Are we very similar?

E5.R1 Triangle congruence and

geometric proofs

Objectives Inquiry questions

Identifying congruent triangles based on What conditions are necessary to
F
● ●

standard criteria establish congruence?

● Using congruent and similar triangles to ● Why is ‘Side-Side-Angle’ not a
prove other geometric results condition for congruence?
How can congruence be used to prove
C
●

other results?
Which is more useful: establishing
D
●

similarity or establishing congruence?

ATL

Communication

Understand and use mathematical notation

1
 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

You should already know how to:

●● use Dynamic Geometry Software 1 a Use DGS to construct a triangle
(DGS) to draw basic shapes of side lengths 4, 6 and 7 cm.
b Use DGS to construct triangle
ABC with ∠ ABC = 40°,
∠ ACB = 80° and BC = 5 cm.
●● recognize reflections, rotations 2 Describe the single transformation
and translations that takes:
a A to B  b A to C  c C to D
d D to E  e B to D   f E to B
y
6
B 4 A
C
2

−6 −4 −2 0 2 4 6 x
−2
E D
−4

−6

●● find angles in parallel lines 3 Find the size 110°

of the angles
marked a
and b. a b

●● find lengths in similar triangles 4 Triangles ABC and DEF are similar.
Find lengths AC and ED.
B

E
9 cm 7.5 cm
5 cm

A C D 3 cm F

F Establishing congruent triangles

●● What conditions are necessary to establish congruence?
●● Why is ‘Side-Side-Angle’ not a condition for congruence?

Exploration 1 If you do not have

access to dynamic
1 Use dynamic geometry software to construct: geometry software,
a triangle A with sides 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm construct these
triangles accurately
b triangle B with a side of 8 cm and all angles 60°
using pencil,
c triangle C with angles 45°, 60° and 75° compasses and
protractor.
d triangle D with angles 40°, 60° and 80° and a side of 5 cm

Continued on next page

2
 e triangle E with sides 6 cm and 8 cm, and an angle of 50°
f triangle F with one side 4 cm, and with angles of 30° and 45° at each
end of the 4 cm side
g G, a right-angled triangle with one side 4 cm and hypotenuse 5 cm.
2 Compare your triangles with others. Identify which triangles everyone
drew exactly the same. Discuss which of the descriptions a to g lead to
more than one possible triangle.

Two shapes are congruent if they have the same side lengths and the same
size angles.

Reflect and discuss 1

● Are the triangles in each pair congruent?
a b    3.5
2.5 2 2.5
2 2.5
3.5
2 2.5
3.5
2
3.5

c d
60º 2
60º 2
40º 40º
45º 70º 45º 70º 3 3

● Look at the diagrams you drew in Exploration 1. Which descriptions

create triangles which are always congruent, and which
descriptions create triangles which might not be congruent?
● What do you call triangles that have the same angles, but are not the
same size?

Two shapes are congruent if one can be transformed into the other by a The word congruence
reflection, rotation or translation, or a combination of these. comes from the
Latin Congruō,
meaning ‘I agree’ or
When working with congruent triangles you need to identify the ‘I come together’.
corresponding sides and angles:

C F

B E

A D

3
 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

Δ DEF is the reflection of Δ ABC in the line, so the two triangles are congruent.
D is the image of A, so D and A are corresponding vertices.
DE is the reflection of AB, so DE and AB are corresponding sides.
∠ DEF is the reflection of ∠ ABC, so ∠ DEF and ∠ ABC are corresponding angles.
The ≅ symbol represents congruence. In the convention for congruent triangle
ATL

notation the order of the letters is important.

The statement Δ ABC ≅ Δ DEF means ‘triangle ABC is congruent to triangle
DEF, so A corresponds to D , B corresponds to E , and C corresponds to F ’.
Using this notation helps you show your working clearly.
To identify corresponding vertices, you can identify the transformation that
takes the first shape into the second, using rotation, reflection or translation,
and then find the images of the vertices. You can also match pairs of shortest/
longest sides, or largest/smallest angles.

