The Hinge Theorem

At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to

● correctly use the Hinge Theorem in solving problems

involving triangles; and

● correctly use the Converse of the Hinge Theorem in

solving problems involving triangles.
1 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.

Example:
In the figure, it is given that
. Suppose By the Hinge Theorem, .
 2 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.

Example:
In the figure, it is given that
. Suppose
By the Converse of the Hinge
Theorem, .
Example 1: In the given figure, which segment is longer:
or ?
Solution:

The figure shows that and have two congruent

sides, and is a common side.
 
Since , by the Hinge Theorem, we conclude that .
Example 2: In the given figure, which angle is larger:
or ?
Solution:

The figure shows that and have two congruent sides, and is
a common side.
 
Since by the Converse of the Hinge Theorem, .
Example 3:
Individual Practice:

1. In the given figure, which

angle is larger: or ?
Individual Practice:

2. In the given figure, find

the value of .
Group Practice: To be done in groups of three

Bus 1 left a station heading east for 30 kilometers and then

turned northeast for 22 kilometers. Bus 2 left the station
heading west for 30 kilometers and then turned southwest
for 22 kilometers. At this point, Bus 1 and Bus 2 are 40 km
and 38 km away from the station, respectively. Determine
which bus has a greater included angle formed after the turn.