP = m∠M + m∠N.

Note: The sum of interior angles of a triangle is equal to 1800.

m∠M + m∠N + m∠O = 1800
The sum of larger interior angle and exterior angle is equal to 1800.
m∠MNO + m∠MOP = 1800

Example 4: In the triangle shown below, determine the exterior angle and its
remote interior angles.

Solution:
The exterior angles are ∠4, ∠5, and ∠6.

Thus, the remote interior angles of ∠4 are ∠1 and ∠2; of ∠5 are ∠2 and ∠3;
and of ∠ 6 are ∠1 and ∠3.

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 DEFINITION

If two sides of one triangle are congruent to two sides of another triangle, but
the included angle of the first triangle is greater than the included angle of the
second,
fied for all then the third side of the first triangle is longer than the third side of
3 condit
the second.

en you know that the sides do not make up

If two sides of one triangle are congruent to two sides of another triangle, but
the third side of the first triangle is longer than the third side of the second,
then the included angle of the first triangle is larger than the included angle of
the second.

Hinge Theorem or SAS Inequality Theorem

Hinge Theorem acts on the principle of the two sides described in the triangle
as being "hinged" at their common vertex.
Consider the two triangles below, ABC and DEF

As the size of the angle at the hinge point (A or D) increases, the longer that
opposite side becomes.

Thus, if m∠D > m∠A, then ̅̅̅̅ > ̅̅̅̅.

Always bear in mind that the key fact in applying this theorem is that the two
sides forming the angle will be of the same length in both triangles.

So, the converse of this theorem is also true.

Using the same figure above, the Converse of Hinge Theorem or SSS
Inequality Theorem will be:
If ̅̅̅̅ > ̅̅̅̅, then m∠D > m∠B.

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 What’s More

Now, it’s your turn to illustrate theorems on triangle inequalities using Exterior
Angle Inequality Theorem, Triangle Inequality Theorem, and Hinge Theorem.

Activity 3. Your Turn!

Direction: Answer what is asked in each set of exercises on a separate sheet of

paper.

A. Write YES if the following set of three numbers can be lengths of the sides
of a triangle. Otherwise, write NO.
1. 5, 12, 12 6. 7, 2, 11
2. 11,10, 8 7. 3,5, 10
3. 9,12, 24 8. 13,5,11
4. 4, 10, 16 9. 2, 13, 20
5. 2, 6, 13 10. 5, 2, 8

B. Using the figure below, determine the exterior angles and their remote
interior angles.

Exterior Remote
Angles Interior Angles

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 C. Use the symbol <, > or = to complete the statements about the figure
shown.
1. ̅̅̅̅_____ ̅̅̅̅ 4. m∠1 ____ m∠2

2. ̅̅̅̅ ____ ̅̅̅̅ 5. ̅̅̅̅ _____ ̅̅̅̅

3. m∠1 _____ m∠2

What I Have Learned

Amazing! You have reached this part of the module. To ensure your full
understanding on the concepts related to illustrate theorems on triangle
inequalities using Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem, Triangle Inequality
Theorem, and Hinge Theorem), it’s important that you are able define or state
each statement below.

Triangle Inequality Theorem 1 (Ss → Aa)

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Triangle Inequality Theorem 2 (Aa → Ss)

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Triangle Inequality Theorem 3 (S1 + S2 > S3)

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

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The Triangle Inequality Theorem
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Hinge Theorem or SAS Inequality Theorem

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Converse of Hinge Theorem or SSS Inequality Theorem

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Activity 4. Fill Me Up!

Direction: Given the three segment lengths of a triangle, complete the table
below.

Do the 3
Segment What does It Increasing Inequality
lengths make
Lengths look like? Order (a, b, c) (a + b > c)
a triangle?
1. 4,3, and 6

2. 3, 2, and 5

3. 1, 6, and 2

4. 2, 3, and 7

5. 1, 2, and 9

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 Assessment

Let us determine how much you have learned from this module. Read and
understand each item, then choose the letter of your answer. Write your
answer on your answer sheet.

1. Which of the following can be said to the measure of an exterior angle of a

triangle?
A. greater than the measure of its adjacent interior angle
B. greater than the measure of either remote interior angle
C. less than the measure of its adjacent interior angle
D. less than the measure of either remote interior angle

2. What refers to a statement accepted after it is proven?

A. theorem C. corollary
B. postulate D. conjectures

3. Which of the following theorems states that the sum of the lengths of any
two sides is greater than the length of the third side?
A. Unequal Sides Theorem C. Unequal Angles Theorem
B. Triangle Inequality Theorem D. Hinge Theorem

4. What do you call a statement that is accepted without proof?

A. postulate C. corollary
B. theorem D. conjectures

5. Which of the following theorems states that if two sides of one triangle are
congruent to two sides of another triangle, but the included angle of the
second, then the first side of the first triangle is longer than the third side of
the second triangle?
A. Triangle Inequality Theorem
B. Hinge Theorem
C. Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem
D. Unequal Sides Theorem

6. Which of the following theorems reveals that if one side of a triangle is longer
than the second, then the angle opposite the longer side is larger than the
angle opposite the shorter side?
A. Hinge Theorem C. Triangle Inequality Theorem
B. Unequal Sides Theorem D. Exterior Angle Theorem

