Proving Triangle

Inequalities
 At the end of this lesson, the learner should be
able to correctly apply theorems and postulates in
proving triangle inequalities.
 Two-Column Proof
a presentation of proof using a table with two columns, one
for statements and another for reasons

Statement Reason
   
This column is used to This column is used to justify each
express each statement statement using definitions,
in the proof. postulates, properties, theorems,
axioms, known facts and results, or
formulas.
 
2 Some Terms in Geometry

Midpoint – a point that divides a given line segment into two

congruent segments

Hypotenuse – the longest side of a right triangle

Right Triangle – a triangle with a right angle

 2 Some Terms in Geometry

Congruent Segments – segments with equal measures

Isosceles Triangle – a triangle that has 2 equal sides

 3 Some Postulates and Theorems

Segment Addition Postulate

Let point be in segment . Then .

Hinge Theorem
If two sides of one triangle are congruent to two sides of another
triangle but the included angle in the first triangle is greater than
the included angle in the second, then the third side of the first
triangle is longer than the third side of the second.
 3 Some Postulates and Theorems

Converse of the Hinge Theorem

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 in the
first triangle is larger than the included angle in the second.
3 Some Postulates and Theorems

Exterior Angle Theorem

The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the
sum of the measures of its remote interior angles.
3 Some Postulates and Theorems

Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem (EAIT)

The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is greater than
the measures of its remote interior angles.
3 Some Postulates and Theorems

Corollary of the Exterior Angle Theorem

The angle opposite the longest side is the largest angle, while the
angle opposite the shortest side is the smallest angle; conversely, the
side opposite the largest angle is the longest side, while the side
opposite the smallest angle is the shortest side. It follows that an angle
opposite a longer side is larger than an angle opposite a smaller side;
conversely, a side opposite a larger angle is longer than a side opposite
a smaller angle.
4 Properties of Equality and Inequality

Transitive Property of Inequality (TPI)

Let , , and be real numbers. If and , then .
 
Addition Property of Inequality (API)
Let , , and be real numbers. If , then .
4 Properties of Equality and Inequality

Reflexive Property of Equality

Let be a real number. Then .
 
Law of Trichotomy
Let and be real numbers. Only one of the following must be
true: , , and
Example 1: Prove the statement using a two-column proof.

Given: is a median of and .

Prove:
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. is a median of . Given
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. is a median of . Given
2. Given
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. is a median of . Given
2. Given
3. Definition of a median (1)
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. is a median of . Given
2. Given
3. Definition of a median (1)
4. Reflexive Property of
Congruence
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. is a median of . Given
2. Given
3. Definition of a median (1)
4. Reflexive Property of
Congruence
5. Converse of the Hinge
Example 2: Prove the statement using a two-column proof.

Given:
Prove:
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. Given
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. Given
2. is a right angle. Definition of perpendicular
segments (1)
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. Given
2. is a right angle. Definition of perpendicular
segments (1)
3. is a right triangle with Definition of a right triangle
hypothenuse . (2)
Solution:

Statements Reasons
1. Given
2. is a right angle. Definition of perpendicular
segments (1)
3. is a right triangle with Definition of a right triangle
hypothenuse . (2)
4. Definition of a hypotenuse (3)
Individual Practice:

1. Given: , .
Prove: .
2. Given:
Prove:
Group Practice: To be done in groups of three
 
Given:
Prove: