LESSON

8.2
8.2 Angle Bisectors of Triangles Angle Bisectors
Essential Question: How can you use angle bisectors to find the point that is equidistant
from all the sides of a triangle?
of Triangles
Resource
Locker
Common Core Math Standards
Explore Investigating Distance from a Point
to a Line The student is expected to:
COMMON
Use a ruler, a protractor, and a piece of tracing paper to investigate points on the bisector of an angle. CORE G-C.A.3
Construct the inscribed ... circles of a triangle … . Also
Use the ruler to draw a large angle on tracing paper. Label it ∠ABC. Fold the paper so
→ → G-CO.C.9, G-CO.C.10, G-CO.D.12, G-SRT.B.5
‾ coincides with BA
that BC ‾ . Open the paper. The crease is the bisector of ∠ABC. Plot a point
P on the bisector.
Mathematical Practices
COMMON
A
A
CORE MP.3 Logic
B B P
C C
Language Objective
Students work in pairs to complete a compare/
→ contrast chart for circumscribed and inscribed circles.
 ‾ . Measure the lengths of
Use the ruler to draw several different segments from point P to BA
→
the segments. Then measure the angle each segment makes with BA ‾ . What do you notice
→
about the shortest segment you can draw from point P to BA‾ ?
→
The segment is most nearly perpendicular to BA ‾ . Online Resources
→
 Draw the shortest segment you can from point P to BC ‾ . Measure its length. How does its
→
length compare with the length of the shortest segment you drew from point P to BA ‾ ?
An extra example for each Explain section is
The lengths should be approximately equal.
available online.
Reflect 1. They will be the same length.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

1. Suppose you choose a point Q on the bisector of ∠XYZ and you draw the perpendicular segment from Q
→ →
‾ and the perpendicular segment from Q to YZ
toYX ‾ . What do you think will be true about these segments?

2. Discussion What do you think is the best way to measure the distance from a point to a line? Why?
Measure the distance from the point to the line along the perpendicular segment from
the point to the line. Among all the segments from the point to the line, this segment is
Engage
shortest.
Essential Question: How can you use angle
bisectors to find the point that is equidistant from
all the sides of a triangle?
Bisect any two of the angles of a triangle; the point of
intersection of the angle bisectors is equidistant from
the sides of the triangle.

Module 8 317 Lesson 2

Preview: Lesson Performance Task
Professional Development
View the Engage section online. Discuss the
Learning Progressions photo, asking students to explain how central
In this lesson, students add to their prior knowledge of constructing geometrical pivot irrigation works. Then preview the Lesson
figures by investigating the angle bisectors of a triangle. The opening activity leads Performance Task.
students to make a conjecture that the distance from a point to a line is the
perpendicular distance. This fact helps students understand that the perpendicular
distances from the intersection point of the angle bisectors of
a triangle serve as radii of the incircle of a triangle. By constructing the angle
bisectors of the angles of many different triangles, students can convince
themselves that the angle bisectors of any triangle intersect in a point
(are concurrent). This point is called the incenter of the triangle.

Lesson 8.2 317

 Explain 1 Applying the Angle Bisector Theorem
Explore and Its Converse
The distance from a point to a line is the length of the perpendicular segment from the point to the line. You will
prove the following theorems about angle bisectors and the sides of the angle they bisect in Exercises 16 and 17.
Investigating Distance from a Point
to a Line Angle Bisector Theorem
If a point is on the bisector an of angle, then it is equidistant from the sides of the angle.
A
C
∠APC ≅ ∠BPC, so AC = BC.
Integrate Technology
P
Students have the option of doing the distance from a B

point to a line activity either in the book or online. Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem
If a point in the interior of an angle is equidistant from the sides of the angle, then it
is on the bisector of the angle. A
C
Questioning Strategies
AC = BC, so ∠APC ≅ ∠BPC P
You can draw many segments from a point to a B

line. Which segment is the distance from a point to

the line? the segment that is perpendicular to the Example 1 Find each measure.

line
LM

J
12.8
M
Explain 1 K
L

→
Applying the Angle Bisector Theorem ‾ is the bisector of ∠JKL, so LM = JM = 12.8.
KM

and Its Converse

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

 m∠ABD, given that m∠ABC = 112°
→ _ → →
¯ ⊥ BA
Since AD = DC, AD ‾ , and DC ⊥ BC‾ , you know that BD
‾
D bisects ∠ABC by the Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem.
74
Integrate Mathematical Practices A So, m∠ABD = _ 1 m∠ABC = 56 °.
74 2
Focus on Math Connections
MP.1 The Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem B C
does not apply if the point is in the exterior of the
angle. An angle bisector must be in the interior of the
angle it bisects. Therefore, a point equidistant from
the sides must also be in the angle’s interior in order
to be on the bisector.

