MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

MODULE 4
CONGRUENT TRIANGLES
Week 4–6

INTRODUCTION

Congruent objects are exact replicas of each other. The relation of two objects being congruent is called
congruence. In this topic, we will study about congruent triangles and how to understand and determine
congruence between two triangles. Also, we will look at plane figures only in this topic.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the topic, the students must have:

1. defined and identified congruent triangles
2. identified corresponding parts of congruent triangles
3. stated and applied the SSS, SAS and ASA Congruence Postulates
4. stated, proven and applied the SAA and HL Congruence Theorems and their Corollaries
5. written a 2-column proof involving congruent parts of overlapping triangles using SAS, SSS, ASA, SAA, HL
6. restated and proven theorems involving congruent triangles
7. proven and applied theorems about the isosceles triangle
8. written a 2-column proof involving isosceles triangles

PRETEST
Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. It is a triangle with one right angle.
a. right triangle c. isosceles triangle
b. obtuse triangle d. NONE
2. It is a triangle with two equal legs.
a. right triangle c. isosceles triangle
b. obtuse triangle d. NONE
3. If two sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent to two sides and the included angle of
another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
a. SAS Postulate c. SAA Postulate
b. SSS Postulate d. NONE
4. If three sides of one triangle are congruent to three sides of another triangle, then the two triangles are
congruent.
a. ASA Postulate c. SAA Postulate
b. SSS Postulate d. NONE
5. If two angles of a triangle and a side opposite one of its angles are congruent to two angles and a side
opposite one of the angles of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
a. SAS Postulate c. SAA Postulate
b. SSS Postulate d. NONE
6. If two angles and the included side of one triangle are congruent to two angles and the included side of
another triangle, then two triangled are congruent.
a. ASA Postulate c. SAA Postulate
b. SSS Postulate d. NONE
7. If the legs of one right triangle are congruent to the legs of another right triangle, then the two triangles
are congruent.
a. LL Theorem c. LA Theorem
b. HA Theorem d. NONE
8. If the hypotenuse and a leg of a right triangle are congruent to the hypotenuse and corresponding leg
of another right triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
a. LA Theorem c. HL Theorem
b. HA Theorem d. NONE
9. If a leg and an acute angle of one right triangle are congruent to a leg and an acute angle of another
right triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
a. LA Theorem c. HL Theorem
b. HA Theorem d. NONE
10. If the hypotenuse and an acute angle of a right triangle are congruent to the hypotenuse and acute
angle of another right triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
a. LA Theorem c. HL Theorem
b. HA Theorem d. NONE

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

CONTENT

Congruence means having the same shape and size, and it is denoted by ≅. The top part of the symbol,
~, is the sign of similarity and indicates the same shape. The bottom part, =, is the sign of equality and indicates
the same size.

Speaking Mathematically
The symbol for ‘corresponds to’ is ↔. Thus,
̅̅̅̅ ↔ 𝐷𝐸
𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ is read as ‘line segment AB corresponds to line segment DE’.
∠A ↔ ∠D is read as ‘angle A corresponds to angle D’.

Example:
Write a statement of correspondence between two triangles.
B E

7 7
3 3

A 5 C F 5 D

Solution:
Corresponding Angles Corresponding Sides
∠A ↔ ∠D ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ↔ ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸
∠B ↔ ∠E ̅̅̅̅ ↔ 𝐸𝐹
𝐵𝐶 ̅̅̅̅
∠C ↔ ∠F ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 ↔ ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐹

PROPERTIES OF CONGRUENCE
1. Reflexive Property of Congruence
∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐴 ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 ≅ ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐴𝐵
𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅
2. Symmetric Property of Congruence
If ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐵, then ∠𝐵 ≅ ∠𝐴.
If ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 , then ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵
3. Transitive Property of Congruence
If ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐵 and ∠𝐵 ≅ ∠𝐶, then ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐶.
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐶𝐷
If 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ and 𝐶𝐷
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐸𝐹
̅̅̅̅ , then 𝐴𝐵
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐸𝐹
̅̅̅̅

Congruent Triangles
• Two triangles are congruent if and only if all of their corresponding parts are congruent.
• In a triangle, when the vertices of the two angles are the endpoints of the segment, the segment is said
to be the included side of the two angles. When the sides of an angle are the two sides of the triangle,
then the angle is said to be the included angle of the two sides.

