NAME: _____________________________________ GR & SEC: ________________________

COMPETENCY
Illustrates theorems on triangle inequalities (Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem, Triangle
Inequality Theorem, Hinge Theorem). (M8GE-IVa-1)

EXPECTATIONS
This module intends to assist you to master the theorems on triangle inequalities such as
Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem, Triangle Inequality Theorem and Hinge Theorem.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. illustrate the theorems on triangle inequalities such as Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem,
Triangle Inequality Theorem and Hinge Theorem;
2. identify the possible lengths of sides of a triangle;
3. compare the measures of angles of a triangle given the lengths of its sides;
4. differentiate the lengths of sides of a triangle given the measures of its angles; and
5. apply the Hinge Theorem and its converse in comparing two triangles.

PRE-TEST
Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write the CAPITAL LETTER of the correct answer
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following cannot be the lengths of the three sides of a triangle?
A. 3,4,5 B. 6,7,10 C. 8,3,8 D. 8,7,15
2. Which of the following is the largest angle 𝑖𝑛 ∆ 𝐴𝐵𝐶?
A. ∠𝐴
B. ∠𝐵
C. ∠𝐶
D. Cannot be determined
3. In ∆ 𝐽𝐴𝑀, which of the following statement is always TRUE?
A. 𝑚∠1 > 𝑚∠4
B. 𝑚∠2 > 𝑚∠4
C. 𝑚∠1 < 𝑚∠4
D. 𝑚∠3 = 𝑚∠4
4. Using the figure below, what inequality symbol will make the statement correct:
m∠TKS___m∠RKS?
A. >
B. <
C. ≥
D. ≤

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 1 | 11

 5. From the inequalities in the triangles shown, a conclusion can be reached using the hinge
theorem, which of the following is the last statement?
A. 𝐷𝐴 ≅𝐸𝑁
B. 𝐷𝐴 > 𝐸𝑁
C. 𝐷𝐴 < 𝐸𝑁
D. 𝐸𝐴 ≅𝐸𝐴

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

In your previous lessons, you have learned that a triangle is a polygon with three (3) sides and
three (3) interior angles. Below are the different properties of the angles of a triangle. (Please refer to the
given figure.)

● Definition of Interior Angle

An interior angle is an angle inside the shape. From the above diagram, we can say that the
triangle has three interior angles. These are ∠1, ∠2, and ∠3.
● The sum of interior angles of a triangle is 180°
Since ∠1, ∠2, and ∠3 are interior angles of ΔBON, we can say that m∠1+m∠2+m∠3=180°:
60°+70°+50°=180°
● Linear Pair Postulate: Two angles that form a linear pair are supplementary.
∠3, and ∠4 are linear pair. So, m∠3+m∠4=180°: 50°+130°=180°
● Definition of Exterior Angle
An exterior angle of a triangle is the angle formed between any side of the triangle and an
external extension of the adjacent side.
● Exterior Angle Theorem: The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of its
remote interior angles.
∠4 is an exterior angle of ΔBON.
Since ∠1 and ∠2 are the angles non-adjacent to ∠4, then they are its remote interior angles.
Thus, m∠1+m∠2= m∠4: 60°+70°=130°

INTRODUCTION TO THE LESSON

Triangle is referred as the strongest shape because of its stability. It is defined as a polygon with
3 sides. In this module, you will discover the different conditions that guarantee the existence of
triangles given its sides and the theorems involving triangle inequalities.
TRIANGLE INEQUALITY THEOREM
Getting Ready!
Suppose that you have three sets of sticks with lengths: (a) 2 cm, 3 cm, 8 cm; (b) 1 cm, 2 cm, 3
cm; and (c) 2 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm. Which among the given sets is/are possible lengths of sides of a triangle?
Using the sticks touching at the ends, try to construct a triangle.
Illustration 1. Construct a triangle given the sticks with lengths 2 cm, 3 cm, 8 cm.
As shown in the figure, touching the end of each
stick is impossible since the third length, 8 cm, is too
long even for the combined first two sticks, 2 cm and 3
cm. Thus, we cannot construct a triangle.

Illustration 2. Form a triangle given the sticks with lengths 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm.
On the left, you can see that connecting the first
two sticks measuring 1 cm and 2 cm will only be equal
to the length of the third stick measuring 3 cm. Doing

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 2 | 11

 this will only make the sticks coincide so it will be
impossible for us to make a triangle out of these sticks.
Illustration 3. Make a triangle given the sticks with lengths 2 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm
As illustrated above, the three sticks were able
to touch each other’s end and were able to form a
triangle.