Example 1
Δ PQR and Δ LMN are congruent. Identify the N
corresponding sides. Q
L
P

M
R

Δ PQR is a rotation of Δ LMN.

LN corresponds to PR. The shortest side of each triangle.

∠ L corresponds to ∠ P. The obtuse angle in each triangle.

MN corresponds to QR. The side opposite the obtuse angle in each triangle.

LM corresponds to PQ. The last pair of sides.

Practice 1
In questions 1 to 4, identify the corresponding sides in each pair of triangles.
1 B E 2    I
L 4 K

4 5 3
5
A F
C D G H
3 J

3 N O Q 4    T X
V
R U
M P
S W

4
5 Identify the pairs of congruent triangles in this diagram. Use congruence
symbol notation, with the corresponding vertices in the correct order.

W K N
V
J O
P X
Q M U E
B C
S
F
R T
H D
I
A
G

To show that two triangles are congruent, you need to show that they satisfy
one of the conditions for congruence.

Exploration 2
The aim of this exploration is to discover what information guarantees that
two triangles will be congruent.
1 Choose any three side lengths that could make a triangle.
Construct a triangle with these side lengths.
Now try to construct another triangle that is not congruent to the
original. Discuss whether or not it is possible.
2 Record the results from step 1 in a table like this:

Sketch of the two triangles Always congruent?

3 elements
(indicate the 3 elements) YES or NO
3 sides
3 angles
2 sides and the
angle between them
2 sides and an angle
not between them
2 angles and the
side between them
2 angles and a side
not between them

3 Now look at the other rows of the table. In the same way as in step 1,
decide on measurements for the elements and try to construct different
triangles. Record whether or not it is possible in the right-hand column.
Continued on next page

5
 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

4 Based on your results, discuss the necessary conditions for two triangles
to be congruent.
5 Compare your results here to your results from Exploration 1.

Conditions for congruence

●● Side-Side-Side congruence (SSS):
If the three sides of triangle A are the same lengths as the three sides of
triangle B, the two triangles are congruent.
●● Side-Angle-Side congruence (SAS):
If two sides of triangle A are the same lengths as two corresponding
sides of triangle B, and the angle between those pairs of sides is the
same in both triangles, the two triangles are congruent.
●● Angle-Side-Angle congruence (ASA or AAS):
If two angles in triangle A are the same size as two corresponding
angles in triangle B, and there is a corresponding side whose length is
the same in both triangles, the two triangles are congruent.
●● Right Angle-Hypotenuse-Side congruence (RHS):
If two right-angled triangles have equal hypotenuses, and one of the
remaining two sides is the same length in both triangles, the two
triangles are congruent.

Reflect and discuss 2

Explain how the Right Angle-Hypotenuse-Side congruence condition
can be derived using each of the other congruence conditions.

Exploration 3
1 Draw:
a a line segment AB of length 6 cm
b a circle of radius 7 cm centered on B
c a line from A that makes an angle of 40° with AB.
2 In Δ ABC, AB = 6 cm, BC = 7 cm and ∠ CAB = 40°.
Determine the position of point C on your diagram.
3 Draw:
a a line segment DE of length 6 cm
b a circle of radius 4 cm centered on E
c a line from D that makes an angle of 40° with DE.
4 In Δ DEF, DE = 6 cm, EF = 4 cm and ∠ FDE = 40°.
Explain why it is not possible to determine the position of point F on
your diagram.
5 Explain why Side-Side-Angle (SSA) is not a condition for congruence.

6
Example 2
Prove that in this diagram, Δ ABC ≅ Δ DEC.       A B

E D

Given: AB and ED are parallel Separate the question into the part you
AB = ED are given, and the part you need to prove.
Prove: Δ ABC ≅ Δ DEC

Proof
∠ BAC = ∠ EDC (alternate angles) Give a reason for each statement.
∠ ABC = ∠ DEC (alternate angles)
AB = DE (given) Both the equals
Therefore Δ ABC ≅ Δ DEC (ASA) sign (=) and the
congruence sign (≅)
are used to indicate
that lengths or angles
Example 3 are equal. Both are
acceptable in general
Prove that in a rectangle ABCD, Δ ABC ≅ Δ CDA. use, though some
A B
examinations or
schools might expect
you to use one
instead of the other.

