Section 5a: Triangle Altitude
Directions for Using the Applet:
1. In this applet, you’ll see a purple segment appear. This segment is called an altitude of the triangle.
2. Click and drag the triangle’s vertices, especially the blue vertex, to create different triangle shapes.
3. Slide the slider to activate the altitude and observe how it behaves.
4. Watch where the altitude falls in relation to the triangle—it might be inside, on, or outside the triangle depending on its shape.
5. Take a few minutes to explore and test different triangle types (acute, right, obtuse).
6. If you’re unsure, scroll to the bottom of the page and watch the “Quick (Silent) Demo.”
Questions to Answer (Write in Complete Sentences):
1. Is it ever possible for a triangle’s altitude to lie inside the triangle? Explain.
2. Can an altitude ever lie on the triangle itself (for example, as one of the sides)? If so, what kind of triangle would make this happen?
3. Is it ever possible for an altitude to lie entirely outside the triangle? If yes, under what condition?
4. Based on your observations, complete this sentence in your own words: An altitude of a triangle is… DO NOT google the term and give me a definition :)