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Interactive Triangle Classifier

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About This MicroSim

This interactive tool allows you to create and classify triangles by dragging vertices. The classification updates in real-time as you move the vertices.

How to Use

  1. Drag vertices A, B, or C to change the triangle shape
  2. Watch the classification update automatically
  3. Use Reset to return to the default triangle
  4. Use Random to generate a random triangle
  5. Toggle Grid and Measurements display

Classification System

By Sides

Type Definition
Scalene All three sides different
Isosceles Two sides equal
Equilateral All three sides equal

By Angles

Type Definition Color
Acute All angles < 90° Purple
Right One angle = 90° Red
Obtuse One angle > 90° Teal

Visual Markers

  • Tick marks indicate equal sides (congruent)
  • Right angle square marks 90° angles
  • Color indicates angle classification

Key Facts

  • Every triangle has exactly ONE classification by sides AND ONE by angles
  • Equilateral triangles are always acute
  • A triangle can be "isosceles and right" or "scalene and obtuse"

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the dual classification system for triangles
  • Apply classification rules to various triangles
  • Analyze how changing vertices affects classification

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

Understanding, Applying, and Analyzing

Iframe Embed Code

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/geometry-course/sims/triangle-classifier/main.html"
        height="602px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>