D C
Draw a diagram.
Given: ABCD is a rectangle.
Prove: Δ ABC ≅ Δ CDA Separate the question into the part you
are given, and the part you need to prove.
Proof
∠ ABC = ∠ CDA = 90° because all angles in a rectangle Give a reason for each statement.
are right angles.
Δ ABC and Δ CDA are right-angled triangles with equal hypotenuses
because both have hypotenuse AC.
AB ≅ CD because the opposite sides of rectangle are equal.

You could also prove this result by showing all the sides
Δ ABC ≅ Δ CDA (RHS) are equal (SSS) or by using the two congruent pairs of
opposite sides and the right angle in between them (SAS).

7
 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

Objective C: Communicating
v. Organize information using a logical structure
In Practice 2, question 4, organize your answers systematically to help make sure that
you include all possible triangles.

Practice 2
1 Determine whether the triangles in each pair are congruent. If they are, state
the conditions for congruence.
a b

c d

2 a  Prove that Δ PQR is congruent to Δ STR. S

R
T

P
b Prove that Δ GHK ≅ Δ JHK. G

H K

c In triangle ABC, CD is the perpendicular bisector C

of AB. Prove that Δ ADC is congruent to Δ BDC .

A D B

3 A regular pentagon has vertices ABCDE. Explain why Δ ABC is congruent In 3, draw and
to Δ CDE. label a diagram to
help you.
Problem solving
4 A regular hexagon has vertices ABCDEF. List all the triangles that are
congruent to Δ ADE. State the condition used to establish congruence.

8
 Example 4
Circles C1 and C2 have centers O1 and O2 C1 X C2
respectively, and intersect at points X and Y.
O1 O2
Prove that Δ O1XO2 is congruent to Δ O1YO2.
Y

Given: circles C1 and C2 with centers O1 and O2

respectively intersect at points X and Y. Separate into ‘given’ and ‘prove’.

Prove: Δ O1XO2 ≅ Δ O1YO2.

C1 X C2

O1 O2 Draw the triangles Δ O1XO2 ≅ Δ O1YO2 on the diagram.

Proof Give a reason for each statement.

O1X = O1Y (both radii of C1)
O2X = O2Y (both radii of C2)
O1O2 = O1O2 (same line segment)
Δ O1XO2 ≅ Δ O1YO2 (SSS)

Practice 3
ATL

A
1 Triangle ABC is isosceles with AB = AC.
M is the midpoint of BC.
Prove that Δ ABM and Δ ACM are congruent.
C M B
2 Points A, B, C and D lie on a circle with center O. A
The chords AB and CD are equal in length.
Prove that Δ ABO and Δ CDO are congruent. C
B O

D
3 PQR is an isosceles triangle with PQ = QR. A line from Q meets PR at X,
at an angle of 90°. Prove that Δ QPX ≅ Δ QRX.
4 Points A, B and C lie on a circle with center O. ∠ ABC = ∠ ACB.
Prove that Δ AOB and Δ AOC are congruent.
5 Circle C1 has center A, and circle C2 has D
C1 C2
center B which lies on the circumference
of C1. Points D and E are the intersections
of C1 and C2. A B

Prove that Δ ABD and Δ ABE are congruent.

E

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 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

6 HIJK is a square. H and J lie on a circle with center F.

H
Prove that Δ FKH and Δ FKJ are congruent.

