8

MATHEMATICS 8
Quarter 4 – Week 3:
Proving Triangle Inequalities

Self-Learning Module
 3
+
−
×
÷

+ −×÷ + −×÷

INTRODUCTION

This module helps you prove inequalities in a triangle. In this module, you will learn how to
create and fill-in a two-column proof. As you go over the activities, you will develop the skills needed
to prove inequalities in a triangle.

This module has 4 lessons:

Lesson 1: Proving Inequalities in a Triangle Using Triangle Inequality Theorem 1

Lesson 2: Proving Inequalities in a Triangle Using Triangle Inequality Theorem 2 and Exterior Angle
Inequality Theorem

Lesson 3: Proving Inequalities in a Triangle Using Triangle Inequality Theorem 3

Lesson 4: Proving Inequalities in a Triangle Using the Hinge Theorem and Its Converse

OBJECTIVES

After using this module, you are expected to:

➢ recall on the different triangle inequality theorems.
➢ create a two-column proof.
➢ fill-in the missing statement/reason in a two-column proof.
➢ prove inequalities in a triangle.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

➢ Proves inequalities in a triangle.

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 Proving Inequalities in a Triangle
LESSON 1:
(Using Triangle Inequality Theorem 1)

Start this lesson by doing the recap activity below to recall on Triangle Inequality
Theorem 1 and Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem.

RECAP ACTIVITY 1:

Directions: Identify the angle with the greatest measure.

1. 2.

How did you find the preceding activity? Did you recall on triangle inequality
theorem 1? In this part, read and understand how we use the triangle inequality
theorem 1 and exterior angle inequality theorem in proving inequalities in a
triangle.
HOW TO WRITE PROOFS USING THE TWO COLUMN PROOF?

❖ The first column of a two-column proof is where you write down systematically every step you
go through to get the conclusion in the form of a statement. The corresponding reason for each
step is written on the second column.

❖ Possible reasons are as follows: Given, by construction, axioms of equality, properties of equality,
properties of inequality, definitions, postulates or previously proven theorems.

❖ The following steps have to be observed in writing proofs:

1. Draw the figure described in the problem. The figure may have already been drawn for
you, or you may have to draw it yourself.
2. Label your drawn figure with the information from the given by:
✓ marking congruent or unequal angles or sides,
✓ marking perpendicular, parallel, or intersecting lines or
✓ indicating measures of angles and/or sides

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❖ The markings and the measures guide you on how to proceed with the proof. They also direct
you whether your plan for proof requires you to make additional constructions in the figure.

❖ Write down the steps carefully. Some of the first steps are often the given statements (but not
always) and the last step is the statement that you set out to prove.

ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM

If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then angles opposite those sides are congruent.

CONVERSE OF THE ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM

If two angles of a triangle are congruent, then sides opposite those angles are congruent.

Let’s have some examples that use the triangle inequality theorems in
proving inequalities in a triangle.

EXAMPLE 1: Write a two-column proof.

Given: EH  GH and EH  FH
Prove:  2  1

SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, the first statement
is EH  GH and its corresponding reason is given. For the second statement, we also write the other
given and that is EH  FH . Looking back at statements 1 and 2, we can substitute EH by GH in
statement 2 because the two segments are congruent. So, we have GH  FH and its reason is
substitution. Since GH  FH , then  2  1 . So, for our last statement, we have  2  1 and its
reason is Triangle Inequality Theorem 1.

ANSWER: Statements Reasons

1. EH  GH 1. Given

2. EH  FH 2. Given

3. GH  FH 3. Substitution Property
4.  2  1 4. Triangle Inequality Theorem 1

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EXAMPLE 2: Write a two-column proof.
Given: 1  3 and AB  AD
Prove:  2  3

SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, the first statement
is 1  3 and its corresponding reason is given. Since 1  3 , then AB  AC . So, the second
statement is AB  AC and its reason is Converse of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem. For the third
statement, we write the other given and that is AB  AD . Looking back at statements 2 and 3, we
can substitute AB by AC in statement 3 because the two segments are congruent. So, we have
AC  AD and its reason is substitution. Since AC  AD , then 2  3 . So, for our last statement,
we have  2  3 and its reason is Triangle Inequality Theorem 1.

ANSWER:
Statements Reasons
1. 1  3 1. Given
2. AB  AC 2. Converse of Isosceles Triangle Theorem

3. AB  AD 3. Given

4. AC  AD 4. Substitution Property
5.  2  3 5. Triangle Inequality Theorem 1

To deepen our understanding on the lesson, answer the exercises that follow.

