The SSS Theorem

In this lesson you’ll prove an important geometric fact: The Side-Side-Side Theorem (SSS).

If the three sides of one triangle are respectively equal in length to the sides of another triangle, then the two triangles must be congruent.

In Activities 1 and 2, you will review some information that will help you explain the proof.

In Activity 4, you will construct the superposition of SSS triangles, and you will explain why the steps of your construction help to prove the SSS Theorem.

[17 April 2018: Improved activities 3 and 4 with new tools, animations, and more.]

1 Define Reflection

Here’s one way to define reflection:

Dependent point x' is the reflection of independent point x in mirror m if and only if line m is the perpendicular bisector of segment overline(x x').

This definition works two ways:

• If x' is the reflection of x, the mirror is the perpendicular bisector of overline(x x'). (This means you can use Perpendicular Bisector tool to construct a mirror that reflects x to w.
• If m is the perpendicular bisector of overline(x x'), x' is the reflection of x in mirror m. (This means that when you use the Reflect tool to reflect tri xyz across m, point x will be reflected to x'.)

2 The Perpendicular Bisector Theorem

• Theorem: If a point is on the perpendicular bisector of a segment, it is equidistant from the endpoints of the segment.
• Converse: If a point is equidistant from the endpoints of a segment, it is on the perpendicular bisector of the segment.

Use page 1 to explore the theorem, and page 2 to explore its converse.

Can you explain why each of these must be true, using what you know about the reflect function.

Video hints are not yet available.

3 Superpose Congruent Segments

To prove that two segments are congruent, transform one segment to superpose its image on the other. Then use the drag test to be sure your construction is correct.

Describe your method and explain when it works and when it doesn't.

Video hints are not yet available.

4 Superpose SSS Triangles

Now for the main event: Construct and Prove the SSS Theorem.

• If the two triangles are similarly handed (both CW or both CCW), first reflect triABC in one of its sides.
• Then use the tools twice to superpose the image of overline(AB) on overline(DE).
• Finally reflect in overline(DE) to superpose the image of triABC on triDEF.
• Use the drag test to make sure that your construction is robust.
• Use what you know about reflection and perpendicular bisectors to explain why each step of your construction works, and why your results prove the SSS Theorem. Pay particular attention to the last step (when you reflected in overline(DE)). Why did this step superpose the image of C on F?

The sketch has four pages, each of which represents a different possible case for congruent triangles. At a minimum, you should solve page 3, as well as either page 1 or page 2. The last case, page 4, is important, even though it's not as interesting as the others.

Video hints are not yet available.

5 The Fine Print

Requirements:

These activities require web access using a browser that supports HTML5 and JavaScript. (That means almost any current browser.) No purchase is required, and there’s no advertising anywhere.

Release Information

Update History:

17 Apr 2018: Now includes construction history, more animations, closer connection to proof, etc.