F K I

7 Prove that if lines PQ and RS are parallel, and X is the

Q
midpoint of PS, then Δ PXQ and Δ SXR are congruent.
P
X

C Using congruence to prove other results

●●How can congruence be used to prove other results?
All mathematical systems start by establishing some agreed facts. These are
known as axioms. There are many different systems of axioms which can be
used to describe geometry; the most famous is Euclidean geometry, which was
formalized by the Greek mathematician Euclid around 300 bce.
The rest of the geometry in this topic takes the congruence conditions to be
axioms. In other words, it assumes them to be true, and then uses them to Euclid’s most
prove other results. famous achievement
is his publication of
The Elements – 13
Exploration 4 books containing
1 In the diagram, PS and TQ P mathematical
bisect each other at U. Prove definitions, theorems
that Δ STU ≅ Δ PQU. and proofs. Many
10 cm 12 cm
of the results were
2 Find the length of ST . Justify already known, but
your reasoning. T
9 cm U
Q Euclid’s gathering
3 Identify the congruent angles in of them in a single
Δ STU and Δ PQU. Justify your place earned him the
reasoning. modern nickname
S R “the father of
4 If you can prove two triangles are geometry”.
congruent using SSS, SAS, ASA/AAS or RHS, explain what you can
deduce about the other corresponding angles and sides in the triangles.

Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are congruent. When using

this as part of a proof, you can write CPCTC for short.

10
 Reflect and discuss 3 The isosceles
triangle theorem
Read and discuss this proof to make sure you understand it. was known as the
Isosceles triangle theorem pons asinorum, or
‘bridge of asses’,
If Δ ABC is isosceles with AB = AC, then ∠ ABC ≅ ∠ ACB. A because students
Proof in medieval times
who could not
AB = AC (given) understand the
∠ BAC = ∠ CAB (the same angle) proof, or why a
proof was needed,
AC = AB (given) were thought to
be ignorant. This
Δ  ABC ≅ Δ  ACB (SAS) B C proof is by Pappus
∠ ABC ≅ ∠ ACB (CPCTC) of Alexandria.

Practice 4
1 Copy this proof and add the reasons.

Theorem
If ABCD is a rhombus then ∠ DAC ≅ ∠ BCA.
A
Proof
AB = CD, BC = DA because
AC = CA because
Δ ABC ≅ Δ CDA because
∠ DAC ≅ ∠ BCA because B
D

2 Δ ACE is an isosceles right-angled triangle with the right angle at C.

B lies on AC and D lies on C E such that BE = DA.
Copy and complete the proof that ∠ CEB ≅ ∠ CAD.

Theorem ____________________
Proof
A
BE = DA because
∠ BCE = ∠ DCA = 90° because
B
CE = CA because X

Δ BCE ≅ Δ DCA because

C E
∠ CEB ≅ ∠ CAD because D

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 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

Problem solving
3 Copy and complete this skeleton proof.

Theorem
If Δ ABC is isosceles with AB = AC then the angle bisector of ∠ BAC is
perpendicular to BC.

Proof
Let X be the point where the angle bisector of ∠ BAC meets BC. Draw a diagram, showing X.

Show that Δ ABX ≅ Δ ACX : Give reasons to prove congruence.

AB = AC because .
∠ BAX ≅ ∠ because .
is common.

Therefore Δ ABX ≅ Δ ACX ( ). Give the condition for congruence.

Hence ∠ ≅ ∠ AXC. ( ). Explain the reason for this.

∠ + ∠ ___ = 180° because .

⇒ 2 × ∠ AXC = 180°
⇒ .
Therefore the angle bisector is perpendicular to BC.

4 Copy and complete this skeleton proof. Include a suitable diagram.

Theorem
If AB is a chord to a circle C with center O, and M is the midpoint of AB,
OM is perpendicular to AB.

Proof
OA = OB because .
AM = BM because .
is common.

Therefore Δ OAM ≅ Δ OBM ( ).

Hence ∠ ≅∠ .
∠ +∠ = because .
⇒2× =
⇒ .
Therefore OM is perpendicular to AB.

12
 5 Circle C has center O. L1 is a tangent to C at X. L2 is a tangent to C at Y.
L1 and L2 meet at Z.
a Sketch L1, L2 and C. Mark points O, X, Y and Z on your diagram.
b Prove that triangles Δ OXZ and Δ OYZ are congruent.
c Hence show that XZ = YZ.
In 6, divide the
6 A parallelogram is defined as having two pairs of parallel sides. parallelogram into
Prove that opposite sides are equal in length. two congruent
7 Prove that the diagonals of a kite are perpendicular. triangles.
8 Prove that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.
9 Square TUVW is intersected by the straight line ABXCD.
X is the midpoint of AD and also the midpoint of UW.
W T
D
C
X
B

A
V U

Prove that ∠ AWB ≅ ∠ DUC.

