Coordinate Proof Laboratory

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About This MicroSim

This interactive laboratory allows students to explore coordinate proofs by dragging vertices of geometric shapes and watching formulas update in real-time. Experiment with different positions to discover properties algebraically.

How to Use

1. Select a shape from the dropdown (Rectangle, Triangle, or Parallelogram)
2. Drag vertices to move them on the coordinate plane
3. Watch calculations update automatically
4. Toggle options to show/hide distances and snap to grid

Interactive Features

• Draggable vertices - Click and drag any vertex
• Real-time formulas - All calculations update instantly
• Multiple shapes - Rectangle, triangle, parallelogram
• Snap to grid - Keep vertices at clean coordinates
• Distance labels - See side lengths on the figure

Shapes Available

Shape	Vertices	Explores
Rectangle	4	Diagonal congruence
Triangle	3	Midpoints, medians
Parallelogram	4	Diagonal properties

Calculations Shown

• Side lengths using distance formula
• Diagonal lengths for quadrilaterals
• Midpoint coordinates for triangles
• Congruence verification

Learning Objectives

• Create coordinate proofs by strategic vertex placement
• Apply distance and midpoint formulas
• Explore how position affects calculations
• Verify geometric properties algebraically

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

Creating - Designing proofs through strategic placement and exploration.

Coordinate Proof Tips

1. Place one vertex at the origin (0, 0)
2. Align sides with axes for simpler math
3. Use variables for general proofs
4. The distance formula: d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²]

Iframe Embed Code

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/geometry-course/sims/coordinate-proof-lab/main.html"
        height="622px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

References

1. Coordinate Proofs - Math Is Fun
2. Using Coordinates in Proofs - Khan Academy