Identify the Triangle Type: Given AB = AC in Triangle ABC

Triangle Classification with Equal Side Lengths

Look at the triangle below.

AB = AC

What type of triangle is it?

AAABBBCCC

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the triangle below.

AB = AC

What type of triangle is it?

AAABBBCCC

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Identify the given information about the triangle.
  • Step 2: Use the properties of triangles to classify the triangle based on its sides.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem states that AB=AC AB = AC . This means two sides of the triangle are equal.
Step 2: In triangle classification by sides, if two sides are equal, it is known as an isosceles triangle.

Therefore, the type of triangle we are dealing with here is an isosceles triangle.

The correct multiple-choice selection is: Isosceles (choice ID 2).

3

Final Answer

Isosceles

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Two equal sides means the triangle is isosceles
  • Technique: When AB = AC, look for the symmetric base angles
  • Check: Isosceles triangles have two equal sides and two equal angles ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing isosceles with equilateral triangles
    Don't assume AB = AC means all three sides are equal = calling it equilateral! This only shows two sides are equal. Always remember: isosceles has exactly two equal sides, while equilateral has all three sides equal.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between isosceles and equilateral triangles?

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Isosceles triangles have exactly two equal sides, while equilateral triangles have all three sides equal. Since we only know AB = AC, this is isosceles.

Why isn't this triangle called scalene?

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A scalene triangle has no equal sides at all. Since we're told AB = AC, two sides are equal, so it cannot be scalene.

How can I tell what type of triangle it is just by looking?

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Look for visual clues: isosceles triangles often appear symmetric with two sides that look the same length. But always rely on the given measurements, not just appearance!

Do isosceles triangles have any special angle properties?

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Yes! In an isosceles triangle, the base angles (angles opposite the equal sides) are always equal to each other. This is a key property to remember.

Could this triangle also be a right triangle?

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Possibly! A triangle can be both isosceles and right if it has two equal sides and one 90° angle. But based only on AB = AC, we can definitively say it's isosceles.

What if all the answer choices seem wrong?

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Focus on what you know for certain: AB = AC means exactly two sides are equal. This is the definition of isosceles, so that must be the correct answer!

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