Go Further!
From Getting Ready, we have seen three different instances upon connecting the ends of the
sticks in each set. On the first set, no triangle is formed when the sum of the first two sticks is less than
the third one, 2 + 3 < 8. Similarly, no triangle is formed on the second set when the sum of the first two
sticks is equal to the third one, 1 + 2 = 3. The third set, the instance where the sum of lengths of any
two sides is greater than the third side, a triangle can be formed from the sticks. This conjecture can be
summarized in the theorem below.

Triangle Inequality Theorem states that the sum of the lengths of two sides must
always be greater than the third side.
AB + BC > AC
BC + AC > AB
AC + AB > BC

Example 1. Is it possible to construct a triangle given the sides 5 in., 6 in., and 9 in.?
Solution:
5+6>9 6+9>5 5+9>6
11 > 9 15 > 5 14 > 6
Since the sum of any two lengths is always greater that the third length, then these lengths can
construct a triangle.
Example 2. Can a triangle be formed given the following sides: 3 cm, 7 cm, and 11 cm?
Solution:
3 + 7 < 11 7 + 11 > 3 3 + 11 > 7
10 < 11 18 > 3 14 > 7
Look closely on the first inequality. The sum of 3 and 7, which is 10, is less than 11. On the other
two inequalities, the sum of two sides is greater than the third side. Since the three inequalities
did not meet the conditions in Triangle Inequality Theorem, then a triangle cannot be formed with
the given length of sides.
Example 3. Given ΔBEL, BE = 4, EL = 6, and BL = n. What are the possible values of BL?
Solution:
Write three inequalities using the Triangle Inequality Theorem to find the range of possible values
of n.
4+6>n 4+n>6 6+n>4
10 > n n>6–4 n>4–6
n < 10 n>2 n > -2
Getting the intersection of the inequalities above, the range for possible values of n must be
between 2 and 10. Since BL = n, then 2 < BL < 10.

UNEQUAL SIDE THEOREM

Getting Ready!
Inspect ΔEMY. Compare the lengths of the given sides, and the measures of the given angles.
What can you say about the relationship between the side and its opposite angle?

As illustrated on the figure above, MY = 20 cm,

EM = 10 cm, ∠E = 90° and ∠Y = 30°. MY is opposite to
MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 3 | 11
 ∠E and EM is opposite to ∠Y. Since MY is longer than
EM, then ∠E is larger than ∠Y. This conclusion can be
sum up in the theorem below.

Go Further!

Unequal Side Theorem states that if one side of a triangle is longer than the second, then
the angle opposite to the longer side is larger than the angle opposite to the shorter side.
If AB > AC,
then
m∠C > m∠B.

Example 1. Given the figure below, arrange the angles of the triangle in increasing order.
Solution:
Using the Unequal Side Theorem, since KY is the
shortest side, then the angle opposite to it, which is ∠S,
is the smallest angle. Also, since SK is the longest side,
then the angle opposite to it, which is ∠Y, is the largest
angle. Thus, ∠S < ∠K < ∠Y.
Example 2. Given the lengths of the sides, identify the smallest and the largest angle in each triangle.
a. ΔNEL: NE = 15, EL = 7, NL = 10
b. ΔLEN: LE = 30 , EN = 18 , LN = 20
Solution:
a. In ΔNEL, since the shortest side is EL, then the smallest angle is the one opposite to it, which
is ∠N. And, since the longest side is NE, then the largest angle is the one opposite to it, which
is ∠L.
b. smallest angle: ∠L, largest angle: ∠N
UNEQUAL ANGLE THEOREM
Getting Ready!
Similar with Unequal Side Theorem, if two angles of a triangle are not congruent, then the side
opposite to the larger angle is the longer side. This inference can be summarized by the theorem below.
Go Further!

Unequal Angle Theorem states that if one angle of a triangle is larger than another angle,
then the side opposite the larger angle is longer than the side opposite the smaller angle.
If m∠A > m∠B
then
BC > AC

Example 1. Arrange the sides of the triangle in decreasing order.