Exercise 1
Directions: Complete the two-column proof. Fill-in the missing statement or reason.

Given: 1  3 and ST  RT
Prove:  2  1

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1. Given
2. 2. Converse of Isosceles Triangle Theorem
3. 3. Given
4. QT  RT 4.
5. 5.

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Exercise 2
Directions: Write a two-column proof.

Given: LO  OV and OV  OE
Prove:  2  3

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

Proving Inequalities in a Triangle

LESSON 2: (Using Triangle Inequality Theorem 2 and Exterior Angle
Inequality Theorem)

Start this lesson by doing the recap activity below to recall on Triangle Inequality
Theorem 2 and Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem.

RECAP ACTIVITY 1:

Directions: List the sides of the triangle in order from shortest to longest.

1. 2. 3.

How did you find the preceding activity? Did you recall on triangle inequality
theorem 2? In this part, read and understand how we use the triangle inequality
theorem 2 and exterior angle inequality theorem in proving inequalities in a
triangle.

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5|P age
REMEMBER:

HOW TO WRITE PROOFS USING THE TWO COLUMN PROOF?

❖ The first column of a two-column proof is where you write down systematically every step you
go through to get the conclusion in the form of a statement. The corresponding reason for each
step is written on the second column.

❖ Possible reasons are as follows: Given, by construction, axioms of equality, properties of equality,
properties of inequality, definitions, postulates or previously proven theorems.

❖ The following steps have to be observed in writing proofs:

1. Draw the figure described in the problem. The figure may have already been drawn for
you, or you may have to draw it yourself.
2. Label your drawn figure with the information from the given by:
✓ marking congruent or unequal angles or sides,
✓ marking perpendicular, parallel, or intersecting lines or
✓ indicating measures of angles and/or sides

❖ The markings and the measures guide you on how to proceed with the proof. They also direct
you whether your plan for proof requires you to make additional constructions in the figure.

❖ Write down the steps carefully. Some of the first steps are often the given statements (but not
always) and the last step is the statement that you set out to prove.

ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM

If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then angles opposite those sides are congruent.

CONVERSE OF THE ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM

If two angles of a triangle are congruent, then sides opposite those angles are congruent.

Let’s have some examples that use the triangle inequality theorems in
proving inequalities in a triangle.

EXAMPLE 1: Write a two-column proof.

Given: AB  AD
Prove: AD  AC

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SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, the first statement
is AB  AD and its corresponding reason is given. Since AB  AD , then B  D . So, the second
statement is B  D and its reason is Isosceles Triangle Theorem. Looking at ABC , we can see
that ACD is an exterior angle and one of its remote interior angle is B . So, the third statement
is ACD  B and its reason is Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem. Looking at statements 2 and 3,
we can substitute B by D in statement 3 because the two angles are congruent. So, the fourth
statement is ACD  D and its reason is Substitution. Since ACD  D , then AD  AC . So,
our last statement is AD  AC and its reason is Triangle Inequality Theorem 2.

ANSWER:

Statements Reasons
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐴𝐷
1. 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ 1. Given
2. ∠𝐵 ≅ ∠𝐷 2. Isosceles Triangle Theorem
3. ∠𝐴𝐶𝐷 > ∠𝐵 3. Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem
4. ∠𝐴𝐶𝐷 > 𝐷 4. Substitution Property
5. AD > AC 5. Triangle Inequality Theorem 2

EXAMPLE 2: Write a two-column proof.

Given: AC bisects BAD
Prove: AD  CD

SOLUTION: In writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, the first statement is
AC bisects BAD and its corresponding reason is given. Since AC bisects BAD , then 1   2
. So, the second statement is 1   2 and its reason is definition of angle bisector. Looking at ABC
, we can see that 3 is an exterior angle and one of its remote interior angle is 1 . So, the third
statement is 3  1 and its reason is Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem. Looking at statements 2
and 3, we can substitute 1 by 2 in statement 3 because the two angles are congruent. So, the
fourth statement is 3   2 and its reason is Substitution. Since 3   2 , then AD  CD . So,
our last statement is AD  CD and its reason is Triangle Inequality Theorem 2.

