Classify Triangles Using Distance or Slope Formula
Classify Triangles Using Distance or Slope Formula
Observe how calculations based on vertex coordinates confirm properties of a triangle without relying on its graph.
Putting It All Together
Answer these open ended questions on your own or with others to form deeper math connections.
Open-ended question 1
George gives you three vertex coordinates for a triangle which he claims is a right triangle. What are two different methods you could use to verify this claim?
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Open-ended question 2
Your friend has calculated that the slopes of 3 sides of a triangle are 1/2, 2, and -2/3. What can you conclude, if anything, about this triangle?
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Open-ended question 3
In the Cartesian plane, can you create an equilateral triangle having all vertices with integer coordinates? If it is possible, write the coordinates of the vertices, otherwise explain the reason for your answer.
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Open-ended question 4
Under what circumstances could you confirm a triangle is a right triangle without performing all the calculations shown in this activity?
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Open-ended question 5
Under what circumstances could you confirm that a triangle is isosceles using the distance formula without performing all the calculations shown in this activity?
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Prerequisite Resources
More from Plane Figures on the Coordinate Plane
