Want more ideas and freebies?
Get my free resource library with digital & print activities—plus tips over email.
Join for free resources →$4.25
Ever wondered how to teach the Triangle Inequality Theorem in an engaging way to your 7th-grade students?
In this lesson plan, students will learn about the Triangle Inequality Theorem and its real-life applications. Through artistic and interactive guided notes, students will have the opportunity to engage with the concept in a visually appealing way. The guided notes will include checks for understanding to ensure that students are grasping the material.
To practice and reinforce their understanding, students will complete a doodle and color by number activity, as well as a maze worksheet. These activities provide a fun and creative way for students to apply the Triangle Inequality Theorem.
The lesson culminates with a real-life application example, allowing students to explore how the Triangle Inequality Theorem is used in practical situations. By connecting the concept to real-world scenarios, students will see the relevance and importance of understanding the Triangle Inequality Theorem.
$4.25
After this lesson, students will be able to:
Define the triangle inequality theorem
Identify the conditions under which triangles can be formed
Explain how the triangle inequality theorem can be applied to real-life situations
Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:
Basic operations of whole numbers
Basic knowledge of inequality symbols and how to compare numbers
Pencils
Colored pencils or markers
Triangle Inequality Theorem
Triangles
Side Lengths
As a hook, ask students why the Triangle Inequality Theorem is important and how it can be applied in real-life situations. For example, you can ask them to think about situations where knowing the lengths of three sides of a triangle can determine if the triangle can actually exist or not, such as in construction or engineering projects. Refer to the last page of the guided notes as well as the FAQs below for ideas.
Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce the Triangle Inequality Theorem. Walk through the key points of the theorem, including the conditions that need to be met for a triangle to be formed. Emphasize that the sum of the two shorter sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the longest side. Show examples and non-examples to illustrate the concept. Students fill in the blanks of the vocabulary on the first page. Then, move on to discuss how to find the third possible third side length of a triangle when giving the first two side lengths.
Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching and have more advanced students begin working on the practice exercises.
Have students practice the Triangle Inequality Theorem using the practice sections of the first two pages. Walk around the classroom to answer any student questions and provide assistance as needed. Then, have them start on the maze activity (page 3 of guided notes).
Fast finishers can dive into the color by number (page 4 of guided notes). You can also assign it as homework or independent work for the remainder of the class.
Use the last page of the guided notes titled "real life applications" to bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of real-life applications of the Triangle Inequality Theorem. The Triangle Inequality Theorem is a mathematical concept that helps us understand the conditions under which triangles can be formed.
Triangle Inequality Theorem has various practical applications in our everyday lives. One such application is in the field of construction. Architects and engineers use the Triangle Inequality Theorem to ensure the stability and strength of structures. They need to consider the lengths of the sides of a triangle before constructing any beams, bridges, or supports. The theorem helps them determine if the structure will be able to withstand different forces and stresses.
The Triangle Inequality Theorem is also used in the field of computer graphics and animation. When rendering three-dimensional (3D) objects on a two-dimensional (2D) screen, the theorem helps determine if certain shapes or polygons can be displayed correctly. It ensures that the 3D objects are rendered in a way that looks realistic and visually appealing.
These examples demonstrate the practicality of the Triangle Inequality Theorem in various industries and professions. Understanding this theorem can not only help us solve mathematical problems but also provide insights into the real world around us.
If you’re looking for digital practice for the Triangle Inequality Theorem, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.
Here’s 1 activity to explore:
The Triangle Inequality Theorem states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.
The Triangle Inequality Theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry.
It helps determine if a triangle can be formed with given side lengths.
To apply the Triangle Inequality Theorem to triangles, follow these steps:
Identify the lengths of the three sides of the triangle.
Compare the sum of the lengths of any two sides with the length of the third side.
If the sum of the lengths of two sides is greater than the length of the third side, a triangle can be formed. Otherwise, a triangle cannot be formed.
The conditions for forming a triangle are based on the Triangle Inequality Theorem:
The sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.
The difference between the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be less than the length of the third side.
These conditions ensure the basic geometry of a triangle is satisfied.
To determine if a triangle can be formed with given side lengths, you can use the Triangle Inequality Theorem and its conditions:
Calculate the sum of the lengths of any two sides and compare it to the length of the third side.
If the sum is greater than the third side, a triangle can be formed.
If the sum is equal to or less than the third side, a triangle cannot be formed.
The Triangle Inequality Theorem has real-life applications in various fields, such as:
Architecture and construction: Ensuring the stability and integrity of structures.
Engineering: Designing bridges, trusses, or other load-bearing structures.
Navigation: Determining the shortest distance between two points.
You can use this lesson plan for homework or test preparation in the following ways:
Assign the guided notes as homework to introduce the topic and provide structured learning.
Use the practice worksheet, color by code, and maze for practice and reinforcement of the Triangle Inequality Theorem.
Encourage students to complete the real-life application task to connect the concept to the real world.
Using doodle notes and sketch notes in this lesson offers several benefits:
Engages visual and kinesthetic learners through interactive and creative note-taking.
Helps students visualize and remember key concepts by incorporating visuals.
Provides an artsy approach to learning, making it enjoyable and accessible for students.
Yes, there is a digital resource available for this lesson: the Triangle Inequality Theorem Pixel Art Google Sheets. It is a free resource that students can access digitally and engage with the concept in a colorful and interactive way.
Get my free resource library with digital & print activities—plus tips over email.
Join for free resources →