AlgebraLab

Algebra II Recipe: Classifying a Triangle Using the Distance Formula

By G Redden

A. Steps to Classify a Triangle
  1. Use the distance formula to find the length of each side of the triangle ABC.
  2. Let each ordered pair be a vertex of the triangle.
  3. Leave values in radical form.
B. Types of Triangles
  1. Scalene triangle: no equal sides.
  2. Isosceles triangle: two equal sides.
  3. Equilateral triangle: all three sides are equal.
1.
What kind of triangle is represented by the vertices: A = (1, 3), B = (4, 6), C = (6, 1).