Triangle Exploration

Types of Triangles

We are learning about a few different types of triangles in class; acute, right and obtuse. In this activity, there are examples of each as well as a triangle labeled Triangle C. By clicking on the different points of Triangle C, you are able to move it around to create any type of triangle you want. It is your job to explore the ways to make acute, right, and obtuse triangles. The examples of each type of triangles are there to guide you in constructing your own. You will notice that you can move these triangles around, but they will not change in angle size or actual size like Triangle C will. We know that certain angles in these triangles classify them as each type of triangle.

As you are doing this activity, think of and answer these questions:

What is the definition of a triangle? What makes a triangle a triangle? What angles must an acute triangle have to be classified as acute? What angles must a right triangle have to be classified as acute? What angles must an obtuse triangle have to be classified as obtuse? To extend this activity, using what we have learned about perimeters find the perimeter of each triangle with the formula a+b+c=p.