RIGHT TRIANGLE LESSON PLAN

Common Core Standard G-SRT.8

Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in
applied problems.
Teacher used training aids: 6, 8 and 10 plywood or card stock squares
marked with 2 grids
Additional 8 square cut into 4 pieces
16 tape
Framing square with rafter table (optional)
12 rope loop with knots every foot (optional)

Materials needed per student: 11 x 17 paper

12 ruler
Pencil
Calculator with key & memory +/- functions
Principles of Square Root Applied to Right Triangles
Right triangles puzzle
Part 1
Lesson Objective: Given paper, pencil, and ruler, students will layout triangles on 11
x 17 paper. All measurements shall be accurate to within 1/16.
Part 2
Lesson Objectives: Comprehends concept of Pythagorean Theorem
Knows meaning of terms and symbols
Applies formula to solve variety of construction problems
Uses calculator to compute accurately

Connections to College Readiness Standards:

This lesson will help students with Pythagorean Theorem, which is commonly used
across construction occupations, but especially in building design, layout, and framing.
Standard One: Reasoning/Problem Solving
Standard Two: Communication
Standard Three: Connections
Standard Five: Geometry

Concept/principle to be demonstrated:
Layout & use of calculator to determine right triangles (Pythagorean Theorem)

Summary of concept/principle:
The right triangle is used extensively for layout in construction. The simplest way
to lay out a 90 angle is to use the 3-4-5 method. Understanding is demonstrated by
applying the formula (a +b=c) to solve additional construction related problems using a
calculator.

Terms:
Altitude (rise)

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 Angle
Base (run)
Diagonal
Hypotenuse
Right angle
Square ()
Square root ()

Introduction:
In building layout and floor framing, buildings are checked for square. The 3-4-5
method is commonly used. This is a very old method developed by the Greeks. Its called
the Pythagorean Theorem. Here's the deal; there was this Greek guy named Pythagoras,
who lived over 2,000 years ago during the sixth century B.C. Pythagoras spent a lot of
time thinking about math, astronomy, and music. One idea he came up with was a
mathematical equation that's used all the time in architecture, construction, and
measurement. Dont worry about remembering the name, hes dead now. What is
important is how to use the theory to layout right triangles. Ill use this rope to
demonstrate. Today you will work in your teams to layout triangles on paper. Then use
calculators to solve construction related problems.

Body:
1. Draw on white board and explain:

angle, 90 angle and right triangle

2. Right triangles are special:

a. Used extensively in construction.
b. 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 have unique qualities.

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 3. Construction terms and uses:
a. Base is run. Used in roofs and stairs
b. Altitude is rise. Also used in roofs and stairs.
c. Electricians and plumbers also use right triangle. Off-set is another term.
d. Hypotenuse is diagonal when squaring rectangles; used in framing& forms

4. Demonstration for 3-4-5

a. Measure the up 3 on end of paper & mark.
b. Measure allow long edge 4 & mark
c. Draw a line from mark to mark.
d. Measure the length of the line (5).
e. Note: this can be done on a white board using a 16 tape. Measurements
become 3, 4 and 5. Layout is done by swinging an arch to establish pts.

5. Student practice layout and measure 90 triangles

17

9
15 11
6
10
3 5

4 8 12

6. Why does this work? Show cutouts. Also demonstrate how the cut 4 pieces fit
around 3 to form 5.

Cuts of spare 4 square

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 7. Hand out calculators and Principles of Square Root Applied to Right Triangles
a. Explain keys (memory +/-, etc)
b. Practice drill with calculators

8. Review a + b = c on board
a. Insert 3-4-5
b. Have students practice keys.

9. Explain relationship of formula substitute 3-4-5

a. a + b = c
b. a = c - b
c. b = c - a

10. Solve problems using key

a. Work in teams
b. Encourage correct responses

11. Explain construction uses for right triangle

a. Wall braces, stair stringers, roof rafters, floors, and foundations.
b. Open responses to excavation questions.
c. Assist student teams solve wall brace questions

Review:
1. What are some of the ways right triangle is used in construction?
2. Explain 3-4-5. What does c equal? Who can explain Square root?
3. The framing square has a table printed (all runs are 12). Show table.
4. What is the hypotenuse of a triangle with a 12 run and 5 rise? (use calculator)
5. Questions?

Additional resources: My DE | Discovery Education

Search: example 2 sine cosine tangent- firefighting.

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Trigonometry Project
This project is designed to help you fully grasp the concept of using trigonometry
to solve problems. This includes finding the length of a missing side or a missing angle
of a right triangle, identifying these problems in everyday life, drawing them, calculating
their values, and weaving it all into an interesting, amusing or creative story!
Your task is to develop a story involving the missing angle or missing side of a
right triangle. To support your story, you will need to carefully draw, use a photograph, a
picture clipped from a magazine or downloaded from the Internet, illustrating the
problem in your story. You will need to include all formulas and all of the steps required
to come up with your answer for your story.
Requirements
Final Draft must include: (See scoring sheet for specific
details)
a) A Creative, Unique, and Imaginative Story
i) Imaginative
ii) Appropriate subject (You can include Mrs. Love or other people from school, but anything
sexually explicit, demeaning, mean-spirited, or socially unacceptable will not be tolerated
read F)
iii) Must be a trigonometry problem (finding a missing side or angle)
iv) The story MUST be more than one sentence. It must be a STORY. Somewhere around 5
sentences should do it.
v) It must be creative!
b) A Drawing, an actual picture or a magazine clipping to illustrate your story
i) From the Internet, magazine, newspaper, photograph
ii) The drawing or picture must be visible and clearly definable
iii) The picture must be appropriate to the story and to class rules and expectations
c) A diagram of the right triangle to solve the problem
i) Provides a clear representation of the problem
ii) Include realistic measurements
iii) Include units
iv) Neat (MUST use straight edge, or computer representation)
v) It can be incorporated into the drawing or picture (above) but it must be clearly legible and
visible
vi) It must be a right triangle, and labeled with a right angle mark
d) Calculations
i) Show formulas you used
ii) Show all steps
iii) Include units in your answer
e) An appealing presentation
i) Professional look
ii) Story should be typed or neatly printed
iii) Colorful
iv) Appropriate subject
v) Title
vi) Size limit: 8 x 11 inches

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