side-angle-side (SAS)

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Side-Angle-Side (SAS) in Math: Definition and Applications

Definition

Side-Angle-Side (SAS) is a theorem in geometry that states if two sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent to two sides and the included angle of another triangle, then the triangles are congruent. In other words, if we have two triangles with the same lengths for two sides and the same measure for the included angle, then the triangles are identical.

History

The concept of congruence in geometry has been studied for centuries, but the specific SAS theorem was formally introduced by the Greek mathematician Euclid in his book "Elements" around 300 BCE. Euclid's work laid the foundation for modern geometry and his theorems, including SAS, are still widely used today.

Grade Level

The SAS theorem is typically introduced in middle school or early high school geometry courses. It is an important concept for understanding triangle congruence and is often a precursor to more advanced topics in geometry.

Knowledge Points and Explanation

The SAS theorem involves several key concepts in geometry:

  1. Triangle Congruence: Two triangles are congruent if their corresponding sides and angles are equal. This means that all corresponding parts of the triangles are identical.

  2. Side Lengths: The lengths of the sides of a triangle are the distances between the vertices. In the SAS theorem, two sides of one triangle are congruent to two sides of another triangle.

  3. Included Angle: The included angle is the angle formed by the two sides of a triangle. In the SAS theorem, the included angle of one triangle is congruent to the included angle of another triangle.

To apply the SAS theorem, we need to identify the congruent sides and the congruent included angle in the given triangles. If these conditions are met, we can conclude that the triangles are congruent.

Types of SAS

The SAS theorem applies to all types of triangles, including equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles. As long as the given conditions of congruent sides and included angle are satisfied, the triangles can be proven congruent using SAS.

Properties of SAS

The SAS theorem has several important properties:

  1. Unique Solution: If two triangles satisfy the SAS conditions, they are congruent and have a unique solution. This means that all corresponding parts of the triangles are equal.

  2. Symmetry: The SAS theorem is symmetric, meaning that if two triangles are congruent by SAS, then the corresponding sides and angles of the triangles are also congruent.

  3. Transitivity: If two triangles are congruent by SAS and one of them is congruent to a third triangle, then the third triangle is also congruent to the other triangle by SAS.

Finding and Calculating SAS

To find or calculate the SAS conditions, we need to measure the lengths of the sides and the angles of the triangles. This can be done using a ruler and a protractor or by using trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent.

Formula or Equation for SAS

The SAS theorem does not have a specific formula or equation. Instead, it is a geometric principle that relies on the congruence of corresponding sides and angles in triangles.

Applying the SAS Theorem

To apply the SAS theorem, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the congruent sides and the congruent included angle in the given triangles.
  2. Check if the lengths of the corresponding sides are equal.
  3. Check if the measure of the corresponding included angles is equal.
  4. If both conditions are satisfied, conclude that the triangles are congruent by SAS.

Symbol or Abbreviation for SAS

There is no specific symbol or abbreviation for the SAS theorem. It is commonly referred to as "SAS" in geometry textbooks and discussions.

Methods for SAS

There are several methods for proving triangle congruence using SAS, including:

  1. Direct Proof: This method involves directly comparing the lengths of the sides and the measures of the angles to show that the triangles are congruent.

  2. Indirect Proof: This method involves assuming that the triangles are not congruent and deriving a contradiction, which proves that the triangles must be congruent.

  3. Coordinate Geometry: This method involves assigning coordinates to the vertices of the triangles and using algebraic techniques to show that the corresponding sides and angles are congruent.

Solved Examples on SAS

  1. Given triangle ABC with AB = 5 cm, BC = 7 cm, and angle B = 60 degrees. Triangle DEF has DE = 5 cm, EF = 7 cm, and angle E = 60 degrees. Are the triangles congruent by SAS?

  2. In triangle XYZ, XY = 8 cm, YZ = 10 cm, and angle Y = 45 degrees. Triangle UVW has UV = 8 cm, VW = 10 cm, and angle V = 45 degrees. Are the triangles congruent by SAS?

  3. Triangle PQR has PQ = 6 cm, QR = 9 cm, and angle Q = 90 degrees. Triangle STU has ST = 6 cm, TU = 9 cm, and angle T = 90 degrees. Are the triangles congruent by SAS?

Practice Problems on SAS

  1. Given triangle ABC with AB = 4 cm, BC = 6 cm, and angle B = 90 degrees. Triangle DEF has DE = 4 cm, EF = 6 cm, and angle E = 90 degrees. Are the triangles congruent by SAS?

  2. In triangle XYZ, XY = 12 cm, YZ = 15 cm, and angle Y = 30 degrees. Triangle UVW has UV = 12 cm, VW = 15 cm, and angle V = 30 degrees. Are the triangles congruent by SAS?

  3. Triangle PQR has PQ = 7 cm, QR = 10 cm, and angle Q = 120 degrees. Triangle STU has ST = 7 cm, TU = 10 cm, and angle T = 120 degrees. Are the triangles congruent by SAS?

FAQ on SAS

Q: What is the SAS theorem? A: The SAS theorem states that if two sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent to two sides and the included angle of another triangle, then the triangles are congruent.

Q: How do you prove triangle congruence using SAS? A: To prove triangle congruence using SAS, you need to show that the corresponding sides and angles of the triangles are congruent.

Q: Can SAS be used to prove all triangles congruent? A: No, SAS is just one of several methods for proving triangle congruence. Other methods include Side-Side-Side (SSS), Angle-Side-Angle (ASA), and Hypotenuse-Leg (HL).

Q: Is SAS a sufficient condition for triangle congruence? A: Yes, if two triangles satisfy the SAS conditions, they are congruent. However, SAS is not a necessary condition for triangle congruence, as there are other methods for proving congruence.