Find a corresponding side in similar triangles
The idea
Use the similarity statement or given correspondence to match the correct sides.
Step by step
- Use the similarity statement or given correspondence to match the correct sides.
- Find the ratio of a larger side to its corresponding smaller side.
- Apply that same ratio to the required corresponding side and check that the triangles’ side ratios agree.
Example
Two triangles are similar. Every side of the larger triangle is 2 times its corresponding side in the smaller triangle. A smaller side is 3 cm. How long is the corresponding larger side in centimeters?
Answer
6
Corresponding sides share the scale factor 2. 3 × 2 = 6 cm.
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Draw two triangles whose corresponding sides are 3, 4, 5 and 6, 8, 10. Explain the common scale factor.
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