New
New
Year 11
Higher

Constructing a right-angled triangle given the length of the hypotenuse and one other side length

I can construct a right-angled triangle given the length of the hypotenuse and one other side length.

New
New
Year 11
Higher

Constructing a right-angled triangle given the length of the hypotenuse and one other side length

I can construct a right-angled triangle given the length of the hypotenuse and one other side length.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The shorter side can be drawn accurately with a ruler
  2. The perpendicular through the end point of the drawn side should be constructed
  3. The compass should be used to indicate potential positions for the hypotenuse
  4. All triangles with the same measurements are congruent

Keywords

  • Pair of compasses - A pair of compasses is a tool which can be used to draw circles and arcs. A pair of compasses is sometimes referred to just as a compass.

  • Congruent - If one shape can fit exactly on top of another using rotation, reflection or translation, then the shapes are congruent.

Common misconception

Pupils may want to use a protractor to draw a right angle.

Remind pupils that they need to construct the right angle with a pair of compasses and a ruler, using appropriate construction techniques.

This lesson uses a method that involves a circle theorem (angles in a semi-circle), so you may wish to recap circle theorems before this lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pair of compasses, ruler

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What equipment should you use to make an accurate construction of this triangle?
An image in a quiz
compasses, ruler, protractor and pencil
compasses, protractor and pencil
compasses, ruler and pencil
Correct answer: ruler, protractor and pencil
Q2.
The diagram shows part of a protractor measuring an angle. What is the size of the angle?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: 35°
45°
145°
155°
Q3.
The diagram shows part of a protractor measuring an angle. What is the size of the angle?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: 67°
73°
113°
127°
Q4.
Laura is using GeoGebra to accurately draw a triangle with ∠BAC = 135° and ∠ABC = 32° and side AB = 6 units. Which of these tools should Laura use to draw side BC?
An image in a quiz
a
b
c
Correct answer: d
Q5.
∠ABC = °.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 67
Q6.
Starting with the first step, put these instructions in the correct order to construct triangle ABC.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:Step 1,Use a ruler to draw side AB of 6 cm.

Use a ruler to draw side AB of 6 cm.

Correct Answer:Step 2,Use a protractor to measure 37° from A and mark a faint point.

Use a protractor to measure 37° from A and mark a faint point.

Correct Answer:Step 3,Repeat the last step with point B and an angle of 40°.

Repeat the last step with point B and an angle of 40°.

Correct Answer:Step 4,Draw a ray line to show direction of side AC.

Draw a ray line to show direction of side AC.

Correct Answer:Step 5,Draw a second ray line to show direction of side BC.

Draw a second ray line to show direction of side BC.

Correct Answer:Step 6,Label point C at the point where the two rays meet.

Label point C at the point where the two rays meet.

6 Questions

Q1.
A pair of is a tool which can be used to draw circles and arcs.
Correct Answer: compasses
Q2.
Which construction should you use to create a right-angle?
angle bisector
bisector
circle
Correct answer: perpendicular bisector
Q3.
Jacob is constructing a right-angled triangle and has drawn a line segment for one of its shorter sides. Which tool can be used to construct a perpendicular line through one of its points?
An image in a quiz
a
b
Correct answer: c
d
Q4.
The diagram shows a right-angled triangle constructed from two circles. The length of the hypotenuse is cm.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 16
Q5.
The diagrams below show constructions for two congruent triangles. What is the radius of each circle in the diagram on the right?
An image in a quiz
Radius of small circle = 4 cm; radius of large circle = 7 cm
Radius of small circle = 4 cm; radius of large circle = 14 cm
Correct answer: Radius of small circle = 7 cm; radius of large circle = 8 cm
Radius of small circle = 8 cm; radius of large circle = 14 cm
Radius of small circle = 14 cm; radius of large circle = 16 cm
Q6.
Starting with the first step, put these instructions in the correct order to construct the triangle ABC where the hypotenuse, AB, is 5 cm and BC is 3 cm.
An image in a quiz
1 - Open up compasses to 2.5 cm.
2 - Mark a centre point, and use compasses to draw a circle.
3 - Use a ruler to draw the diameter, AB, of circle.
4 - Open up compasses to 3 cm
5 - Put compass needle at B and draw a 2nd circle.
6 - Label one point where circles intersect C, and draw lines AC and BC.