MA.912.GR.1.2

Prove triangle congruence or similarity using Side-Side-Side, Side-Angle-Side, Angle-Side-Angle, Angle-Angle-Side, Angle-Angle and Hypotenuse-Leg.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Instruction includes constructing two-column proofs, pictorial proofs, paragraph and narrative proofs, flow chart proofs or informal proofs.

Clarification 2: Instruction focuses on helping a student choose a method they can use reliably.

General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 912
Strand: Geometric Reasoning
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Benchmark Instructional Guide

Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment

 

Terms from the K-12 Glossary

  • Angle 
  • Congruent 
  • Corresponding Angles 
  • Hypotenuse 
  • Right Triangle 
  • Similarity 
  • Triangle 
  • Vertical Angles

 

Vertical Alignment

Previous Benchmarks

Next Benchmarks

 

Purpose and Instructional Strategies

In grade 8, students were introduced to the concepts of congruence and similarity using transformations and proportional relationships. In Geometry, students prove triangle congruence or similarity using Side-Side-Side (SSS), Side-Angle-Side (SAS), Angle-Side-Angle (ASA), Angle-Angle-Side (AAS), Angle-Angle (AA) and Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) criteria. In later courses, these congruence and similarity criteria are critical in understanding applications of vectors and trigonometry. 
  • Students should develop the understanding of which criteria can be used to prove congruence and which criteria should be used to prove similarity. 
    • Criteria that can be used to prove congruence are SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS and HL, where the assumption is that the respective sides in the criterion are equal in length, and the respective angles are equal in measure. 
    • Criteria that can be used to prove similarity are AA, SAS and SSS, where the assumption is that the respective sides in the criterion are proportional in length with the same constant of proportionality, and the respective angles are equal in measure. 
  • Instruction includes developing the understanding that congruence implies similarity. Students should realize that if they have proved congruence of two triangles, then they have also proved similarity of the two triangles. 
  • Instruction includes the connection to the Logic and Discrete Theory benchmarks when developing proofs. Additionally, with the construction of proofs, instruction reinforces the Properties of Operations, Equality and Inequality. (MTR.5.1) 
  • Instruction utilizes different ways students can organize their reasoning by constructing various proofs when proving geometric statements. It is important to explain the terms statements and reasons, their roles in a geometric proof, and how they must correspond to each other. Regardless of the style, a geometric proof is a carefully written argument that begins with known facts, proceeds from there through a series of logical deductions, and ends with the statement you are trying to prove. (MTR.2.1
    • For examples of different types of proofs, please see MA.912.LT.4.8
  • Instruction includes the use of hatch marks, hash marks, arc marks or tick marks, a form of mathematical notation, to represent segments of equal length or angles of equal measure in diagrams and images. 
  • Students should understand the difference between congruent and equal. If two segments are congruent (i.e., PQMN), then they have equivalent lengths (i.e., PQ = MN) and the converse is true. If two angles are congruent (i.e., ∠ABC ≅ ∠PQR), then they have equivalent angle measure (i.e., mABC = mPQR) and the converse is true. 
  • Problem types include mathematical or real-world context where students identify which one of the congruence or similarity criteria can be applied in specific cases; deduce information (e.g., vertical angles are congruent, reflexive property for a shared side or angle, corresponding angles when two parallel lines are cut by a transversal are congruent) from given images to determine the congruence or similarity criterion needed to prove triangle congruence or similarity; and determine what piece of information about a pair of triangles must be added to prove triangles are congruent or similar by a certain criterion. (MTR.6.1
  • Instruction includes exploring why Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) can be used to show right triangles are congruent. Students should be able to realize that HL is a specific case of Side-Side-Side (SSS) and Side-Angle-Side (SAS) applying the Pythagorean Theorem. 
  • Instruction for some theorems, relationships or postulates may be necessary in order to prove the validity of congruence or similarity criteria. 
    • For example, to prove the validity of the AA similarity criterion, students will need knowledge of the Triangle Sum Theorem.

