LESSON 4–8

Triangles and Coordinate

Proof
Five-Minute Check (over Lesson 4–7)
TEKS
Then/Now
New Vocabulary
Example 1: Position and Label a Triangle
Key Concept: Placing Triangles on Coordinate Plane
Example 2: Identify Missing Coordinates
Example 3: Write a Coordinate Proof
Example 4: Real-World Example: Classify Triangles
 Over Lesson 4–6

Identify the type of congruence

transformation shown as a
reflection, translation, or
rotation.

A. reflection

B. translation

C. rotation
 Over Lesson 4–6

Identify the type of congruence

transformation shown as a
reflection, translation, or
rotation.

A. reflection

B. translation

C. rotation
 Over Lesson 4–6

Graph triangles LMN and PQR

with vertices L(–4, 5),
M(–4, 1), N(0, 3), and P(1, –1),
Q(1, –5), and R(5, –3). Then
identify the transformation.

A. reflection

B. translation

C. rotation
 Over Lesson 4–6

Rectangle RSTU has vertices at (0, 0), (0, 4), (6, 4),
and (6, 0). Which of the following is a vertex of the
rectangle reflected over the x-axis?

A. (–6, 0)

B. (–4, –6)

C. (0, –4)

D. (–4, 0)
Targeted TEKS
G.2(B) Derive and use the distance, slope, and midpoint
formulas to verify geometric relationships, including
congruence of segments and parallelism or perpendicularity of
pairs of lines.

Mathematical Processes
G.1(F), G.1(G)
You used coordinate geometry to prove
triangle congruence.

• Position and label triangles for use in

coordinate proofs.
• Write coordinate proofs.
• coordinate proof
 Position and Label a Triangle

Position and label right triangle XYZ with leg

d units long on the coordinate plane.
Use the origin as vertex X of
the triangle.
Place the base of the triangle
along the positive x-axis.
Position the triangle in the
first quadrant.
Since Z is on the x-axis,
its y-coordinate is 0. Its
x-coordinate is d because
the base is d units long.
 Position and Label a Triangle

Since triangle XYZ is a right triangle, the x-coordinate

of Y is 0. We cannot determine the y-coordinate, so
call it b.

Answer:
Which picture on the following slide would be the
best way to position and label equilateral triangle
ABC with side w units long on the coordinate
plane?
A. B.

C. D.
 Identify Missing Coordinates

Name the missing coordinates of isosceles right

triangle QRS.
Q is on the origin, so its coordinates
are (0, 0).
The x-coordinate of S is the same as
the x-coordinate for R, (c, ?).
The y-coordinate for S is the distance
from R to S. Since ΔQRS is an
isosceles right triangle,
The distance from Q to R is c units. The distance from
R to S must be the same. So, the coordinates of S are
(c, c).
Answer: Q(0, 0); S(c, c)
Name the missing coordinates
of isosceles right ΔABC.

A. A(d, 0); C(0, 0)

B. A(0, f); C(0, 0)

C. A(0, d); C(0, 0)

D. A(0, 0); C(0, d)

 Write a Coordinate Proof

Write a coordinate proof to prove that the segment

that joins the vertex angle of an isosceles triangle to
the midpoint of its base is perpendicular to the base.
The first step is to position and label an isosceles triangle
on the coordinate plane. Place the base of the isosceles
triangle along the x-axis. Draw a line segment from the
vertex of the triangle to its base. Label the origin and label
the coordinates, using multiples of 2 since the Midpoint
Formula takes half the sum
of the coordinates.
Given: ΔXYZ is isosceles.

Prove:
 Write a Coordinate Proof

Proof: By the Midpoint Formula, the coordinates of W,

the midpoint of , is

The slope of or undefined. The

slope of is therefore, .
Finish the following coordinate proof to prove that
the segment drawn from the right angle to the
midpoint of the hypotenuse of an isosceles right
triangle is perpendicular to the hypotenuse.
Proof: The coordinates of the midpoint D are

The slope of
is

or 1. The slope of
or –1, ?

A. their slopes are opposite.

therefore because ____.
B. the sum of their slopes is zero.
C. the product of their slopes is –1.
D. the difference of their slopes is 2.
 Classify Triangles

DRAFTING Write a coordinate proof to prove that the

outside of this drafter’s tool is shaped like a right
triangle. The length of one side is 10 inches and the
length of another side is 5.75 inches.
 Classify Triangles

Proof: The slope of

or undefined. The slope of

or 0, therefore

ΔDEF is a right triangle.

The drafter’s tool is shaped like a

right triangle.
FLAGS Tracy wants to write a coordinate proof to
prove this flag is shaped like an isosceles triangle.
The altitude is 16 inches and the base is 10 inches.
What ordered pair should she use for point C?

A. (10, 10)

B. (10, 5)

C. (16, 10)

D. (16, 5)
LESSON 4–8
Triangles and Coordinate
Proof