ANSWER:

Statements Reasons
1. AC bisects BAD 1. Given
2. ∠1 ≅ ∠2 2. Definition of angle bisector
3. ∠3 > ∠1 3. Exterior Angle Inequality theorem
4. ∠3 > ∠2 4. Substitution Property
5. AD  CD 5. Triangle Inequality Theorem 2

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 To deepen our understanding on the lesson, answer the exercises that follow.
Exercise 1
Directions: Complete the two-column proof. Fill-in the missing statement or reason.
Given: In ACD , BC is drawn to AD so that BC  AC
Prove: CD  AC

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1. Given
2. ∠2 ≅ ∠3 2.
3. ∠𝐶𝐵𝐷 > ∠3 3.
4. 4. Substitution property
5. 5.

Exercise 2
Directions: Write a two-column proof.

Given: EV bisects SET

Prove: ET  TV

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

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 Proving Inequalities in a Triangle
LESSON 3: (Using Triangle Inequality Theorem 3)

Start this lesson by doing the recap activity below to recall on Triangle Inequality
Theorem 3.

RECAP ACTIVITY 1:

Directions: Determine if the given lengths make a triangle or not.

1. 4 ft, 9 ft, 15 ft
2. 9.9 cm, 1.1 cm, 8.2 cm
3. 11 mm, 21 mm, 16 mm
4. 2.1 in, 4.2 in, 7.09 in
5. 5 m, 11 m, 15 m

How did you find the preceding activity? Did you recall on triangle inequality theorem
3? In this part, read and understand how we use the triangle inequality theorem 3 in proving
inequalities in a triangle.

REMEMBER:

HOW TO WRITE PROOFS USING THE TWO COLUMN PROOF?

❖ The first column of a two-column proof is where you write down systematically every step you
go through to get the conclusion in the form of a statement. The corresponding reason for each
step is written on the second column.

❖ Possible reasons are as follows: Given, by construction, axioms of equality, properties of equality,
properties of inequality, definitions, postulates or previously proven theorems.

❖ The following steps have to be observed in writing proofs:

1. Draw the figure described in the problem. The figure may have already been drawn for
you, or you may have to draw it yourself.
2. Label your drawn figure with the information from the given by:
✓ marking congruent or unequal angles or sides,
✓ marking perpendicular, parallel, or intersecting lines or
✓ indicating measures of angles and/or sides

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION | DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY

9|P age
❖ The markings and the measures guide you on how to proceed with the proof. They also direct
you whether your plan for proof requires you to make additional constructions in the figure.

❖ Write down the steps carefully. Some of the first steps are often the given statements (but not
always) and the last step is the statement that you set out to prove.

ISOSCELES TRIANGLE

An isosceles triangle is a triangle that has two congruent sides. The congruent sides of the isosceles
triangle are called the legs. The other side is called the base and the angles between the congruent
sides are called base angles.

ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM

If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then angles opposite those sides are congruent.

CONVERSE OF THE ISOSCELES TRIANGLE THEOREM

If two angles of a triangle are congruent, then sides opposite those angles are congruent.

Let’s have some examples that use the triangle inequality theorems in
proving inequalities in a triangle.

EXAMPLE 1: Write a two-column proof.

Given: CA = CT
Prove: CL + LT  CA

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SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, the first statement
is CA = CT and its corresponding reason is given. For the second statement, we look at CLT .
Observe that we can use the statement CL + LT  CT and its corresponding reason is Triangle
Inequality Theorem 3. Looking back at statement 1 and 2, we can substitute CA by CT in statement
2 because the two segments are equal. So, we have CL + LT  CA and its corresponding reason is
substitution.

ANSWER:
STATEMENTS REASONS
1. CA = CT 1.Given

2. CL + LT  CT 2.Triangle Inequality Theorem 3

3. CL + LT  CA 3.Substitution Property

EXAMPLE 2: Write a two-column proof.

Given: ABC  ACB
Prove: AD + AB  CD

SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, the first statement
is ABC  ACB and its corresponding reason is given. Since ABC  ACB , then AC  AB
. So, the second statement is AC  AB and its reason is Converse of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem.
For the third statement, we look at ACD . Observe that we can use the statement AD + AC  CD
and its reason is Triangle Inequality Theorem 3. Looking back at statements 2 and 3, we can substitute
AC by AB in statement 3 because the two segments are congruent. So, we have AD + AB  CD
and its reason is substitution.

ANSWER:
Statements Reasons
1. ABC  ACB 1. Given
2. AC  AB 2. Converse of Isosceles Triangle Theorem

3. AD + AC  CD 3. Triangle Inequality Theorem 3

4. AD + AB  CD 4. Substitution Property

To deepen our understanding on the lesson, answer the exercises that follow.

Exercise 1
Directions: Complete the two-column proof. Fill-in the missing statement or reason.