Questioning Strategies Module 8 318 Lesson 2

How do you know which theorem to use in the

example? If a point is given on the angle bisector, Collaborative Learning
use the Angle Bisector Theorem to state that the
Whole Class Activity
point is equidistant from the sides of the angle. If it
Give groups of students different triangular regions in the plane. Have each group
is given that the point is equidistant from the sides
construct the angle bisectors of their triangle and identify the incenter of the
of the angle, use the Converse of the Angle
triangle. Ask a volunteer from each group to display their triangle and explain to
Bisector Theorem to state that the point must be
the class how they found the incenter.
on the angle bisector.

318 Angle Bisectors of Triangles

 Reflect

3. In the Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem, why is it important to say that the point must be in the How many angle bisectors does a triangle have? 3
interior of the angle? If a point lies in the exterior of the angle, it is not necessarily possible to
draw perpendicular segments to each ray. The distance to each ray is not What is true about the points on the bisector of an
Your Turn necessarily defined. angle? The points are all equidistant from the sides
Find each measure. of the angle.
4. QS 14.7 5. m∠LJM, given that m∠KJM = 29° 58°

S
L
62
14.7
K
Explain 2
62
R
J Constructing an Inscribed Circle
Q P M

Explain 2 Constructing an Inscribed Circle W Integrate Mathematical Practices

A circle is inscribed in a polygon if each side of the polygon is tangent to the circle. In Z
Focus on Modeling
the figure, circle C is inscribed in quadrilateral WXYZ and this circle is called the incircle C MP.4 Have students copy a larger version of the
(inscribed circle) of the quadrilateral.
X Y triangle in the example, and construct the incenter of
In order to construct the incircle of a triangle, you need to find the center of the circle. This
point is called the incenter of the triangle. the triangle by paper folding. To construct an angle
bisector, have them fold one side of an angle of the
Example 2 Copy △PQR. Then use a compass and straightedge to construct the
inscribed circle of △PQR.
triangle onto the other side of the angle. Discuss the
Q point of concurrency and Angle Bisector Theorem.
Step 1 The center
_ of the_ inscribed circle must be equidistant
from PQ
_ and PR_. What is the set of points equidistant
Remind students of the properties of angle bisectors.
from PQ and PR? the bisector of ∠P
Construct this set of points.
_ _
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Step 2 The center must also be equidistant from PR_ and QR

_.
What is the set of points equidistant from PR and QR?
C
Integrate Mathematical Practices
the bisector of ∠R
Construct this set of points.
R Focus on Technology
Step 3 The center must lie at the intersection of the two sets MP.5 Have students use geometry software to draw a
of points you constructed. Label this point C. P triangle and then construct the bisector of each angle.
Step 4 Place the point of your compass at C and open the compass until the pencil just touches a side of Have them mark the point of concurrency of the
△PQR. Then draw the inscribed circle. bisectors. Then have them measure the distances
from the point to each side of the triangle and
Reflect
_ _
confirm that they are equal. Have them finish by
6. Suppose you started by constructing the set of points_ _ from PR and QR, and
equidistant constructing a circle with the point of concurrency as
then constructed the set of points equidistant from QR and QP. Would you have found
the same center point? Check by doing this construction. center and the distance to the side of the triangle as
Yes, all three angle bisectors intersect at the same point. radius.

Module 8 319 Lesson 2

Differentiate Instruction Questioning Strategies

How do you use the angle bisectors to find the
Multiple Representations incenter? The incenter is the point of concurrency
Have students use geometry software to construct a triangle and its angle of the angle bisectors.
bisectors. Have students drag a vertex to verify that the angle bisectors are still
What is true of the incenter of a triangle? The point
concurrent. Finally, have students construct the inscribed circle and verify that the
is equidistant from the sides of the triangle.
incenter is the same distance from each side of the triangle.

Lesson 8.2 319

 Explain 3 Using Properties of Angle Bisectors
Explain 3 As you have seen, the angle bisectors of a triangle are concurrent. The point of concurrency is
the incenter of the triangle.

