Difference Between Scalene, Isosceles, and Equilateral Triangles
Triangles are one of the fundamental shapes in geometry, and they can be categorized based on the lengths of their sides. The three primary types are scalene, isosceles, and equilateral triangles. Let’s explore their differences in detail:
What is a Scalene Triangle?
A scalene triangle is a triangle in which all three sides have different lengths. This means that none of the angles are equal either. Scalene triangles do not have lines of symmetry. For example, a triangle with sides measuring 5 cm, 7 cm, and 9 cm is scalene.
What is an Isosceles Triangle?
An isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length, while the third side is a different length. The angles opposite to the equal sides are also identical. Isosceles triangles have at least one line of symmetry. A classic example is a triangle with sides measuring 5 cm, 5 cm, and 7 cm.
What is an Equilateral Triangle?
An equilateral triangle is a triangle where all three sides are of equal length, and all angles are equal, measuring exactly 60 degrees each. Equilateral triangles have three lines of symmetry, and they are considered a perfect example of balance in geometry.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Scalene Triangle: No sides are equal, no angles are equal.
- Isosceles Triangle: Two sides are equal, and two angles are equal.
- Equilateral Triangle: All sides and angles are equal.
Understanding the distinctions between these triangles is crucial in mathematics and geometry for solving various problems and grasping the concept of symmetry and angle relationships.
