Math 20-2

Geometry: Lesson #5

Congruent Triangles

Objective: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

- Use triangle congruence theorems to recognize when two triangles are congruent.

Vocabulary:
Congruent triangles

If two triangles are congruent, it means that:

A X

x x
B C Z Y

Corresponding ___________ are equal: Corresponding __________ are equal:

The symbol for congruency is:

Write:
* Notice the order in which the vertices are named:

Also notice that the orientation of the triangles does not affect congruency.

Key Point: We dont have to know that all corresponding angles and sides are equal in order to
be certain that two triangles are congruent. There are four Congruence Theorems that
state the minimum conditions that must be present in order to be certain that two triangles
are congruent.

1. SSS Congruence Theorem

If ______________________ of one triangle are equal to _____________________ of
another triangle, then the triangles are congruent. E
A

C F
B

D
Math 20-2
Geometry: Lesson #5

2. SAS Congruence Theorem

If ______________________ and the ____________________________ of one triangle
are equal to _______________________ and the ________________________________ of
another triangle, then the triangles are congruent.
A
D F

B C
E

* Note: _______ is not a congruence theorem.

3. Hypotenuse-Leg Theorem (H-L)

If the ____________________ and one _______ of a ____________________________
are equal to the ____________________ and one _______ of another right triangle, then the
triangles are congruent.
B F

A C D E

4. ASA Congruence Theorem

If ______________________ and the _____________________________ of one triangle
are equal to ______________________ and the _____________________________ of
another triangle, then the triangles are congruent.
A E

B C F
Math 20-2
Geometry: Lesson #5

e.g. 1) For each pair of triangles

i) list the three pairs of corresponding equal parts.
ii) state the reason why the triangles are congruent (i.e. which congruence theorem?)
iii) list the other three parts that are congruent because the triangles are congruent.

a) D b) Q
G

F
R T

E
H S

e.g. 2) Is it possible to conclude that the following are triangles congruent? Explain why or why
not.
a) b)

53 75
102

51 52 53
75 52
51 102

Assignment: Triangles with Common Points and Sides Handout

p. 106 #1-3