Using Properties of Angle Bisectors Incenter Theorem

The angle bisectors of a triangle intersect at a point B
that is equidistant from the sides of the triangle.
Y Z
Integrate Technology
P
Some properties of the incenter on a coordinate plane C
PX = PY = PZ X
that students can verify using a geometry program A
are: the incenter is the middle point of the inscribed
circle; the incenter is exactly the same distance from Example 3 ¯
JV and ¯
KV are angle bisectors of △JKL. Find each
K
each side of the triangle; the incenter is always measure.
7.3
located in the interior of the triangle. You can also ask _ W
the distance from V to KL
students to use geometry software to find the angle V
V is the incenter of △JKL. By the Incenter Theorem, V is equidistant from L
_ _ the sides J
bisectors of the sides, and the intersection point of of △JKL. The distance from V to JK is 7.3. So the distance from V to KL is also 7.3. 19° 106°
the angle bisectors.
 m∠VKL

Questioning Strategies
_
JV is the bisector of ∠ KJL . m∠KJL = 2 ( 19° ) = 38°

How do you use the angle bisectors of a triangle to Triangle Sum Theorem 38° + 106° + m∠JKL = 180°
find the indicated measures in a triangle? You find
the incenter from the intersection of the angle Subtract 144° from each side. m∠JKL = 36°

bisectors, then use the fact that the incenter is

equidistant from the sides of the triangle to solve
_
KV is the bisector of ∠JKL. 1
m∠VKL = _
2 ( 36° ) = 18°

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

for various measures in the triangle. Reflect

7. In Part A, is there another distance you can determine? Explain. Yes the incenter is equidistant from
all three sides, so the distance from V to ¯ JL is 7.3.
Avoid Common Errors _
Your Turn
_
QX and RX are angle bisectors of △PQR. Find each measure.
Students may be confused when asked to calculate _
8. the distance from X to PQ 19.2
the radius of the incircle. The radius is the same as the Q
9. m∠PQX 52°
distance from the incenter to any side. In the X
R
coordinate plane, they can use the distance formula 52° 12°
P Y 19.2
to find the radius.

Module 8 320 Lesson 2

Language Support
Connect Vocabulary
To help students remember the meanings of the words incenter, incircle, and
inscribed, remind them that the prefix in- means inside or within. Have students
make a poster showing examples and diagrams of the use of incenter, inscribed,
and incircle.

320 Angle Bisectors of Triangles

 Elaborate
10. P and Q are the circumcenter and incenter of △RST, but not necessarily in that
order. Which point is the circumcenter? Which point is the incenter? Explain how
S Elaborate
Q
you can tell without constructing any bisectors.
Q is the circumcenter and P is the incenter. The incenter is always P
inside the triangle, therefore P must be the incenter. T
R
Questioning Strategies
11. Copy and complete the table to make each statement true. See below.
How does the incenter of a triangle compare with
Circumcenter Incenter the circumcenter of the circumscribed circle of the
Definition The point of concurrency of The point of concurrency of triangle? The incenter is the center of the inscribed
the ? the ?
circle, while the circumcenter is the center of the
Distance Equidistant from the ? Equidistant from the ? circumscribed circle.
Location (Inside, Outside, On) Can be ? the triangle Always ? the triangle
When are the incenter and the circumcenter of a
12. Essential Question Check-In How do you know that the intersection of the bisectors of the angles of a triangle concurrent? when the triangle is
triangle is equidistant from the sides of the triangle? The points on the bisector of an angle are equilateral
equidistant from the sides of the angle. So the intersection of the three
angle bisectors is equidistant from the three sides of the triangle. How many angle bisectors do you need to
construct to find the incenter of a triangle?
Evaluate: Homework and Practice Explain. Two; since all three angle bisectors
1. Use a compass and straightedge to investigate points on the bisector of an angle. t
0OMJOF
)PNFXPSL intersect in the same point, you need only two lines
t
)JOUT
BOE
)FMQ
On a separate piece of paper, draw a large angle A. t
&YUSB
1SBDUJDF to determine the point.
a. Construct the bisector of ∠A.
b. Choose a point on the angle bisector you constructed. Label it P. Construct a
perpendicular through P to each side of ∠A.
Summarize The Lesson
c.Explain how to use a compass to show that P is equidistant from the sides of ∠A.
Use the compass to measure both perpendicular segments from P to How do you construct the incenter of a
For 1–4, find each measure. the sides of ∠A. triangle? Sample answer: Construct the angle
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