PROVING TRIANGLE CONGRUENCE

• SIDE-SIDE-SIDE (SSS) POSTULATE
- If three sides of one triangle are congruent to three sides of another triangle, then the two triangles
are congruent. H O
Example 1:
Given: Square 𝐻𝑂𝑃𝐸 and its diagonal ̅̅̅̅ 𝐻𝑃.
Prove: ∆HEP ≅ ∆HOP
Solution:
Proof: E P
Statements Reasons
1. Square HOPE, 𝐻𝑃 ̅̅̅̅ is a diagonal. Given
2. ̅̅̅̅̅
𝐻𝐸 ≅ ̅̅̅̅𝑂𝑃 ; ̅̅̅̅
𝐻𝑂 ≅ ̅̅̅̅ 𝐸𝑃 Definition of Square
̅̅̅̅
3. 𝐻𝑃 ≅ 𝐻𝑃 ̅̅̅̅ Reflexive Property of Congruence
4. ∆𝐻𝐸𝑃 ≅ ∆𝐻𝑂𝑃 SSS Postulate (2,3)

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

Example 2:
A D
̅̅̅̅ and 𝐶𝐷
Given: 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ bisect each other at 𝑀
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 ≅ ̅̅̅̅ 𝐷𝐵 M
Prove: ∆𝐴𝑀𝐶 ≅ ∆𝐵𝑀𝐷
Solution: Proof: C B
Statements Reasons
1. ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 and ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 bisect each other at 𝑀 Given
2. 𝑀 is the midpoint of 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ and 𝐶𝐷
̅̅̅̅ Definition of a segment bisector
̅̅̅̅̅
3. 𝐴𝑀 ≅ 𝑀𝐵 ̅̅̅̅̅ Definition of a midpoint
̅̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝑀 ≅ ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝐷
4. 𝐴𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐷𝐵
̅̅̅̅ Given
5. ∆𝐴𝑀𝐶 ≅ ∆𝐵𝑀𝐷 SSS
NOTE: In steps 2 and 3, the three pairs of sides were shown to be congruent; thus, SSS Postulate
is cited as the reason that justifies why ∆𝐴𝑀𝐶 ≅ ∆𝐵𝑀𝐷.

• SIDE-ANGLE-SIDE (SAS) POSTULATE

- If two sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent to two sides and the included angle
of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent. O W
Example 1:
R
Given: ∆𝑅𝑂𝑊 and ∆𝑅𝐴𝑇
𝑅 is the midpoint of ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝐴 and ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝑊
Prove: ∆𝑅𝑂𝑊 ≅ ∆𝑅𝐴𝑇 T A
Plan:
You know that 𝑇𝑅 ̅̅̅̅ ≅ ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝑊 and 𝑂𝑅 ̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑅𝐴
̅̅̅̅. To use SAS Postulate, you need to stablish that their
included angles are congruent, and they are since the angles are vertical. Hence, ∆𝑅𝑂𝑊 ≅
∆𝑅𝐴𝑇.
Solution:
Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. R is the midpoint of ̅̅̅̅𝑂𝐴 and ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝑊 Given
2. 𝑇𝑅̅̅̅̅ ≅ ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝑊 and 𝑂𝑅 ̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑅𝐴
̅̅̅̅ Definition of midpoint
3. ∠𝑂𝑅𝑊 and ∠𝐴𝑅𝑇 are vertical angles Definition of vertical angles
4. ∠𝑂𝑅𝑊 ≅ ∠𝐴𝑅𝑇 Vertical angles are congruent
5. ∆𝑅𝑂𝑊 ≅ ∆𝑅𝐴𝑇 SAS Postulate (2,4)
P
Example 2:
̅̅̅̅ ⊥ 𝑀𝑄
Given: 𝑃𝑁 ̅̅̅̅̅
̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝑁 ≅ ̅̅̅̅ 𝑁𝑄
Prove: ∆𝑃𝑁𝑀 ≅ 𝑃𝑁𝑄
Solution: 1 2
Proof: M Q
N
Statements Reasons
1. ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑁 ⊥ ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝑄 Given
2. ∠1 and ∠2 are right angles Definition of perpendicular segments
3. ∠1 and ∠2 All right angles are congruent
4. 𝑀𝑁̅̅̅̅̅ ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑁𝑄 Given
5. 𝑃𝑁̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑃𝑁̅̅̅̅ Reflexive Property of Congruence
6. ∆𝑃𝑁𝑀 ≅ 𝑃𝑁𝑄 SAS Postulate

