Inequalities within a

Triangle
Objectives:
• Provide and apply theorems relating unequal sides and
angles in a triangle
• Write proofs involving inequalities
Unequal Sides Theorem
If two sides of a triangle are unequal, then the angles
opposite these sides are unequal in the same order.

Unequal Angles Theorem

If two angles of a triangle are unequal, then the sides
opposite those angles are unequal in the same order.
Example 1: In triangle PET, PT ET. What is the
relationship between E and P?
Example 2: In PET, P T. What is the
relationship between PE and TE?
Example 3: In LAM, LA = 6, LM = 16, and AM =
11. Which angle in LAM has the greatest
measure?
Example 4: In WKP, W = 45, K = 75, and P =
60. List the sides from shortest to longest.
Perpendicular Segment Theorem

The perpendicular segment from a point to a line

is the shortest distance from the point to the
line.
Given: P is a point not on line m; PA line m
Prove: PA PB
Plan of Proof:
From the given information, PA is perpendicular
from P to line m. Suppose B is any other point on
m, then PB is the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

Thus, in PAB, PB PA and PA PB.

Example 5: In right triangle ABC, B is the right
angle. Which side has the greatest measure?
Solution:
From the Acute Angles in a Right Triangle Theorem, we
know that A and C are acute angles. Since B is a right
angle, B A and B C.