2. VP 4.9 3. m∠LKM, given that m∠JKL = 63° 31.5° bisectors of the circle and find their intersection point.
V
S
J
P 9.5
M
W 4.9
9.5
K
L

11. perpendicular bisectors; angle bisectors

vertices of the triangle; sides of the triangle

inside, outside, or on; inside

Module 8 321 Lesson 2

COMMON
Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices
1 2 Skills/Concepts MP.5 Using Tools
2–5 1 Recall MP.2 Reasoning
6–7 1 Recall MP.5 Using Tools
8–11 1 Recall MP.2 Reasoning
12–21 1 Recall MP.5 Using Tools
22 3 Strategic Thinking MP.3 Logic

Lesson 8.2 321

 4. AD 51.8 5. m∠HFJ, given that m∠GFJ = 45° 90°
Evaluate D

10.2
51.8 H G
Assignment Guide A 10.2

Level Concepts Practice B C F J

and Skills
Copy each triangle. Then construct an inscribed circle for each triangle.
Basic Explore Exercise 1
6. 7.
Example 1 Exercises 2–5, 13, 15, 17
N J
Example 2 Exercises 6–7, 19 M
Example 3 Exercises 8–11, 18
C
H.O.T. Exercise 22
C
Average Explore Exercise 1
Example 1 Exercises 2–5, 13, 15, 17
K L
Example 2 Exercises 6–7, 19
P
Example 3 Exercises 8–11, 18, 21
H.O.T. Exercise 22 ¯ and EF
CF ¯ are angle bisectors of △CDE. Find each measure.
_
Advanced Explore N/A 8. the distance from F to CD 42.1 9. m∠FED 46°
Example 1 Exercises 3, 5, 13, 15, 17
17°
Example 2 Exercises 7, 19–20 C D
F 54°
Example 3 Exercises 9, 11, 18, 21 42.1
G
H.O.T. Exercises 22–23
E
Real World Problems ¯ and SJ
TJ ¯ are angle bisectors of △RST. Find each measure.
_

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

10. the distance from J to RS 8.37 11. m∠RTJ 55°
R
Integrate Mathematical Practices
42°
14°
Focus on Modeling J
S
MP.4 Some students may benefit from a hands-on T 8.37
approach to finding the incenter. Have students copy
a larger version of the triangle in an exercise onto a
sheet of paper and then cut it out. Students can then
fold the angles of the triangle along the sides (a
reflection) to get the angle bisectors. The three
creases represent the angle bisectors of the triangle,
and students should find that the creases intersect at
a common point.
Module 8 322 Lesson 2

COMMON
Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices
23 3 Strategic Thinking MP.2 Reasoning

322 Angle Bisectors of Triangles

 Find each measure.
12. BC 50 13. VY 17 Avoid Common Errors
C A
If a diagram contains both the incenter and the
Y 2m + 9
6y - 16
circumcenter of the triangle, students may be
V
confused about which point is the incenter.
5m - 3
B Encourage students to trace the angle bisectors until
4y + 6 D
U X they find their intersection point. This is the incenter.

14. m∠JKL 21° 15. m∠GDF 39°

J D (7y - 3)°
(6y + 3)°
(2x + 1)º L G H

K 2.7 2.7
M F
(3x - 9)º

16. Copy and complete the following proof of the Angle Bisector Q
Theorem.
→ S
‾ bisects ∠QPR.
Given: PS P
¯ ⊥ PQ→ _ →
SQ ‾ , SR ⊥ PR
‾
Prove: SQ = SR R

Statements Reasons
→ _ →_ →
1. PS ‾ , SR ⊥ PR
‾ bisects ∠QPR. SQ ⊥ PQ ‾
1. ? Given

2. ∠QPS ≅ ∠RPS
2. ? Definition of angle bisector
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

3. ∠SQP and ∠SRP are right angles. 3. Definition of perpendicular

4. ∠SQP ≅ ∠SRP 4. All right angles are congruent.

¯ ≅ PS
¯ 5. Reflexive Property of Congruence
5. ? PS

6. AAS Triangle Congruence Theorem

6. ? △PQS ≅ △PRS
_ _ Corresponding parts of
7. SQ ≅ SR congruent triangles are
7. ? congruent.
8. SQ = SR 8. Congruent segments have the same
length.