Problem solving
10 The Pentagon, the headquarters of the US military, is among the world’s
largest buildings. It takes the shape of a regular pentagon, contains over Remember that ‘P is
28 km of corridors, and has an internal courtyard about the size of three equidistant from A
American football fields. and B ’ means that
AP = BP.
A statue (K ) is placed directly in front of one face of the building, so that it
is equidistant from the two nearest corners of the building (D and E ).
Prove that it is also equidistant from the next two corners of the building
(A and C ).
D
C
K

E B

D Using similarity to prove other results

●● Which is more useful: establishing similarity or establishing
congruence?
You have seen how establishing congruence can lead to the proof of other
geometric results. Sometimes, simply establishing similarity is enough to lead
to important mathematical results.

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 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

Exploration 5
1 Copy and complete this proof to discover the relationship between
segments created by intersecting chords.
Theorem: If A, B, C and D are points on the circumference
of a circle such that the chord AB meets the chord CD at
point X interior to the circle, then AX × BX = CX × DX .
C
A
X B Reproduce the diagram showing Δ AXC and Δ DXB.
O

∠ AXC = ∠ because . Show that corresponding angles are equal.

∠ CAB = ∠ CDB because .
∠ ACD = ∠ because .
Since all three angles are equal, we
know that Δ AXC is similar to Δ DXB.
AX =   .
Corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional.
BX

Rearranging gives: AX × BX = CX × DX . This the ‘intersecting chords theorem’.

Reflect and discuss 4

● Are all similar triangles congruent? Are all congruent triangles
similar? Justify your reasoning.
● Which is more useful: establishing similarity or establishing
congruence?

Summary
Two shapes are congruent if they have the same angle between those pairs of sides is the same in
side lengths and same size angles. both triangles, the two triangles are congruent.
Two shapes are congruent if one can be ●● Angle-Side-Angle congruence (ASA or AAS):
transformed into the other by a reflection, rotation If two angles in triangle A are the same size as
or translation, or a combination of these. two corresponding angles in triangle B, and there
Conditions for congruence is a corresponding side whose length is the same
in both triangles, the two triangles are congruent.
●● Side-Side-Side congruence (SSS):
If the three sides of triangle A are the same
●● Right Angle-Hypotenuse-Side congruence
lengths as the three sides of triangle B, the two (RHS): If two right-angled triangles have equal
triangles are congruent. hypotenuses, and one of the remaining two
sides is the same length in both triangles, the
●● Side-Angle-Side congruence (SAS): two triangles are congruent.
If two sides of triangle A are the same lengths as
two corresponding sides of triangle B, and the Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are
congruent. You can write CPCTC for short.
14
Mixed practice
1 Are the two triangles in each diagram congruent? 4 ABCDE is a regular pentagon. X is the midpoint
If so, give the conditions for congruence used to of CD. Prove that AX is the perpendicular
prove it. bisector of BE.
A
a Y    b B

X W A C
D E B
Z

c R T       d E

S D X C

F
To prove AX is the perpendicular bisector of
I G BE, show that AX is perpendicular to BE and
U
V that X is the midpoint of BE.

5 Part of an origami construction consists of a

H parallelogram and three fold lines: one diagonal
2 a In the diagram, given that AD = BC and joining the two most distant corners of the
∠ DAC = ∠ ACB, prove that ∠ ADC ≅ ∠ ACB. parallelogram, and two short parallel lines
joining the other corners to the diagonal, as
A B
illustrated.