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Given: BCD  CDB
Prove: AB + AD  BC

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1. Given
2. BC  BD 2.
3. 3. Triangle Inequality Theorem 3
4. 4.

Exercise 2
Directions: Write a two-column proof.

Given: AG = GL
Prove: FL + AG  FG

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.

Proving Inequalities in a Triangle

LESSON 4: (Using the Hinge Theorem and Its Converse)

Start this lesson by doing the recap activity below to recall on Hinge Theorem and
Its Converse.

RECAP ACTIVITY 1:

Directions: Compare the given measures. Use the symbols <, >, or = to complete each statement.

1. WX ____ XY 2. mFCD ___ mBFC

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 How did you find the preceding activity? Did you recall on the Hinge Theorem and
Its Converse? In this part, read and understand how we use the Hinge Theorem
and Its Converse in proving inequalities in a triangle.

REMEMBER:

HOW TO WRITE PROOFS USING THE TWO COLUMN PROOF?

❖ The first column of a two-column proof is where you write down systematically every step you
go through to get the conclusion in the form of a statement. The corresponding reason for each
step is written on the second column.

❖ Possible reasons are as follows: Given, by construction, axioms of equality, properties of equality,
properties of inequality, definitions, postulates or previously proven theorems.

❖ The following steps have to be observed in writing proofs:

1. Draw the figure described in the problem. The figure may have already been drawn for
you, or you may have to draw it yourself.
2. Label your drawn figure with the information from the given by:
✓ marking congruent or unequal angles or sides,
✓ marking perpendicular, parallel, or intersecting lines or
✓ indicating measures of angles and/or sides

❖ The markings and the measures guide you on how to proceed with the proof. They also direct
you whether your plan for proof requires you to make additional constructions in the figure.

❖ Write down the steps carefully. Some of the first steps are often the given statements (but not
always) and the last step is the statement that you set out to prove.

Let’s have some examples that use the triangle inequality theorems in
proving inequalities in a triangle.

EXAMPLE 1: Write a two-column proof.

Given: HO = EP and mOHP  mEPH
Prove: OP  EH

SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, our first statement
is HO  EP and its reason is given. For our second statement, we look at HOP and HEP and
observe that they have a common side which is HP . So, we write HP  HP in our second statement

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and its reason is Reflexive Property. For the third statement, we write the other given and that is
mOHP  mEPH . Since we have established that we have 2 sides of one triangle that are
congruent 2 sides of the second triangle ( HO  EP & HP  HP ) and the included angle of one
triangle is larger than the included angle of the second triangle ( mOHP  mEPH ), then we can
say that the third side of one triangle is longer that the third side of the second triangle. That is,
OP  EH and its reason is the Hinge Theorem.

ANSWER:
Statements Reasons
1. HO  EP 1. Given
2. HP  HP 2. Reflexive Property
3. mOHP  mEPH 3. Given
4. OP  EH 4. Hinge Theorem

EXAMPLE 1: Write a two-column proof.

Given: BC  BD and AD  AC
Prove: m2  m1

SOLUTION: When writing a two-column proof, we usually start with the given. So, our first statement
is BC  BD and its reason is given. For our second statement, we look at ABC and ABD and
observe that they have a common side which is AB . So, we write AB  AB in our second statement
and its reason is Reflexive Property. For the third statement, we write the other given and that is
AD  AC . Since we have established that we have 2 sides of one triangle that are congruent two
sides of the second triangle ( BC  BD & AB  AB ) and the third side of one triangle is longer than
the third side of the second triangle ( AD  AC ), then we can say that the included angle of one
triangle is larger that the included angle of the second triangle. That is, m2  m1 and its reason is
the Converse of Hinge Theorem.

ANSWER:
Statements Reasons
1. BC  BD 1. Given
2. AB  AB 2. Reflexive Property
3. AD  AC 3. Given
4. m2  m1 4. Converse of Hinge Theorem

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 To deepen our understanding on the lesson, answer the exercises that follow.

Exercise 1
Directions: Complete the two-column proof. Fill-in the missing statement or reason.

Given: AB  AD and mEAB  mEAD

Prove: EB  ED

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1. Given
2. 2. Reflexive Property
3. mEAB  mEAD 3.
4. 4.

Exercise 2
Directions: Write a two-column proof.

Given: RQ  ST and 1   2
Prove: RS  TQ

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Division of Mandaue City
Plaridel St., Centro, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014
Telephone Nos.: (032) 345 – 0545 | (032) 505 – 6337
E-mail Address: mandaue.city001@deped.gov.ph
Website: https://depedmandaue.net

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