7. Which of the following theorems highlights that if one angle of a triangle is

longer than the second, then the side opposite the longer angle is larger
than the side opposite the shorter angle?
A. Unequal Sides Theorem C. Unequal Angles Theorem
B. Hinge Theorem D. Triangle Inequality Theorem

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8. Which of the following theorems reveals that the measure of an exterior
angle of a triangle is greater than the measure of either interior angle?
A. Isosceles Triangle Theorem
B. Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem
C. Hinge Theorem
D. Triangle Inequality Theorem

9. What is the angle formed by two distinct sides of a triangle?

A. vertical angle C. right angle
B. included angle D. adjacent angle

10. What is side common to two angles of a triangle?

A. adjacent side C. opposite side
B. included side D. hypotenuse

11. What is an angle that forms a linear pair with an interior angle of a triangle
when a side of the triangle is extended?
A. interior angle C. exterior angle
B. opposite angle D. vertical angle

12. What is the sum of the measures of the interior angles of a triangle?
A. 1800 B. 900 C. 3600 D. 2700

In problems 13-15, refer to triangle ART.

13. In a triangle ART, what are the remote interior angles of ∠2?
A. ∠5 and ∠6 C. ∠1 and ∠6
B. ∠4 and ∠6 D. ∠5 and ∠4

14. In triangle ART, m∠3 is equal to the sum of what measures?

A. m∠4 and m∠5 C. m∠6 and m∠3
B. m∠4 and m∠6 D. m∠4 + m∠2

15. In a triangle ART, m∠1 is equal to the sum of what measures?

A. m∠6 and m∠4 C. m∠6 and m∠2
B. m∠5 and m∠4 D. m∠1 and m∠2

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 Additional Activities

Great! Before we end this module, answer the MATHFLIX CHALLENGE (To be
a triangle or not to be a triangle?)

According to the Triangle Inequality Theorem, the sum of the lengths of any
two sides of a triangle is greater than the length of the third side:
side 1 + side 2 > side 3

Measure the sides of each triangle using a ruler in cm unit and complete the
table to test the theorem.

c a a

C D
b c
a b
A c
B b b
c a
a
E b

Triangle Length of side 1 Length of side 2 Length of side 3 Inequality

(a) (b) (c) (a + b > c)
A

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What I Know What’s In
1. B 6. B 11. B Activity 1: Answers vary
2. B 7. A 12. B
3. B 8. B 13. A
4. C 9. A 14. D
5. A 10. B 15. B
What’s New!
Activity 2: Let’s Discover!
 -The first set of sticks cannot make triangles because the sum of 2 sides(stick 1 and stick 2) is
less than the remaining side (stick 3).
-The second and third set of sticks can make triangles.
 -The first set of sticks cannot make triangles because the sum of 2 sides(stick 1 and stick 2) is
equal the remaining side (stick 3).
-The second and third set of sticks can make triangles.
What’s Mor e
Activity 3: Your Turn!
A. C.
1. YES 6. NO 1. <
2. YES 7. NO 2. =
3. YES 8. YES 3. >
4. NO 9. NO 4. =
5. NO 10. NO 5. >
B.
What I Can Do
Acitivity 4: Fill Me Up!
Exterior Remote What does Increasing Inequality Do the 3
Angle Interior Angles It look Order (a, b, c) (a+ b > c) lengths
like? make a
triangle?
m ∠1 m ∠8 and m∠6 3, 4, 6 3+4>6 YES
m ∠2 m ∠7 and m∠8 2, 3, 5 2+3>5 NO
Answer 1, 2, 6 1+2>6 NO
m ∠3 m ∠7 and m∠8
may vary
m ∠4 m ∠7 and m∠6 2, 3, 7 2+3>7 NO
m ∠5 m ∠8 and m∠6 1, 2, 9 1+2>9 NO
What I have Leaned Assessment
1. longer than 6. remote interior angle 1. B 6. B 11. C
2. longer than 7. congruent 2. A 7. B 12. A
3. greater than 8. included angle 3. B 8. B 13. A
4. any two sides 9. longer than 4. A 9. B 14. A
5. greater than 10. larger than 5. B 10. B 15. A
Inequality T heor em Additional Activit ies
Triangle Length of side 1 Length of side 2 Length of side 3 Inequality
(a) (b) (c) (a + b > c)
A 20 28 19 20 + 28 > 19
B 47 28 55 47 + 28 > 55
C 32 37 33 32 + 37 > 33
D 47 30 24 47 + 30 > 24
E 31 37 61 31 + 37 > 61
Key Answers
References:

Abuzo, Emmanuel P. et al, (2013), Grade 8: Mathematics Learner’s Module

– First Edition, Pasig City, Philippines, Book Media Press Inc., pp 408-426.

Website Links:
Triangle Inequality Theorem (2018). Retrieved from:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/triangle-inequality-theorem

Triangle Inequality Theorem. Retrieved from:

https://www.mathwarehouse.com/geometry/triangles/triangle-
inequality-theorem-rule-explained.php

Triangle Inequality Theorem (2021). Retrieved from:

http://www.khanacademy.org.geometry

Exterior Angle Inequality (2007-2021). Retrieved from:

https://www.varsitytutors.com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/exterior-
angle-inequality

Triangle Inequality Theorem. Retrieved from:

http://testprepshsat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/L8_Triangle-
Inequality-Theorem.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1MxzCmWn1u45PwX8-
y5y66wQM2M0R8-4JXdm2a_KD7fWrL6M-LRGdCqV8

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