 

Common Misconceptions or Errors

  • Students may confuse the congruence and similarity versions of the Side-Side-Side and Side-Angle-Side criteria. To address this misconception, provide students with counterexamples and opportunities to discuss the difference. 
  • Students may try to use Angle-Angle, Angle-Angle-Angle or Side-Side-Angle to prove congruence

 

Instructional Tasks

Instructional Task 1 (MTR.4.1, MTR.5.1
  • Pentagon ABCDE, as shown below, is a regular pentagon.

    • Part A. Can you identify two possible congruent triangles in the figure? 
    • Part B. Write a congruence statement for the two triangles that are congruent. 
    • Part C. What theorem or postulate can be used to prove the two triangles congruent? 
    • Part D. Prove that the two triangles chosen in Part A are congruent to one another. 
    • Part E. Determine a triangle that is congruent to triangle ACD. 
    • Part F. Repeat Parts B through D with the new pair of triangles. 

Instructional Task 2 (MTR.4.1, MTR.5.1
  • Part A. Draw a triangle with side lengths 6 inches, 7 inches and 10 inches. Compare your triangle with a partner. 
  • Part B. Draw a triangle with side lengths 4 inches and 6 inches, and with a 70° angle in between those side lengths. Compare your triangle with a partner. 
  • Part C. Draw a triangle with angle measures of 40° and 60°, and a side length of 5 inches between those angle measures. Compare your triangle with a partner. 
  • Part D. Based on the comparison of triangles created from Parts A, B and C, what can you conclude about criteria for determining triangle congruence?

 

Instructional Items

Instructional Item 1 
  • Use rectangle ABCD to fill in the blanks. 

In a rectangle opposite sides are _______ which means ¯ ≅ ¯ . Triangles ABC and CDA can be proven congruent by Hypotenuse-Leg because _____ is the hypotenuse for both triangles.

*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1200400: Foundational Skills in Mathematics 9-12 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1206310: Geometry (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1206320: Geometry Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1206315: Geometry for Credit Recovery (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7912065: Access Geometry (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
MA.912.GR.1.AP.2: Identify the triangle congruence or similarity criteria; Side-Side-Side, Side-Angle-Side, Angle-Side-Angle, Angle-Angle-Side, Angle-Angle and Hypotenuse-Leg.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Formative Assessments

Justifying a Proof of the AA Similarity Theorem:

Students are asked to justify statements of a proof of the AA Similarity Theorem.

Type: Formative Assessment

Describe the AA Similarity Theorem:

Students are asked to describe the AA Similarity Theorem.

Type: Formative Assessment

What Is the Triangle Relationship?:

Students are asked to write an informal justification of the AA Similarity Theorem.

Type: Formative Assessment

Drawing Triangles SSA:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the lengths of two of its sides and the measure of a nonincluded angle and to decide if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Type: Formative Assessment

Drawing Triangles SAS:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the measures of two sides and their included angle and to explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Type: Formative Assessment

Drawing Triangles ASA:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the measures of two angles and their included side and to explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Type: Formative Assessment

Drawing Triangles AAS:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the measures of two angles and a non-included side and to explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Type: Formative Assessment

Drawing Triangles AAA:

Students are asked to draw a triangle with given angle measures, and explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Type: Formative Assessment

Similar Triangles - 2:

Students are asked to locate a pair of similar triangles in a diagram, explain why they are similar, and use the similarity to find an unknown length in the diagram.

Type: Formative Assessment

Similar Triangles - 1:

Students are asked locate a pair of similar triangles in a diagram, explain why they are similar, and use the similarity to find two unknown lengths in the diagram.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

Transformation and Similarity:

Using non-rigid motions (dilations), students learn how to show that two polygons are similar. Students will write coordinate proofs confirming that two figures are similar.

Type: Lesson Plan

Match That!:

Students will prove that two figures are congruent based on a rigid motion(s) and then identify the corresponding parts using paragraph proof and vice versa, prove that two figures are congruent based on corresponding parts and then identify which rigid motion(s) map the images.

Type: Lesson Plan

What's the Problem:

Students solve problems using triangle congruence postulates and theorems.

Type: Lesson Plan

Diagonally Half of Me!:

This lesson is an exploration activity assisting students prove that diagonals of parallelograms bisect each other. It allows them to compare other quadrilaterals with parallelograms in order to make conjectures about the diagonals of parallelograms.