Solution:
The sum of interior angles of a triangle is 180°.
To find the measure of ∠L, subtract the sum of m∠M
and m∠Y from 180°. By substitution, ∠L = 180°- (105°+
50°) = 25°. Since the largest angle is ∠M, then the
longest side is the side opposite to it, which is LY.
Similarly, since the smallest angle is m∠L, then the

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 4 | 11

 shortest side is the side opposite to it, which is MY.
Hence, LY > ML > MY.
Example 2. Given the measures of two angles, identify the longest and shortest side in each triangle.
a. ΔONE: m∠O = 47° and m∠N = 58°
b. ΔTWO: m∠T = 69° and m∠O = 75°
Solution:
a. To solve for the measure of ∠E, subtract the sum of m∠O and m∠N from 180°. So, m∠E =
180°- (47° + 58°) = 75°. Thus, the longest side is ON since it is opposite to the largest angle
which is ∠E. Also, Thus, the shortest side is NE since it is opposite to the smallest angle
which is ∠O.
b. m∠W = 180°- (69° + 75°) = 36°. Thus, the longest side is TW and the smallest side is TO.
EXTERIOR ANGLE INEQUALITY THEOREM
Getting Ready!
An exterior angle of a triangle is formed when one side of a triangle is extended beyond its
adjacent side. Each triangle has six exterior angles. In the triangle illustrated, ∠4, ∠5, ∠6, ∠7, ∠8, and
∠9 are exterior angles. Each pair of exterior angles, ∠4 and ∠5, ∠6 and ∠7, and ∠8 and ∠9, are congruent
since they are vertical angles.
The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of its remote interior angles.
The table on the right shows the remote interior angles of each exterior angle. Thus, m∠4 = m∠2 + m∠3,
∠6 = m∠1 + m∠3, and m∠8 = m∠1 + m∠2.

Exterior Remote Interior

Angles Angles
∠4 ∠2 and ∠3
∠5 ∠2 and ∠3
∠6 ∠1 and ∠3
∠7 ∠1 and ∠3
∠8 ∠1 and ∠2
∠9 ∠1 and ∠2

Go Further!
In Getting Ready, you have learned that the measure of an exterior angle is equal to the sum of
its remote interior angles. So, m∠4 = m∠2 + m∠3. From this conjecture, it can be concluded that the
m∠4 > m∠2 and also m∠4 > m∠3. This can be summarized by the theorem below.

Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem states that the measure of any exterior angle of a
triangle is greater than either of its remote interior angles.

Thus, m∠4 > m∠1

and m∠4 > m∠2

Examples: Compare each set of angles below. Write >, <, or = to make each statement true.
1. a. m∠β ___ m∠α
b. m∠α ___ m∠θ
Solution:
a. Since m∠β = 102° and m∠α = 48°, thus, ∠β is greater
than ∠α, or m∠β > m∠α.
b. The figure above shows that m∠ α = 48° and the value
of ∠θ is not given. ∠θ is an exterior angle so its value is
equal to the sum of its remote exterior angles, ∠β and
∠α. To solve for ∠θ, m∠θ = m∠β and m∠α. Thus ∠θ =
102°+ 48° = 150°. So, ∠α is less than ∠θ, or m∠α <
m∠θ.
2. a. m∠1 ___ m∠3
b. m∠2 ___ m∠5
MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 5 | 11
 Solution:
a. Use the Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem. Since ∠1 is
an exterior angle and ∠3 is one of its remote interior
angles, then ∠1 is greater than ∠3, or m∠1 > m∠3.
b. Use the Exterior Angle Inequality Theorem. Since ∠5 is
an exterior angle and ∠2 is one of its remote interior
angles, then ∠5 is greater than ∠2, or ∠2 is less than
∠5, or m∠2 < m∠5.

HINGE THEOREM
Getting Ready!
Suppose that you have a red and a grey matchstick. If the matchsticks are hinged at a common
end, and a rubber band is attached at the other ends, then you can open and close them to form
triangles.
The two triangles on the left represent the
possibilities for the measure of the angles
formed between the red and grey matchsticks. If
the matchsticks are open so that m∠O >
m∠E, observe that JY > BL. Conversely, if we
open so that JY > BL, observe that m∠O > m∠E.
The opening and closing of the matchsticks suggest Hinge Theorem. If the matchsticks are open
wider than the other, the rubber band of the larger angle is longer than the rubber band of the smaller
angle.
Go Further!

