Google Voyager Stories: Triangles

In this exploration, we will explore triangles by looking at different architectural sites. In particular we look at the Bank of China in Hong Kong and then the Eiffel Tower. Each building is an application of the geometric principles behind triangles. To see the Google Earth version of this lesson go to this link (best viewed in Chrome).

1. Introduction to Triangles: The Bank of China Tower

To start this lesson, watch this video about the Bank of China in Hong Kong, which has lots of triangles built into its design.

 

2. The Geometry of the Eiffel Tower

Watch this video clip to learn about the Eiffel Tower, its architect, and how it uses triangular trusses.This segment introduces the concept of triangular shapes used in the structure of the Eiffel Tower.

In addition the following engineering concepts are introduced:

  • Truss
  • Compression
  • Tension
  • Static Equilibrium
  • Vertex
  • Force

Now go see the GoogleEarth view of the tower. Click on the image below and explore the  first two panels:

Keep the browser window with the Google Earth Voyager Story open, since you will be returning to it throughout this lesson.

 

3. Constructing an Isosceles Triangle with the TI-Nspire

In this video construct an isosceles triangle using the TI-Nspire graphing calculator. All keystrokes are clearly shown for constructing this type of triangle.

The following geometric concepts are introduced:

  • Vertex
  • Perpendicular Bisector
  • Line Segment
  • Base
  • End point
  • Side
  • Angle
  • Length
  • Congruent Sides

4. Constructing an Isosceles Triangle with the Desmos or Geogebra Geometry Tools

The previous activity can be done with any geometry software. In this section we show how to do so with the Desmos geometry tool and the Geogebra geometry tool. Click on the appropriate image below to see a short video clip showing how to use these tools to create an isosceles triangle.

 

Desmos

Geogebra

 

 

5. The Rigidity of Triangles

In this video learn about the geometric properties of triangles that give them their rigidity. This geometric property is what makes triangles so effective for construction. This video is a continuation of the geometric construction using the TI-Nspire (see previous section).

The rigidity of triangles is contrasted with the flexibility of quadrilaterals. All triangles with the same side lengths are congruent. This isn't necessarily the case with quadrilaterals.

 

6. The Side-Side-Side Postulate

In this video learn about the Side-Side-Side Postulate: When two triangles have corresponding sides that are equal to each other, then the triangles are congruent. This means that not only are the corresponding side lengths congruent, but so are the corresponding angles.

 

7. Triangular Trusses

In this video learn about the structure of a triangular truss. In particular, we look at triangular trusses in the shape of an isosceles triangle. We also look at a version of a truss that has a vertical support that splits the isosceles triangle into two congruent right triangles. The perpendicular bisector of an isosceles triangular base is also an angle bisector.

 

8. Triangle Inequalities and Truss Size

In this video learn about the triangle inequality that involves the three sides of a triangle. We look at different sizes for trusses to discover the limitations on the size of a triangular truss. We go through the steps of building a triangular truss with a vertical support. We analyze the configuration of trusses into quadrilateral shapes and see how different forces create different areas of compression and tension.

9. Equilateral Triangles

In this video learn about equilateral triangles. What properties of similar triangles make them ideal for triangular trusses?

 

10. Similar Triangles

In this video learn about similar triangles. For two similar triangles we look at the corresponding parts that are congruent and those that are proportional. We look at trusses that are made up of similar triangles.

 

11. Geometric Proof

In this video we go through a geometric proof to show that adjacent sets of triangular trusses on the Eiffel Tower are similar. The proof involves finding corresponding angles that are congruent.

 

11. Conclusion

We look at the Eiffel Tower's continuing importance to France and world culture.

 

 

Finish your exploration by looking at the other architectural forms that use triangles on the Google Voyager Story. Click on the image below to take you to Google Earth. Or if you have your browser already open to the Voyager Story, continue with the remaining panels.