Final answer:
To prove congruence by Hypotenuse Leg (HL), first verify that the triangles are right triangles. Then, ensure that the hypotenuses are of equal length and one pair of corresponding legs are also equal.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if two triangles are congruent by Hypotenuse Leg (HL), you should follow these steps:
- Ensure the triangles are right triangles. This is important because the Hypotenuse Leg congruence theorem only applies to right triangles. You can verify this using any properties or theorems specific to right triangles, such as the fact that one angle is 90 degrees.
- Check that the hypotenuses of each triangle are equal. The hypotenuse is the longest side of the right triangle, opposite the right angle. If the hypotenuses are of equal length, they are congruent.
- Make sure that one pair of corresponding legs are equal. This implies that the corresponding sides across from the same acute angle are of equal length.
Exactly, for congruence by HL, it is not required to check all three angles or ensure SSS (side-side-side) or ASA (angle-side-angle), unlike some other congruence proofs.
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