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How do I know if I have SSS or SAS?

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SSS is when there are three sides that are similar and SAS is when there are two similar sides and one similar angle
User Catwith
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SSS = side side side

It's used only when you know 3 pairs of congruent sides. Tickmarks are often used on diagrams to indicate which pairs of sides match up.

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SAS = side angle side

This is when we know two pairs of congruent sides, and also a pair of congruent angles. The angles must be between the congruent sides. Otherwise you'll have SSA which is not a valid congruence theorem.

Congruent angles will have similar tickmarks on them. Use other theorems such as the alternate interior angle theorem to help pair up congruent angles.

User Dcarlson
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