For the picture below: XY = 8, CD = 8. <X = 87 degrees, <Z=57 degrees, <D = 36 degrees and <B = 57 degrees.

Part 1. Explain how you can use the Triangle Sum theorem and the AAS congruency theorem to prove the two triangles congruent. (2pts)

Part 2. Write a correct congruency statement. You may use the = instead of the congruency symbol. (2pts)

(4 points)

1 answer

Let's break down the problem into the two parts requested:

Part 1: Explanation of Congruence

To prove that the two triangles are congruent using the Triangle Sum Theorem and the AAS (Angle-Angle-Side) Congruency Theorem, follow these steps:

  1. Triangle Sum Theorem: This theorem states that the sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees. We can use the known angles to find any missing angles in the triangles.

    • For one triangle, we know two angles, \( \angle X = 87^\circ \) and \( \angle Z = 57^\circ \).
    • We can find the third angle \( \angle Y \) using the Triangle Sum Theorem: \[ \angle Y = 180^\circ - \angle X - \angle Z = 180^\circ - 87^\circ - 57^\circ = 36^\circ \]
    • The third angle \( \angle Y \) is found to be \( 36^\circ \).
  2. Using AAS Congruency Theorem: We now have enough information to apply the AAS Congruency Theorem. This theorem states that if two angles and a non-included side of one triangle are congruent to two angles and a corresponding non-included side of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.

    • In Triangle XYZ: \( \angle X = 87^\circ \), \( \angle Z = 57^\circ \), and side \( YZ = 8 \) (since we established CD = 8).
    • In Triangle CDZ: \( \angle D = 36^\circ \) (which we found), \( \angle B = 57^\circ\), and side \( CD = 8 \).

Since we have established:

  • \( \angle X = \angle D = 87^\circ \)
  • \( \angle Z = \angle B = 57^\circ \)
  • Side \( YZ = CD = 8 \)

With two angles and the side included being equal, we conclude that the triangles are congruent by AAS.

Part 2: Congruency Statement

From the triangles we analyzed, we can write the congruency statement as follows:

\[ \triangle XYZ = \triangle DBC \]

Both parts of the answer highlight the importance of angle and side relationships in proving triangle congruency using geometric theorems.