• ANGLE-SIDE-ANGLE (ASA) POSTULATE

- If two angles and the included side of one triangle are congruent to two angles and the included
side of another triangle, then two triangled are congruent.
S
Example 1:
Given: ∆𝑆𝐸𝑇 and ∆𝑆𝐴𝑇
∠𝐸𝑇𝑆 ≅ ∠𝐴𝑇𝑆
∠𝐸𝑆𝑇 ≅ ∠𝐴𝑆𝑇
Prove: ∆𝑆𝐸𝑇 ≅ ∆𝑆𝐴𝑇
E A

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
Solution: T
Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. ∠𝐸𝑇𝑆 ≅ ∠𝐴𝑇𝑆; ∠𝐸𝑆𝑇 ≅ ∠𝐴𝑆𝑇 Given
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑆𝑇
2. 𝑆𝑇 ̅̅̅̅ Reflexive Property of Congruence
3. ∆𝑆𝐸𝑇 ≅ ∆𝑆𝐴𝑇 ASA Postulate (1,2)

Example 2: A
Given: ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 ≅ ̅̅̅̅𝐷𝐶 1
B
∠1 ≅ ∠2
Prove: ∆𝐴𝐶𝐸 ≅ 𝐷𝐶𝐵 F
Solution: D 2
C
Proof: E
Statements Reasons
̅̅̅̅
1. 𝐴𝐶 ≅ 𝐷𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ Given
2. ∠1 ≅ ∠2 Given
3. ∠𝐶 ≅ ∠𝐶 Identity
4. ∆𝐴𝐶𝐸 ≅ 𝐷𝐶𝐵 ASA Postulate

• SIDE-ANGLE-ANGLE (SAA) POSTULATE

- If two angles of a triangle and a side opposite one of its angles are congruent to two angles and a
side opposite one of the angles of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
Example 1: L
Given: ∆𝐵𝐿𝑈 is an isosceles triangle.
̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅.
𝐿𝐸 is perpendicular to 𝐵𝑈
Prove: ∆𝐵𝐿𝐸 ≅ ∆𝑈𝐿𝐸
Solution: B U
E
Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. ∆𝐵𝐿𝑈 is an isosceles triangle Given
2. ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐿 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐿𝑈 Definition of Isosceles Triangle
3. ∠𝐵 ≅ ∠𝑈 Base angles of an isosceles triangle are ≅.
4. ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐿𝐸 is perpendicular to 𝐵𝑈 Given
5. ∠𝐵𝐸𝐿 and ∠𝑈𝐸𝐿 are right angles Definition of Perpendicularity
6. ∠𝐵𝐸𝐿 ≅ ∠𝑈𝐸𝐿 Right angles are congruent
7. ∆𝐵𝐿𝐸 ≅ ∆𝑈𝐿𝐸 SAA Postulate (2,3,6)
T K
Example 2:
Given: ∠𝑇 ≅ ∠𝐾, ∠𝑆 ≅ ∠𝐽, and ̅̅̅̅
𝑆𝑅 ≅ ̅𝐻𝐽
̅̅̅
Prove: ∆𝑇𝑆𝑅 ≅ ∆𝐾𝐽𝐻 R H
S J
Solution:
Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. ∠𝑇 ≅ ∠𝐾 Given
∠𝑆 ≅ ∠𝐽
2. ∠𝑅 ≅ ∠𝐻 If two ∠s of one ∆ are ≅ to two ∠s of another
∆, then the third ∠s are also congruent
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐻𝐽
3. 𝑆𝑅 ̅̅̅̅ Given
4. ∆𝑇𝑆𝑅 ≅ ∆𝐾𝐽𝐻 ASA Postulate

RIGHT TRIANGLE

In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is the hypotenuse of the triangle, and the sides of
the right angle are the legs of the triangle. These parts of a right triangle are illustrated in Figure 4.1.

Another method for proving triangles are congruent is the HL method, which applies exclusively to right
triangles. In HL, H refers to hypotenuse and L refers to leg.