Type: Lesson Plan

Turning to Congruence:

This lesson uses rigid motions to prove the ASA and HL triangle congruence theorems.

Type: Lesson Plan

Slip, Slide, Tip, and Turn: Corresponding Angles and Corresponding Sides:

Using the definition of congruence in terms of rigid motion, students will show that two triangles are congruent.

Type: Lesson Plan

How Do You Measure the Immeasurable?:

Students will use similar triangles to determine inaccessible measurements. Examples include exploring dangerous caves and discovering craters on Mars.

Type: Lesson Plan

How Much Proof Do We Need?:

Students determine the minimum amount of information needed to prove that two triangles are similar.

Type: Lesson Plan

Observing the Centroid:

Students will construct the medians of a triangle then investigate the intersections of the medians.

Type: Lesson Plan

The Centroid:

Students will construct the centroid of a triangle using graph paper or GeoGebra in order to develop conjectures. Then students will prove that the medians of a triangle actually intersect using the areas of triangles.

Type: Lesson Plan

Let's Prove the Pythagorean Theorem:

Students will use Triangle Similarity to derive the proof of the Pythagorean Theorem and apply this method to develop the idea of the geometric mean with respect to the relationships in right triangles.

Type: Lesson Plan

Altitude to the Hypotenuse:

Students will discover what happens when the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle is drawn. They learn that the two triangles created are similar to each other and to the original triangle. They will learn the definition of geometric mean and write, as well as solve, proportions that contain geometric means. All discovery, guided practice, and independent practice problems are based on the powerful altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

Type: Lesson Plan

Analyzing Congruence Proofs:

Students work on the concept of congruency whilst developing their understanding of proof in a geometric context. This lesson is intended to help students learn to:

  • Work with concepts of congruency and similarity, including identifying corresponding sides and corresponding angles within and between triangles.
  • Identify and understand the significance of a counterexample.
  • Prove, and evaluate proofs in a geometric context.

Type: Lesson Plan

Evaluating Statements About Length and Area:

This lesson unit is intended to help you assess how well students can understand the concepts of length and area, use the concept of area in proving why two areas are or are not equal and construct their own examples and counterexamples to help justify or refute conjectures.

Type: Lesson Plan

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Geometric Constructions- Angle Bisector:

Unlock an effective teaching strategy for making connections in geometric constructions in this Teacher Perspectives video for educators.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Problem-Solving Tasks

Joining two midpoints of sides of a triangle:

Using a triangle with line through it, students are tasked to show the congruent angles, and conclude if one triangle is similar to the other.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Unit Squares and Triangles:

This problem solving task asks students to find the area of a triangle by using unit squares and line segments.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why Does ASA Work?:

This problem solving task ask students to show the reflection of one triangle maps to another triangle.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

When Does SSA Work to Determine Triangle Congruence?:

In this problem, we considered SSA. The triangle congruence criteria, SSS, SAS, ASA, all require three pieces of information. It is interesting, however, that not all three pieces of information about sides and angles are sufficient to determine a triangle up to congruence.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Midpoints of the Side of a Parallelogram:

This is a reasonably direct task aimed at having students use previously-derived results to learn new facts about parallelograms, as opposed to deriving them from first principles.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Inscribing a square in a circle:

This task provides an opportunity for students to apply triangle congruence theorems in an explicit, interesting context.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Construction of perpendicular bisector:

This problem solving task challenges students to construct a perpendicular bisector of a given segment.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why Does SAS Work?:

This problem solving task challenges students to explain the reason why the given triangles are congruent, and to construct reflections of the points.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Reflected Triangles:

This task asks students to use a straightedge and compass to construct the line across which a triangle is reflected.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Right triangles inscribed in circles II:

This problem solving task asks students to explain certain characteristics about a triangle.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why does SSS work?:

This particular problem solving task exhibits congruency between two triangles, demonstrating translation, reflection and rotation.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Are the Triangles Congruent?:

The purpose of this task is primarily assessment-oriented, asking students to demonstrate knowledge of how to determine the congruency of triangles.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Angle bisection and midpoints of line segments:

This task provides a construction of the angle bisector of an angle by reducing it to the bisection of an angle to finding the midpoint of a line segment. It is worth observing the symmetry -- for both finding midpoints and bisecting angles, the goal is to cut an object into two equal parts.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Inscribing a circle in a triangle II:

This problem solving task focuses on a remarkable fact which comes out of the construction of the inscribed circle in a triangle: the angle bisectors of the three angles of triangle ABC all meet in a point.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Is This a Rectangle?:

The goal of this task is to provide an opportunity for students to apply a wide range of ideas from geometry and algebra in order to show that a given quadrilateral is a rectangle. Creativity will be essential here as the only given information is the Cartesian coordinates of the quadrilateral's vertices. Using this information to show that the four angles are right angles will require some auxiliary constructions. Students will need ample time and, for some of the methods provided below, guidance. The reward of going through this task thoroughly should justify the effort because it provides students an opportunity to see multiple geometric and algebraic constructions unified to achieve a common purpose. The teacher may wish to have students first brainstorm for methods of showing that a quadrilateral is rectangle (before presenting them with the explicit coordinates of the rectangle for this problem): ideally, they can then divide into groups and get to work straightaway once presented with the coordinates of the quadrilateral for this problem.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

MFAS Formative Assessments

Describe the AA Similarity Theorem:

Students are asked to describe the AA Similarity Theorem.

Drawing Triangles AAA:

Students are asked to draw a triangle with given angle measures, and explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Drawing Triangles AAS:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the measures of two angles and a non-included side and to explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Drawing Triangles ASA:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the measures of two angles and their included side and to explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Drawing Triangles SAS:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the measures of two sides and their included angle and to explain if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Drawing Triangles SSA:

Students are asked to draw a triangle given the lengths of two of its sides and the measure of a nonincluded angle and to decide if these conditions determine a unique triangle.

Justifying a Proof of the AA Similarity Theorem:

Students are asked to justify statements of a proof of the AA Similarity Theorem.

Similar Triangles - 1:

Students are asked locate a pair of similar triangles in a diagram, explain why they are similar, and use the similarity to find two unknown lengths in the diagram.

Similar Triangles - 2:

Students are asked to locate a pair of similar triangles in a diagram, explain why they are similar, and use the similarity to find an unknown length in the diagram.

What Is the Triangle Relationship?:

Students are asked to write an informal justification of the AA Similarity Theorem.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Joining two midpoints of sides of a triangle:

Using a triangle with line through it, students are tasked to show the congruent angles, and conclude if one triangle is similar to the other.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Unit Squares and Triangles:

This problem solving task asks students to find the area of a triangle by using unit squares and line segments.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why Does ASA Work?:

This problem solving task ask students to show the reflection of one triangle maps to another triangle.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

When Does SSA Work to Determine Triangle Congruence?:

In this problem, we considered SSA. The triangle congruence criteria, SSS, SAS, ASA, all require three pieces of information. It is interesting, however, that not all three pieces of information about sides and angles are sufficient to determine a triangle up to congruence.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Midpoints of the Side of a Parallelogram:

This is a reasonably direct task aimed at having students use previously-derived results to learn new facts about parallelograms, as opposed to deriving them from first principles.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Inscribing a square in a circle:

This task provides an opportunity for students to apply triangle congruence theorems in an explicit, interesting context.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Construction of perpendicular bisector:

This problem solving task challenges students to construct a perpendicular bisector of a given segment.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why Does SAS Work?:

This problem solving task challenges students to explain the reason why the given triangles are congruent, and to construct reflections of the points.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Reflected Triangles:

This task asks students to use a straightedge and compass to construct the line across which a triangle is reflected.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Right triangles inscribed in circles II:

This problem solving task asks students to explain certain characteristics about a triangle.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why does SSS work?:

This particular problem solving task exhibits congruency between two triangles, demonstrating translation, reflection and rotation.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Are the Triangles Congruent?:

The purpose of this task is primarily assessment-oriented, asking students to demonstrate knowledge of how to determine the congruency of triangles.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Angle bisection and midpoints of line segments:

This task provides a construction of the angle bisector of an angle by reducing it to the bisection of an angle to finding the midpoint of a line segment. It is worth observing the symmetry -- for both finding midpoints and bisecting angles, the goal is to cut an object into two equal parts.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Inscribing a circle in a triangle II:

This problem solving task focuses on a remarkable fact which comes out of the construction of the inscribed circle in a triangle: the angle bisectors of the three angles of triangle ABC all meet in a point.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Is This a Rectangle?:

The goal of this task is to provide an opportunity for students to apply a wide range of ideas from geometry and algebra in order to show that a given quadrilateral is a rectangle. Creativity will be essential here as the only given information is the Cartesian coordinates of the quadrilateral's vertices. Using this information to show that the four angles are right angles will require some auxiliary constructions. Students will need ample time and, for some of the methods provided below, guidance. The reward of going through this task thoroughly should justify the effort because it provides students an opportunity to see multiple geometric and algebraic constructions unified to achieve a common purpose. The teacher may wish to have students first brainstorm for methods of showing that a quadrilateral is rectangle (before presenting them with the explicit coordinates of the rectangle for this problem): ideally, they can then divide into groups and get to work straightaway once presented with the coordinates of the quadrilateral for this problem.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

Joining two midpoints of sides of a triangle:

Using a triangle with line through it, students are tasked to show the congruent angles, and conclude if one triangle is similar to the other.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Unit Squares and Triangles:

This problem solving task asks students to find the area of a triangle by using unit squares and line segments.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why Does ASA Work?:

This problem solving task ask students to show the reflection of one triangle maps to another triangle.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

When Does SSA Work to Determine Triangle Congruence?:

In this problem, we considered SSA. The triangle congruence criteria, SSS, SAS, ASA, all require three pieces of information. It is interesting, however, that not all three pieces of information about sides and angles are sufficient to determine a triangle up to congruence.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Midpoints of the Side of a Parallelogram:

This is a reasonably direct task aimed at having students use previously-derived results to learn new facts about parallelograms, as opposed to deriving them from first principles.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Inscribing a square in a circle:

This task provides an opportunity for students to apply triangle congruence theorems in an explicit, interesting context.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Construction of perpendicular bisector:

This problem solving task challenges students to construct a perpendicular bisector of a given segment.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why Does SAS Work?:

This problem solving task challenges students to explain the reason why the given triangles are congruent, and to construct reflections of the points.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Reflected Triangles:

This task asks students to use a straightedge and compass to construct the line across which a triangle is reflected.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Right triangles inscribed in circles II:

This problem solving task asks students to explain certain characteristics about a triangle.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Why does SSS work?:

This particular problem solving task exhibits congruency between two triangles, demonstrating translation, reflection and rotation.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Are the Triangles Congruent?:

The purpose of this task is primarily assessment-oriented, asking students to demonstrate knowledge of how to determine the congruency of triangles.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Angle bisection and midpoints of line segments:

This task provides a construction of the angle bisector of an angle by reducing it to the bisection of an angle to finding the midpoint of a line segment. It is worth observing the symmetry -- for both finding midpoints and bisecting angles, the goal is to cut an object into two equal parts.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Inscribing a circle in a triangle II:

This problem solving task focuses on a remarkable fact which comes out of the construction of the inscribed circle in a triangle: the angle bisectors of the three angles of triangle ABC all meet in a point.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Is This a Rectangle?:

The goal of this task is to provide an opportunity for students to apply a wide range of ideas from geometry and algebra in order to show that a given quadrilateral is a rectangle. Creativity will be essential here as the only given information is the Cartesian coordinates of the quadrilateral's vertices. Using this information to show that the four angles are right angles will require some auxiliary constructions. Students will need ample time and, for some of the methods provided below, guidance. The reward of going through this task thoroughly should justify the effort because it provides students an opportunity to see multiple geometric and algebraic constructions unified to achieve a common purpose. The teacher may wish to have students first brainstorm for methods of showing that a quadrilateral is rectangle (before presenting them with the explicit coordinates of the rectangle for this problem): ideally, they can then divide into groups and get to work straightaway once presented with the coordinates of the quadrilateral for this problem.

Type: Problem-Solving Task