D C

b In the diagram, given that E F bisects IG, and E I Prove that the short parallel lines are equal in
is parallel to IGH, prove that ∠ FEI ≅ ∠ GFH. length.
E
F G 6 The diagram shows points A, B, C and D.
I Prove that triangles ABD and ACD are
H
congruent.
A
c In the diagram, given that ∠ J = ∠ L and that
MK bisects ∠ JML, prove that Δ JMK ≅ Δ LMK.
J
D
M K
C B

L 7 In the diagram, AB is parallel to DE and AB = AC,

3 ABCDEFGH is a regular octagon. By considering and CAB = 60°. Prove that CDE is an isosceles
Δ AEF and Δ ADE, prove that Δ ADF is an triangle.
isosceles triangle. A B
F E

G D
C

H C D E

A B

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 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

8 A small radio mast is formed by joining three 11 Railway tracks are set in parallel lines at a
large triangular frames together. One of the three fixed distance, called the gauge. Different
frames, illustrated below, is made from four countries have different national gauges.
lengths of metal: AC, AD, BD and CE. It stands The Republic of Ireland uses Irish Gauge,
on level ground. where the two rails are 1600 mm apart.
A The photograph shows a railway junction
in Limerick, Ireland. The diagram below it
represents an overhead view of the layout of
the lines.
E
B

C D

Given that AD and AC are equal in length,

and BD and CE are equal in length, prove
that lengths AB and AE are equal.
9 A King Post Truss Bridge has a simple structure
and is suitable for short spans.
The king post PQ is a single piece of wood

or metal that helps prevent the tie beam B
AB from sagging.
P
C
A
F
D
A B G
E
Q

Prove that if Q is the midpoint of AB, the H

king post PQ is vertical, and AB is horizontal
then AP and BP must be equal in length and Assuming the tracks to be straight and parallel,
∠ PAQ = ∠ PBQ. and all of Irish Gauge:
10 a prove that Δ ABD is congruent to Δ CDB
b prove that Δ BAC ≅ Δ BCA
c hence show that ABCD is a rhombus
d prove that Δ ABC ≅ Δ EFG given that the
two sets of tracks are parallel.

Problem solving
12 The horizontal bars on a stepladder make it
more stable. Use the ideas of congruence to
The three blades of a wind turbine are all of explain clearly how positioning the horizontal
equal length and have the same angle between bars at the same height on both sides of the
each pair. Prove that the tips of the blades form ladder ensures that both sides of the ladder
an equilateral triangle. open out to the same angle.

16
13 Similar triangles can be used to develop the Proof:
Angle Bisector Theorem. Copy and complete
Draw PT parallel to SR.
this proof.
P T
Theorem: An angle bisector of an angle of
a triangle divides the opposite side in two
segments that are proportional to the other
two sides of the triangle. Q
P

S R
Q
∠SQR = ∠PQT because

∠RSQ = ∠ because
S R

Given: SQ is the bisector of angle S. ∠ = ∠TPQ because

Prove: SR = QR .
SP QP Since all three angles are equal,
we know that .

SR =   
QP

∠PST = ∠QSR because

Hence ∠PST = ∠PTS because

Therefore, PS = PT because

Hence, SR = QR .
SP QP

17
 S PAT I A L RE A S ONING

Review in context
The ancient art of origami has roots in Japanese The resulting creases are illustrated in this diagram.
culture and involves folding flat sheets of paper A B C
to create models. Some models are designed to
E
resemble animals, flowers or buildings; others X Y
just celebrate the beauty of geometric design.

D
F

G Z

The artist thinks lengths FH and DY are equal.

b Explain why EX = 12 EG.
c Hence use trigonometry to find ∠ EGX.
1 An origami artist takes a square sheet of paper, d Explain why Δ GED ≅ Δ GZD.
and folds it in half, as shown. Hence find ∠ EGD and ∠ DGZ.
Fold e Find ∠ YED.
f Show that GF = EY.
g Show that ∠ GFH = ∠ EYD.
h Hence show that the artist’s claim – that lengths
FH and DY are equal – is correct.

a Explain why folding the sheet in half

produces two congruent rectangles.
The artist then unfolds the sheet, takes one corner
and folds it up to meet the center line, not quite
to the top edge, as illustrated. The fold created
runs straight from one corner to the opposite side.
Finally, he folds a crease parallel to the top edge of
the sheet at the height of the folded corner.

18