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
Theorem. If the hypotenuse and a leg of one right triangle are congruent to the hypotenuse and a leg of
a second right triangle, then the triangles are congruent (HL).

Theorem 1. ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM- The angles opposite the congruent sides of an isosceles
triangle are congruent.

Example:
Supposed you are told that the two angles of a triangle are congruent. Can you conclude that the
opposite sides of each of the congruent angles are congruent?

Supposed you have ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 with ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐶. B

̅̅̅̅ at point 𝐷.
Let’s draw the perpendicular bisector from 𝐵 to 𝐴𝐶

Angles 𝐵𝐷𝐴 and 𝐵𝐷𝐶 are right angles. Why?

Therefore, ∠𝐵𝐷𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐵𝐷𝐶. Now, ̅̅̅̅ 𝐴𝐷 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐶 . Why? A C
D
What postulate will show that ∆𝐴𝐵𝐷 ≅ ∆𝐶𝐵𝐷?
If ∆𝐴𝐵𝐷 ≅ ∆𝐶𝐵𝐷, can we conclude that ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐶 ?

This leads us to the next theorem.

Theorem 2. If two angles of a triangle are congruent, then the sides opposite them are congruent.

O
Theorem 3. An equilateral triangle is also equiangular.

Example:
Given: ∆𝐽𝑂𝑌 with ̅̅̅
𝐽𝑂 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑌 ≅ ̅̅̅
𝐽𝑌
Prove: ∠𝐽 ≅ ∠𝑂 ≅ ∠𝑌
Proof: J Y
Statements Reasons
1. ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑌 ≅ 𝐽𝑌̅̅̅ Given
2. ∠𝐽 ≅ ∠𝑂 Isosceles Triangle Theorem
3. ̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐽𝑌
𝐽𝑂 ̅̅̅ Given
4. ∠𝑂 ≅ ∠𝑌 Isosceles Triangle Theorem
5. ∠𝐽 ≅ ∠𝑂 ≅ ∠𝑌 Transitivity (2,4)

Is the converse of this theorem also true? Meaning, is an equiangular triangle also equilateral?

Theorem 4. An equiangular triangle is also equilateral.

Establishing congruence between two triangles can be very useful when you want to prove congruence
between corresponding segments or angles. The statement that follows, a takeoff from the definition of
congruent triangles, is most often used in proving congruence between corresponding parts of the triangles.

Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are congruent (CPCTC)

Example:
A pole is supported by two congruent wire braces. Each branch is two meters away from the foot of the
pole in opposite directions. Prove that the angles made by the braces with the pole are congruent.

Let us label the parts of the two triangles as shown at the right. In the diagram, ̅̅̅̅
𝐸𝐷 represents the pole, ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐸
and ̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝐸 the braces, and 𝐵𝐷 ̅̅̅̅ and 𝑅𝐷
̅̅̅̅ the respective distance of each brace from the pole. The formal proof
shows how CPCTC is used. E

Given: ∆𝐵𝐸𝑅 is isosceles;

̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑅𝐷
𝐵𝐷 ̅̅̅̅
Prove: ∠𝐵𝐸𝐷 ≅ ∠𝑅𝐸𝐷 R
B
2m D 2m

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. ̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑅𝐷
𝐵𝐷 ̅̅̅̅ Given
2. ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐸 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝐸 Definition of Isosceles triangles
3. ∠𝐵 ≅ ∠𝑅 Isosceles Triangle theorem
4. ∆𝐵𝐸𝐷 ≅ ∆𝑅𝐸𝐷 SAS Postulate
5. ∠𝐵𝐸𝐷 ≅ ∠𝑅𝐸𝐷 CPCTC

Theorem 5. ANGLE-SIDE INEQUALITY THEOREM- In a triangle, if one angle is larger than the other angle,
the side opposite the larger angle is the longer side.
E
Prove the Angle-Side Inequality Theorem:
Given: ∆𝑅𝐸𝐷 with m∠𝐸 > m∠𝐷
Prove: 𝑅𝐷 > 𝑅𝐸
Solution: R D

One and only one of these relations is true: 𝑅𝐷 > 𝑅𝐸, 𝑅𝐷 = 𝑅𝐸 or 𝑅𝐷 < 𝑅𝐸. Assume that 𝑅𝐷 >
𝑅𝐸 is false. We have to prove that 𝑅𝐷 = 𝑅𝐸 or 𝑅𝐷 < 𝑅𝐸.

