1. Lesson 2

Mathematics 20-3 Module 4

Module 4: The Right Kind Of Triangles

 

Lesson 2: Similar Right Triangles

 

This is a triangle puzzle.
Focus

 

How many triangles can you see in the drawing to the right? Do you see 16, 17, 21, or more? What strategy did you use to keep track of each triangle? Did you notice that the triangles in this diagram all have the same shape? They are all similar triangles and are found in many different puzzles and games.

 

You may recognize the similar triangles in the following photos.

 

These are images of a pyramid puzzle and a Chinese checkers puzzle.

pyramid: Hemera/Thinkstock; game board: PhotoObjects/Thinkstock

 

In previous math courses you worked with all kinds of similar triangles. In this lesson you will focus on similar right triangles and how they can be used to solve problems.

 

Lesson Question

 

In this lesson you will investigate the following question:

  • How are the relationships among the sides and angles of similar right triangles used to solve problems?
Assessment

 

Your assessment for this lesson may include a combination of the following:

  • course folder submissions from Try This and Share

  • your contribution to the Mathematics 20-3: Glossary Terms

  • Lesson 2 Assignment (Save a copy of your lesson assignment to your course folder now.)

  • the Project Connection
Materials and Equipment
  • tape measure (metric or imperial)
  • calculator