Hinge Theorem states that if two sides of one triangle are congruent to the two sides of
another triangle, and the included angle of the first triangle is larger than the included angle
of the second triangle, then the third side of the first triangle is longer than the third side of
the second triangle.
If AC ≅ DF, AB ≅ DE,
and m∠A > m∠D,
then CB > FE

Example 1. Write an inequality given a pair of sides of each triangle illustrated below.
1. LO ____ BE Solution
∆BOE and ∆LEO are illustrated to the left. 𝐸𝑂 is
a side common to both ∆BOE and ∆LEO. Thus,
𝐸𝑂≅ 𝐸𝑂 by reflexive property. As denoted, 𝐸𝐿≅ 𝑂𝐵 and
m∠BOE > m∠LEO. Since 𝐵𝐸 is opposite to ∠BOE and
𝐿𝑂 is opposite to ∠LEO, therefore, 𝐵𝐸 > 𝐿𝑂, or 𝐿𝑂 < 𝐵𝐸.

2. MT ___ FN Solution
In ∆MATH and ∆FUN, it is given that,
m∠MAT = 90° and m∠FUN = 87°. As denoted on the
figure, 𝑀𝐴≅ 𝐹𝑈, 𝐴𝑇≅ 𝑈𝑁, and m∠MAT > m∠FUN. Since
𝑀𝑇 is opposite to ∠MAT and 𝐹𝑁 is opposite to ∠FUN,
therefore, 𝑀𝑇 > 𝐹𝑁.

Converse of Hinge Theorem states that if two sides of one triangle are congruent to the
two sides of another triangle, and the third side of the first triangle is longer than the third
side of the second triangle, then the angle opposite the third side of the first triangle is larger
than the angle opposite the third side of the second triangle.
If AC ≅ DF, AB ≅ DE,
MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 6 | 11
 and CB > FE,
then m∠A > m∠D

Example 1. Given ∆KRI and ∆TAN in which KR=15 and TA=13 respectively, prove that m∠I > m∠N.
Solution
As denoted on the figure above, 𝐾𝐼≅ 𝑇𝑁, 𝐼𝑅≅ 𝑁𝐴,
and 𝐾𝑅 > 𝑇𝐴. Thus, by the Converse of the Hinge
Theorem, you can say that m∠I > m∠N.

Example 2. Use the diagram below. Suppose ZI bisects ∠LZA. Prove that m∠ZIA > m∠IZL.
Solution
As you can see, 𝐼𝑍≅ 𝐼𝑍 by reflexive
property, and 𝐿𝑍≅ 𝐼𝐴 because they both measure
15. It is also given that ZA = 17 and LI = 10,
thus ZA > LI. Since ∠ZIA and ∠IZL are opposite
angles of ZA and LI, respectively, you can
conclude that m∠ZIA > m∠IZL by the Converse
of the Hinge Theorem.

ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1: A-Maze Me!
Direction: Determine whether the given lengths are possible sides of a triangle. Color the correct path to
reach the finish line.

START

ACTIVITY 2: Who Am I?
Direction: Name the largest angle in the following triangles. Write the letter on the answer box. Show
your solution on a separate sheet of paper.

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 7 | 11

 I proposed that the Earth was not the center of the universe, and that the sun was instead at
the center of our solar system. Who am I?
Answer Box:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1. 6. In ∆ 𝑀𝐴𝑁, MA = 16, AN = 9, MN = 13

2. 7. In ∆ 𝐼𝐶𝐸 , IC = 6, CE = 13, IE = 9

3. 8. In ∆ 𝑅𝐶𝑀, RC = 15, CM = 19, RM = 23

4. 9. In ∆ 𝐿𝑈𝑀, LU = 5 , UM = 4 , LM = 7

5. 10. In ∆ 𝑌𝑅𝑆, YR = 6.4, RS = 5.5, YS = 5.8

REMEMBER
From the prior lessons, you have learned the following theorems on triangle inequalities.
Theorem Statement Mathematical Representation

1. Triangle The sum of the lengths of any of

Inequality the two sides of triangle is greater 1. AB + BC > AC or c+a>b
Theorem than the length of the third side. 2. BC + AC > AB or a+b>c
3. AB + AC > BC or c+b>a

