Segment Sleuth Worksheet
Geometry Lab
Segment Sleuth Worksheet
Triangle Special Segments
Name:
Date:
Period:
Reference:
Median: vertex to opposite midpoint Altitude: vertex $\perp$ opposite side $\angle$ Bisector: divides angle into $2$ equal parts $\perp$ Bisector: $\perp$ at midpoint
Figure 1 Scalene Triangle $\triangle ABC$ with Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Pay close attention to vertices, endpoints, and tick/angle markings
A B C D P M (Midpoint) 1 2 3 4
1
Target Question: Identify the Median
Core Task
Based on the markings in Figure 1, which numbered line represents the median of $\triangle ABC$ to side $\overline{BC}$?
A Line 1 ($\overline{AD}$)
B Line 2 ($\overline{AP}$)
C Line 3 ($\overline{AM}$)
D Line 4
Geometric Justification: State the specific markings on the diagram that prove this choice is the median.
2
Segment Matching & Visual Evidence
| Line | Name of Special Segment | Visual Clue Observed on Diagram | Starts at A? |
|---|
| Line 1 | | Right angle square at point $D$ on side $\overline{BC}$ | Yes / No |
| Line 2 | | Twin arc tick marks dividing $\angle BAC$ into equal halves | Yes / No |
| Line 3 | | Connects vertex $A$ to midpoint $M$ ($BM \cong MC$) | Yes / No |
| Line 4 | | Perpendicular ($\perp$) at midpoint $M$; extends past triangle | Yes / No |
3
Concept Distinction: Median vs. Perpendicular Bisector
Both Line 3 and Line 4 intersect side $\overline{BC}$ at midpoint $M$. Why is Line 3 classified as a median, while Line 4 is a perpendicular bisector?
Shared Feature:
Distinguishing Difference:
