Unit 4 · Triangle Foundations

4.1Classifying Triangles

Quick Answer

By sides: scalene (no equal sides), isosceles (at least two equal sides), equilateral (all three equal). By angles: acute (all angles < 90°), right (one 90° angle), obtuse (one angle > 90°), equiangular (all 60°).

Essential Question

How do we classify triangles by their sides and angles, and can a triangle belong to more than one classification?

Learning Goals

  • 1Classify triangles by side lengths.
  • 2Classify triangles by angle measures.
  • 3Apply both classifications simultaneously.
  • 4Use the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem to find missing angles.

Key Vocabulary

Scalene triangle

A triangle with no congruent sides.

Isosceles triangle

A triangle with at least two congruent sides.

Equilateral triangle

A triangle with all three sides congruent.

Acute triangle

A triangle with all three angles less than 90°.

Right triangle

A triangle with exactly one 90° angle.

Obtuse triangle

A triangle with one angle greater than 90°.

Equiangular triangle

A triangle with all three angles equal to 60°; always equilateral.

Full lesson content coming soon

Worked examples, guided practice problems, a workbook, quiz, and downloadable PDF resources will be added to this lesson in Phase 2. The learning goals and vocabulary above reflect the complete lesson scope.