Identification of an Isosceles Triangle

🏆Practice types of triangles

When we have a triangle, we can identify that it is an isosceles if at least one of the following conditions is met:

1) If the triangle has two equal angles - The triangle is isosceles.
2) If in the triangle the height also bisects the angle of the vertex - The triangle is isosceles.
3) If in the triangle the height is also the median - The triangle is isosceles.
4) If in the triangle the median is also the bisector - The triangle is isosceles.

Start practice

Test yourself on types of triangles!

Calculate the size of angle X given that the triangle is equilateral.

XXXAAABBBCCC

Practice more now

Identification of an Isosceles Triangle

Before we talk about how to identify an isosceles triangle, let's remember that it is a triangle with two sides (or edges) of the same length - This means that the base angles are also equal.
Moreover, in an isosceles triangle, the median of the base, the bisector, and the height are the same, that is, they coincide.

Let's see it illustrated

A - Identification of an isosceles triangle

These magnificent properties of the isosceles triangle cannot prove by themselves that it is an isosceles triangle.
So, how can we prove that our triangle is isosceles?

If at least one of the following conditions is met:
1) If our triangle has two equal angles - The triangle is isosceles.
This derives from the fact that the sides opposite to equal angles are also equal, therefore, if the angles are equal, the sides are too.

2) If in the triangle the height also bisects the vertex angle - The triangle is isosceles.
3) If in the triangle the height is also the median - The triangle is isosceles.
4) If in the triangle the median is also the angle bisector - The triangle is isosceles.
In fact, we can summarize guidelines 2 2 and 4 4 and write a single condition:
If two of these coincide - the median, the height, and the bisector - The triangle is isosceles.

Great, now you know how to identify isosceles triangles easily and quickly.


Examples and exercises with solutions for identifying an isosceles triangle

Exercise #1

Calculate the size of angle X given that the triangle is equilateral.

XXXAAABBBCCC

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Remember that the sum of angles in a triangle is equal to 180.

In an equilateral triangle, all sides and all angles are equal to each other.

Therefore, we will calculate as follows:

x+x+x=180 x+x+x=180

3x=180 3x=180

We divide both sides by 3:

x=60 x=60

Answer

60

Exercise #2

Can a right triangle be equilateral?

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the properties of a right triangle.
  • Step 2: Identify the properties of an equilateral triangle.
  • Step 3: Compare these properties to determine if a right triangle can be equilateral.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: A right triangle is defined by having one angle equal to 9090^\circ.
Step 2: An equilateral triangle is defined by having all three sides of equal length and all three angles equal to 6060^\circ.
Step 3: Compare the angle measurements: A right triangle cannot have all angles 6060^\circ because it requires one angle to be 9090^\circ. Likewise, an equilateral triangle cannot have a 9090^\circ angle, as all its angles must be 6060^\circ.

Therefore, it is impossible for a right triangle to be equilateral, as they fundamentally differ in angle requirements.

The answer to the problem is No.

Answer

No

Exercise #3

Choose the appropriate triangle according to the following:

Angle B equals 90 degrees.

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's note in which of the triangles angle B forms a right angle, meaning an angle of 90 degrees.

In answers C+D, we can see that angle B is smaller than 90 degrees.

In answer A, it is equal to 90 degrees.

Answer

AAABBBCCC

Exercise #4

Does every right triangle have an angle _____ The other two angles are _______

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's analyze the problem to understand how the angles are defined in a right triangle.

A right triangle is defined as a triangle that has one angle equal to 9090^\circ. This is known as a right angle. Because the sum of all angles in any triangle must be 180180^\circ, the two remaining angles must add up to 9090^\circ (i.e., 18090180^\circ - 90^\circ).

In a right triangle, the right angle is always present, leaving the other two angles to be less than 9090^\circ each. These angles are called acute angles. An acute angle is an angle that is less than 9090^\circ.

To summarize, the angle types in a right triangle are:

  • One angle that is 9090^\circ (a right angle).
  • Two angles that are each less than 9090^\circ (acute angles).

Given the choices, the description "Straight, sharp" correlates to the angle types in a right triangle, as "Straight" can be associated with the 9090^\circ angle (though it's generally called a right angle) and "Sharp" correlates with acute angles.

Therefore, the correct aspect of the other two angles in a right triangle are straight (right) and sharp (acute), which matches the correct choice.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Straight, sharp.

Answer

Straight, sharp

Exercise #5

Does the diagram show an obtuse triangle?

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine if the triangle in the diagram is obtuse, we will visually assess the angles:

  • Step 1: Identify the angles in the diagram. The triangle has three angles, with one angle appearing between the horizontal base and the left slanted side.
  • Step 2: Evaluate the angle between the base and the left side. If it opens wider than a right angle, it's considered obtuse. This angle seems to be greater than 9090^\circ, indicating obtuseness.
  • Step 3: Conclude based on visual inspection. Since this key angle is greater than 9090^\circ, the triangle must be an obtuse triangle.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Yes; the diagram does show an obtuse triangle.

Answer

Yes

Join Over 30,000 Students Excelling in Math!
Endless Practice, Expert Guidance - Elevate Your Math Skills Today
Test your knowledge
Start practice
Related Subjects