Module 8 323 Lesson 2

Lesson 8.2 323

 17. Copy and complete the following proof of the Converse of X
the Angle Bisector Theorem.
Integrate Mathematical Practices _ → _ →
V
Given: VX ⊥YX ‾ , VX = VZ.
‾ , VZ ⊥ YZ Y
Focus on Math Connections →
‾ bisects ∠XYZ.
Prove: YV
MP.1 When students are given a triangle in the plane, Z
encourage them to use a protractor to help locate the
angle bisectors. Remind them that they need to find Statements Reasons
only two angle bisectors of the triangle to locate the _ → _ →
‾ , VZ ⊥ YZ
1. VX ⊥ YX ‾ , VX = VZ
incenter. 1. ? Given

2. ∠VXY BOE ∠VZY BSF
SJHIU
BOHMFT

2. ? Definition of perpendicular
_ _
3. YV ≅ YV Reflexive Property of
3. ? Congruence
4. △YXV ≅ △YZV HL Triangle Congruence
4. ? Theorem
Corresponding parts of
5. ∠XYV ≅ ∠ZYV congruent triangles are
5. ? congruent.
→
6. ? ‾ bisects ∠XYZ.
YV 6. ? Definition of angle bisector

18. Complete the following proof of the Incenter Theorem. B

→ → → Z
_‾ , BP
Given: AP ‾ _ ‾ bisect
, and_CP _ _ ∠A, ∠
_ B and ∠C, respectively. Y
PX ⊥ AC, PY ⊥ AB, PZ ⊥ BC P

Prove: PX = PY = PZ A C

ª
)PVHIUPO
.JGGMJO
)BSDPVSU
1VCMJTIJOH
$PNQBOZ
t
*NBHF
$SFEJUT
ª1FQ
3PJH
X
Let P be the incenter of △ABC. Since P lies on the Angle Bisector
bisector of ∠A, PX = PY by the ? Theorem. lies on the bisector of ∠B
Similarly, P also ? , so PY = PZ. Therefore, PX = PY = PZ, by
the ? . Transitive Property of Equality
19. A city plans to build a firefighter’s monument in a
triangular park between three streets. Copy the figure.
Then draw a sketch on the figure to show where the
city should place the monument so that it is the same
distance from all three streets. Justify your sketch.

Fillmore Street

Alamy
Polk Street
Buchanan Street
Draw the bisectors of two angles of the triangular park. The monument should
be at the intersection of the bisectors. This point is the incenter of the triangle.
By the Incenter Theorem, it is equidistant from the sides of the triangle.
Module 8 324 Lesson 2

324 Angle Bisectors of Triangles

 20. A school plans to place a flagpole on the lawn so that it is
equidistant from Mercer Street and Houston Street. They also
want the flagpole to be equidistant from a water fountain at Mercer Street B
Journal
W and a bench at B. Find the point F where the school should W
Have students write the Angle Bisector Theorem and
place the flagpole. Mark the point on the figure and explain your
answer. See below. F its converse in their own words and explain how they
Houston Street
are used to find the incircle of a triangle.

21. P is the incenter of △ABC. Determine whether each statement B Online Resources
is true or false. A
_
F a. Point P must lie on the perpendicular bisector of BC. P t
Practice and Problem Solving (three forms)
T b. Point P must lie on the angle bisector of ∠C. t
Reteach
F c. If AP is 23 mm long, then CP must be 23 mm long. t
Reading Strategies
_
T d. If the distance from point P to_AB is x, then C
the distance from point P to BC must be x.
t
Success for English Learners
_
F e. The perpendicular segment from point P to AC
Name ________________________________________ Date __________________ Class __________________
is longer than
_ the perpendicular segment from LESSON
Angle Bisectors of Triangles
point P to BC. 8-2
Practice and Problem Solving: A/B

Use the figure for Problems 1–4.

1. Given that FG HG and m‘FEH 55q, find
H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking
m‘GEH . ___________________

22. What If? In the Explore, you constructed the angle bisector of acute ∠ABC and 2. Given that EG bisects ‘FEH and GF 2, find GH.

found that if a point is on the bisector, then it is equidistant from the sides of the ___________________

3. Given that ‘FEG # ‘GEH, FG 10z  30, and

angle. Would you get the same results if ∠ABC were a straight angle? Explain. See below.
HG 7z  6, find FG. ___________________

23. Explain the Error A student was asked to draw the incircle for P 4. Given that GF GH, m‘GEF
8
3
aq, and m‘GEH 24q, find a. ___________________

△PQR. He constructed angle bisectors as shown. Then he drew a Use the figure for Problems 5–9. GJ and IJ are angle
circle through points J, K, and L. Describe the student’s error. L +
bisectors of GHI . Find each measure.

