An equilateral triangle is a three-sided polygon with three equal sides and three equal angles, each measuring 60 degrees. In real life, equilateral triangles can be found in a variety of contexts.
One common example is the construction of buildings and other structures. The triangular shape of an equilateral triangle is very strong and stable, making it an ideal choice for use in support beams and other structural elements.
Equilateral triangles also appear in nature, such as in the shape of certain crystals, and the markings on the shells of certain species of turtles. In addition to their practical uses, equilateral triangles also have a rich history in mathematics and geometry. They have been studied for centuries and have many interesting properties that make them an important subject of study.
This post includes vital and common examples of an equilateral triangle in real life that is crucial to know about.
Equilateral triangle real-life examples to comprehend the tricky topic better
Just like many other shapes, from cones to spheres, equilateral triangles, too, can be found in many real-life situations and have several important properties that make them useful in various applications. Some examples of the importance of equilateral triangles in real life include:
1. Traffic signs
Many traffic signs are shaped like equilateral triangles, such as yield and stop signs. The triangle shape is used for traffic signs because it is easily recognizable and can be quickly identified from a distance. The bright colors and bold lines of the triangle also help to grab the attention of drivers and pedestrians. In addition, the triangle is a very stable shape, which means that it can withstand strong winds and other forces without tipping over.
2. The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is located in Giza, Egypt. It is a pyramid with a base that is an equilateral triangle, with each side measuring about 230 meters (755 feet) in length. The Great Pyramid was built around 2550 BC and is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. It is also the only surviving ancient wonder of the world.
3. The Mercedes-Benz logo
The logo for Mercedes-Benz features a silver equilateral triangle with a circle in the center. The triangle represents the brand’s mission to create engines that are powerful, efficient, and reliable, while the circle represents the brand’s commitment to innovation and perfection. The logo has evolved over time, but the triangle and circle have remained a constant element of the design.
4. Quilts
Quilts are blankets that are made up of layers of fabric that are stitched together. Quilts often feature equilateral triangles as part of their design, as the triangle is a versatile and balanced shape that can be pieced together to create complex patterns and shapes. Quilts are often made by hand, and the use of triangles in their design allows for a wide range of creative possibilities.
5. The Triforce
The Triforce is a symbol from the popular video game series “The Legend of Zelda.” It is made up of three equilateral triangles that are interlocked, with each triangle representing one of the three virtues of the series: wisdom, power, and courage. The Triforce is a powerful and important symbol in the “Legend of Zelda” universe, and it is often featured prominently in the games and related media.
6. Kites
Kites are flying objects that are propelled by the wind and are typically made of lightweight materials, such as paper or fabric. Many kite shapes are based on equilateral triangles, as they provide a stable and balanced structure for the kite to fly. The use of triangles in kite design helps to distribute the weight of the kite evenly, which allows it to stay aloft and maintain its shape while in the air.
7. The flag of Cuba
It features an equilateral triangle on the left side of the flag, with a white star superimposed on the red field inside the triangle. The use of the equilateral triangle in the flag is a reference to the Masonic symbol of the Great Architect of the Universe, which is commonly seen as an equilateral triangle with an eye inside. It also references the concept of the three Masonic tenants, which are brotherhood, truth, and relief. Additionally, the red field and white star within the triangle are symbolic of the bloodshed and pure ideals of the Cuban Revolution.
8. Nachos
Nachos are a great example of an equilateral triangle in real life. An equilateral triangle is a type of triangle with three congruent (equal) sides. In the case of nachos, the three sides of the equilateral triangle are represented by the tortilla chips, the cheese, and the toppings. It’s a perfect example of how in real life, geometry can be found in food and cooking.
9. Fire trucks
Fire trucks are vehicles that are used by fire departments to respond to emergencies and extinguish fires. They often feature flashing lights in the shape of an equilateral triangle, which helps to alert other drivers to the presence of the truck and to signal that the truck is on an emergency call. The triangle shape is used for the flashing lights because it is easily recognizable and can be seen from a distance, which helps to ensure the safety of the fire truck and its crew as they respond to emergencies.
10. Pool table rack
If you have played pool before, you might have seen the pool table rack, where all the balls are placed before the player targets them with the cue stick. This pool table rack is an equilateral triangle if you closely see it. The reason behind this is that balls in the rack are placed in a way that the first ball is on the top, and the number of balls increases slowly and gradually in every line.
Equilateral triangles: All around us?
Equilateral triangles can be found in many everyday objects which can be useful for helping children understand and remember the concept of equilateral triangles. Here are a few ways that equilateral triangles can be incorporated into lessons to help children learn about this type of triangle:
1. Piece of paper: Children can be encouraged to create triangles of the same length and then cut them out with the help of scissors. They will be able to experiment with the formation of an equilateral triangle while also learning how to do it.
2. A three-legged stool: It creates an equilateral triangle with the three legs forming the sides. This is because all three legs are the same length, and when they are connected at the top, they form a triangle with three equal sides.
3. A triangular-shaped wedge pillow: It also creates an equilateral triangle with all sides equal in length. This is because the pillow is designed with three sides of equal length, forming an equilateral triangle.
4. Stop Sign: A stop sign is an example of an equilateral triangle. It is a familiar object that students can see in their daily lives, making it easy for them to understand the concept of an equilateral triangle.
5. Sports: The center circle of a soccer field and a volleyball court is also an example of an equilateral triangle, with the three corner points of the center circle having equal distance from the center.
Overall, equilateral triangles can be found all around us in various shapes and forms, and these five examples are just a few of the many ways in which we can see and demonstrate this type of triangle in our everyday lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to help students understand the concept of an equilateral triangle, it may be helpful to connect the mathematical definition to real-life examples. This can be done by highlighting the properties of an equilateral triangle, such as all sides having an equal length and all angles having a measure of 60 degrees, and pointing out how these properties can be observed in real-world objects and situations. Additionally, providing hands-on activities or interactive demonstrations like DIYs can help students visualize and apply the concept in a tangible way.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,