Case 1: 𝑅𝐷 = 𝑅𝐸.
If this is true then ∆𝑅𝐸𝐷 is isosceles and m∠𝐸 = m∠𝐷. But the given says m∠𝐸 > m∠𝐷. Hence, 𝑅𝐷 ≠
𝑅𝐸.

Case 2: 𝑅𝐷 < 𝑅𝐸.

If this is true then m∠𝐸 < m∠𝐷 since the theorem says that the angle opposite the longer side is the larger
one. But the given says m∠𝐸 > m∠𝐷. It is a contradiction. Hence, 𝑅𝐷 < 𝑅𝐸 is also false.

Therefore, 𝑅𝐷 > 𝑅𝐸.

Theorem 6. SIDE-ANGLE INEQUALITY THEOREM- In a triangle, if one side is longer than the other side,
the angle opposite the longer side is the larger angle.

Theorem 7. LEG-LEG (LL) THEOREM- If the legs of one right triangle are congruent to the legs of another
right triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.

Example: C D
B
Given: ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 and ∆𝐷𝐸𝐹;
∠𝐶 and ∠𝐹 are right angles
̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐶 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐸𝐹 ; ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐹𝐷
Prove: ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 ≅ ∆𝐷𝐸𝐹
A F E
Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐶 ≅ 𝐸𝐹 ; ̅̅̅̅
̅̅̅̅ 𝐴𝐶 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐹𝐷 Given
2. ∠𝐶 and ∠𝐹 are right angles Given
3. ∠𝐶 ≅ ∠𝐹 Right angles are congruent
4. ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 ≅ ∆𝐷𝐸𝐹 SAS

Theorem 8. LEG-ANGLE (LA) THEOREM- If a leg and an acute angle of one right triangle are congruent
to a leg and an acute angle of another right triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
E O
Example:
Given: ∆𝐵𝐸𝑁 and ∆𝑇𝑂𝑀;
∠𝐵 and ∠𝑇 are right angles
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑀𝑇
𝐵𝑁 ̅̅̅̅̅ ; ∠𝑁 ≅ ∠𝑀
Prove: ∆𝐵𝐸𝑁 ≅ ∆𝑇𝑂𝑀 B N M T

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
By inspection of the figures alone, you can see that the triangles can be guaranteed congruent by a postulate.
Theorem 9. HYPOTENUSE-ANGLE (HA) THEOREM- If the hypotenuse and an acute angle of a right
triangle are congruent to the hypotenuse and acute angle of another right triangle, then the
two triangles are congruent.
M J
Example:
Given: ∆𝑀𝐴𝑋 and ∆𝐽𝐸𝐷;
∠𝑋 and ∠𝐷 are right angles
̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝐴 ≅ ̅̅̅
𝐽𝐸 ; ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐸
Prove: ∆𝑀𝐴𝑋 ≅ ∆𝐽𝐸𝐷 X A E D

To use the ASA postulate, what else must be congruent? What theorem guarantees that these two angles
are congruent?

Theorem 10. HYPOTENUSE-LEG (HL) THEOREM- If the hypotenuse and a leg of a right triangle are
congruent to the hypotenuse and corresponding leg of another right triangle, then the two
triangles are congruent.
O E
Example:
Given: ∆𝐽𝑂𝑌 and ∆𝐿𝐸𝐴;
∠𝑌 and ∠𝐴 are right angles
̅̅̅
𝐽𝑂 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐿𝐸 ; ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑌 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐸𝐴
Prove: ∆𝐽𝑂𝑌 ≅ ∆𝐿𝐸𝐴 Y J L A

REFERENCES

Aarts, J. (2008). Plane and solid geometry. Springer Science & Business Media.
Alexander, D. C., & Koeberlein, G. M. (2012). Geometry. Anvil Publishing Inc.
Carpio, J. N., Guillermo, J. M., & Gravador, N. B. (2014). Solid Mensuration. R. G. Angeles, MA & R. R.
Guzman, Ed.D., Phd. (Eds.). Books Atbp Publishing Corp.
Mateo, R. R., Bataclan, N. A., & Bunag, E. S. (2013). Plane and solid mensuration. C & E Publishing, Inc.