EngageNY
Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
What does similarity have to do with the Pythagorean Theorem? The activity steps through the proof of the Pythagorean Theorem by using similar triangles. Next, the teacher leads a discussion of the proof and follows it by an animated...
Illustrative Mathematics
Applying the Pythagorean Theorem in a Mathematical Context
Participants who use this resource will apply the Pythagorean Theorem to show whether or not the shaded triangle inscribed in a rectangle is a right triangle. Once all of the sides on the shaded triangle are found, it is important that...
Curated OER
Proofs Of The Pythagorean Theorem?
Even U.S. President James Garfield had his own proof of the Pythagorean Theorem! Pupils consider three different attempts at a geometric proof of the Pythagorean Theorem. They then select the best proof and write paragraphs detailing...
EngageNY
Informal Proof of AA Criterion for Similarity
What does it take to show two triangles are similar? The 11th segment in a series of 16 introduces the AA Criterion for Similarity. A discussion provides an informal proof of the theorem. Exercises and problems require scholars to apply...
EngageNY
Informal Proofs of Properties of Dilations
Challenge the class to prove that the dilation properties always hold. The lesson develops an informal proof of the properties of dilations through a discussion. Two of the proofs are verified with each class member performing the...
Education Development Center
Proof with Parallelogram Vertices
Geometric figures are perfect to use for proofs. Scholars prove conjectures about whether given points lie on a triangle and about midpoints. They use a provided dialogue among fictional students to frame their responses.
EngageNY
Unknown Angle Proofs—Proofs of Known Facts
Lead the class in a Greek history lesson with a geometric twist. Pupils relate a short video about geometric properties to modern-day methods of solving for unknown angles. They discuss parallel line theorems and complete...
Curated OER
The Intermediate Value Theorem
You and your calculus learners will appreciate this description, discussion, and examples of the Intermediate Value Theorem. Applications of the theorem are also discussed.
Geometry Accelerated
Accelerated Geometry Review Sheet
Your geometry learners use their knowledge of various geometric concepts to write proofs. Starting with givens containing parallel line segments with transversals and triangles and quadrilaterals, and the mid-point and distance formulas;...
Curated OER
The Notorious Four-Color Problem
Take a walk through time, 1852 to 2005, following the mathematical history, development, and solution of the Four-Color Theorem. Learners take on the role of cartographers to study a United States map that is to be...
Virginia Department of Education
Congruent Triangles
Is this enough to show the two triangles are congruent? Small groups work through different combinations of constructing triangles from congruent parts to determine which combinations create only congruent triangles. Participants use the...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 3: Geometric Figures
It's just not enough to know that something is true. Part of a MVP Geometry unit teaches young mathematicians how to write flow proofs and two-column proofs for conjectures involving lines, angles, and triangles.
Mathematics Vision Project
Connecting Algebra and Geometry
Connect algebra and geometry on the coordinate plane. The eighth unit in a nine-part integrated course has pupils develop the distance formula from the Pythagorean Theorem. Scholars prove geometric theorems using coordinates...
EngageNY
The Graph of a Linear Equation in Two Variables Is a Line
Show your class that linear equations produce graphs of lines. The 20th segment in a unit of 33 provides proof that the graph of a two-variable linear equation is a line. Scholars graph linear equations using two points, either from...
EngageNY
The Defining Equation of a Line
They appear to be different, yet they are the same line. Part 24 out of 33 lessons provides a theorem about the relationships of coefficients of equivalent linear equations. Pupils use the theorem to determine whether two equations are...
EngageNY
Characteristics of Parallel Lines
Systems of parallel lines have no solution. Pupils work examples to discover that lines with the same slope and different y-intercepts are parallel. The 27th segment of 33 uses this discovery to develop a proof, and the class determines...
Radford University
Parallel Lines Cut by a Transversal
Use the parallel lines to find your way. After first reviewing geometric constructions and the relationships between angles formed by parallel lines and a transversal, young mathematicians write proofs for theorems relating to parallel...
Virginia Department of Education
Circles in the Coordinate Plane
Make the connection between the distance formula and the equation of a circle. The teacher presents a instructional activity on how to use the distance formula to derive the equation of the circle. Pupils transform circles on the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Midpoints of the Sides of a Paralellogram
This task asks learners to prove that the segment joining the midpoints of two sides of a parallelogram is both congruent and parallel to an adjacent side of the parallelogram. The activity would be good to use in a discussion about how...
University of California
Euclidean Geometry
Go back to where it all began! Investigate how axiomatic systems and Euclidean geometry are based on undefined terms, common notions, postulates, and propositions by examining passages from Euclid's Elements. (Social studies teachers...
Virginia Department of Education
Similar Triangles
Pupils work in pairs to investigate what it takes to prove that two triangles are similar. They work through various shortcuts to find which are enough to show a similarity relationship between the triangles. Small groups work with the...
EngageNY
More About Similar Triangles
Determine whether two triangles are similar. The lesson presents opportunities for pupils to find the criterion needed to show that two triangles are similar. Scholars use the definition of similarity to find any missing side...
Curated OER
Motion in a Circle
Students study about deriving centripetal acceleration for motion at constant speed around a circle.