K 5. m‘JGK ___________________
The circle will not necessarily pass through the S 6. m‘JIK ___________________

points where the angle bisectors intersect the Q 7. m‘KJI ___________________

sides of the triangle. Instead, the student should J

8. the distance from J to GH ___________________

have used S as the center of the circle and made R 9. the distance from J to IH ___________________

a circle that just touches the three sides of the Solve.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

10. Raleigh designs the interiors of cars. The

triangle. triangular surface shown in the figure is
molded into the driver's side door as an
armrest. Raleigh thinks he can fit a cup
holder into the triangle, but he'll have to
20. A point that is equidistant from Mercer Street and Houston street must lie on the put the largest possible circle into the
triangle. Explain how Raleigh can do this.
bisector of the angle formed by the streets. A point that is equidistant from the Sketch his design on the figure.

water fountain and the bench, must lie on the perpendicular bisector of the segment _________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________
connecting those points. Therefore, the flagpole should be located at the intersection _________________________________________________________________________________________

of the bisector of the angle formed by the streets and the perpendicular bisector of the _________________________________________________________________________________________

segment determined by the water fountain and the bench. Original content Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
143

22. Yes. In this case, the angle bisector is a line through point B that is perpendicular to
the straight angle. For any point P on the bisector, the shortest distance to the sides of
∠ABC is the distance along the perpendicular to point B, or PB.

Module 8 325 Lesson 2

Lesson 8.2 325

 Lesson Performance Task
Integrate Mathematical Practices Teresa has just purchased a farm with a field shaped like a right triangle. The
Focus on Math Connections triangle has the measurements shown in the diagram. Teresa plans to install 51 yd
central pivot irrigation in the field. In this type of irrigation, a circular region 24 yd
MP.1 The formula given in Part (b) of the Lesson of land is irrigated by a long arm of sprinklers—the radius of the circle—that
Performance Task is derived from Heron’s Formula, rotates around a central pivot point like the hands of a clock, dispensing
water as it moves. 45 yd
named after the ancient Greek mathematician Heron
a. Describe how she can find where to locate the pivot.
of Alexandria. The formula finds T, the area of a
triangle, given a, b, and c, the lengths of the sides: b. Find the area of the irrigation circle. To find the radius, r, of a
――――――――
T = √s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c), where s is the
circle inscribed in a triangle with sides of length a, b, and c,
――――――――
√k(k - a)(k - b)(k - c)
you can use the formula r = ________________
k
, where
semi-perimeter (half the perimeter) of the triangle: k = __12 (a + b + c).
a+b+c
s = _________ c. About how much of the field will not be irrigated?
2
a. She can bisect each of the three angles of the triangle. The point of intersection of the
three angle bisectors is the center of the circle.
_ 1
b. a = 24 yd, b = 45 yd, c = 51 yd, so k = (24 + 45 + 51) = 60. Then
Integrate Mathematical Practices ―――――――――――
2

Focus on Critical Thinking √(60) (60 - 24)(60 - 45)(60 - 51)

r = ____ = 9, and area = πr ≈ 3.14(9) ≈ 254 2 2

c. Area of triangle = _ (45)(24) = 540 yd , so area NOT irrigated ≈ 540 - 254 = 286 yd .
1 60
MP.3 Tell students that by constructing the angle 2 2
2
bisectors of the angles of an equilateral triangle, they
have found the incenter of the triangle. Ask them to
explain how they can now find the circumcenter of
the triangle without carrying out any further
constructions. They have already found the
circumcenter, because the circumcenter and incenter
of an equilateral triangle are the

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

same point.

Module 8 326 Lesson 2

Extension Activity

Lesson Performance Task A farmer intends to install central pivot irrigation in a square field
measuring 400 feet on a side. The farmer is considering three
Scoring Rubric
possible systems: using 1, 4, or 16 circles.
Points Criteria
t
Calculate and compare the total areas that will be irrigated
2 Student correctly solves the problem and explains
his/her reasoning. by each system. Use 3.14 for π.
2
1 Student shows good understanding of the All three systems irrigate 125,600 ft .
problem but does not fully solve or explain his/
her reasoning. t
Which system do you think the farmer should choose?
0 Student does not demonstrate understanding of Explain your reasoning.
the problem. Sample answer: It does not matter because each system irrigates the same area.

326 Angle Bisectors of Triangles