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 8 | 11

2. Unequal If one side of a triangle is longer
Side than a second side, then the angle If BC > AB,
Theorem opposite of the first side is larger then 𝑚∠𝐴 > 𝑚∠𝐶.
than the angle opposite of the
second side.
3. Unequal If one angle of a triangle is larger
Angle than a second angle, then the side
Theorem opposite of the first angle is larger If 𝑚∠𝐵 > 𝑚∠𝐴,
than the side opposite of the second then AC > BC.
angle.
4. Exterior The measure of exterior angle of a
Angle triangle is greater than the measure 𝑚∠𝑑 > 𝑚∠𝑎
Inequality of either of its remote interior or 𝑚∠𝑑 > 𝑚∠𝑏
Theorem angles.
A. INEQUALITIES ON ONE TRIANGLE
B. INEQUALITIES ON TWO TRIANGLES
Theorem Statement Mathematical Representation

1. Hinge If two sides of one triangle are

Theorem congruent to two sides of another
triangle, but the included angle of
the first triangle is larger than the
included angle of the second
triangle, then the third side of the
first triangle is longer than the third If𝐴𝐵 ≅ 𝐷𝐸, 𝐴𝐶 ≅ 𝐷𝐹, and
side of the second triangle. 𝑚∠𝐴 > 𝑚∠𝐷, then BC > EF.

2. Converse If two sides of one triangle are

of Hinge congruent to two sides of another
Theorem triangle, but the third side of the
SSS first triangle is longer than the third
Inequality side of the second triangle, then the
Theorem included angle of the first triangle is
larger than the included angle of the
second triangle. If 𝐴𝐵 ≅ 𝐷𝐸, 𝐴𝐶 ≅ 𝐷𝐹, and
BC > EF, then 𝑚∠𝐴 > 𝑚∠𝐷.

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 9 | 11

 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Direction: Read the questions carefully. Answer the following
A. Determine if each set of numbers can be the lengths of the sides of a triangle.
1. 6, 14, 18 2. 8, 7, 16
B. Use the exterior angle inequality theorem to write the correct inequality statement.
3. In ∆𝑈𝐸𝑁, 𝑚∠𝐸𝑈𝑁______𝑚∠𝑈𝐸𝐽 4. In ∆𝑅𝐴𝑌, 𝑚∠𝑅𝐴𝑌______𝑚∠𝐴𝑅𝑌

C. Name the largest and the smallest angle.

5. 6.
Largest Angle: _____ Largest Angle: _____
Smallest Angle: ____ Smallest Angle: ____

D. List the sides of ∆𝐶𝐴𝑅 from shortest to longest.

7. 𝑚∠𝐶 = 64°, 𝑚∠𝐴 = 31° __________________ 8. 𝑚∠𝑅 = 102°, 𝑚∠𝐴 = 27° __________________
E. Refer to each figure, write an inequality relating the given pair of angle or segment measures.
9. 𝑚∠𝐵𝐸𝑅 ____ 𝑚∠𝐴𝐸𝑅 10. AH ____ AC

POST TEST
Direction: Read the questions carefully. ENCIRCLE THE LETTER of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following lengths cannot be the lengths of the three sides of the triangle?
A. 3,4,5 B. 6,7,10 C. 8,3,8 D. 8,7,15
2. What is the largest angle 𝑖𝑛 ∆ 𝐴𝐵𝐶?
A. ∠𝐴
B. ∠𝐵
C. ∠𝐶
D. It cannot be determined
3. In ∆ 𝐽𝐴𝑀, which of the following statement is TRUE?
A. 𝑚∠1 > 𝑚∠4
B. 𝑚∠2 > 𝑚∠4
C. 𝑚∠1 < 𝑚∠4
D. 𝑚∠3 = 𝑚∠4
4. Using the figure below, what inequality symbol to make the statement correct: m∠TKS___m∠RKS?
A. >
B. <
C. ≥
D. ≤
5. From the inequalities in the triangles shown, a conclusion can be reached using the hinge
theorem, which of the following is the last statement?

MATH 8 QUARTER 4 WEEK 1 Page 10 | 11

 A. 𝐷𝐴 ≅𝐸𝑁
B. 𝐷𝐴 > 𝐸𝑁
C. 𝐷𝐴 < 𝐸𝑁
D. 𝐸𝐴 ≅𝐸𝐴

Name: Math Teacher:

Section: Score:

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