Overview of the Chapter: Congruence of Triangles
This chapter introduces the concept of congruence in triangles, a fundamental topic in geometry. Students will learn how to identify congruent triangles based on specific criteria and understand the properties that make two triangles congruent. The chapter covers practical applications and problem-solving techniques to reinforce the concepts.
Key Concepts
Congruent Figures: Two figures are congruent if they have the same shape and size, i.e., their corresponding sides and angles are equal.
Congruence of Triangles: Two triangles are congruent if their corresponding sides and angles are equal. This can be determined using specific criteria such as SSS, SAS, ASA, and RHS.
Criteria for Congruence of Triangles
- SSS (Side-Side-Side): If all three sides of one triangle are equal to the corresponding sides of another triangle, the triangles are congruent.
- SAS (Side-Angle-Side): If two sides and the included angle of one triangle are equal to the corresponding parts of another triangle, the triangles are congruent.
- ASA (Angle-Side-Angle): If two angles and the included side of one triangle are equal to the corresponding parts of another triangle, the triangles are congruent.
- RHS (Right Angle-Hypotenuse-Side): If the hypotenuse and one side of a right-angled triangle are equal to the corresponding parts of another right-angled triangle, the triangles are congruent.
Applications of Congruence
Understanding congruence helps in solving geometric problems, constructing shapes, and proving theorems. It is also used in real-life scenarios such as architecture and engineering.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Prove that two triangles are congruent if two angles and the included side of one triangle are equal to the corresponding parts of the other triangle (ASA criterion).
Solution: By the ASA criterion, since the angles and the included side match, the triangles must be congruent.
Practice Questions
- State whether the following pairs of triangles are congruent. If yes, state the criterion used.
- In triangle ABC and DEF, AB = DE, BC = EF, and ∠B = ∠E. Are the triangles congruent? If yes, by which criterion?