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Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS)

Learning goals

  • Identifies corresponding parts of similar figures.
  • Uses similarity criteria correctly.
  • Sets up proportional relationships among corresponding lengths.
  • Uses the scale factor to determine unknown measures.
  • Justifies conclusions from similarity.

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Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 1
Triangle \(ABC\) has angles \(A=40^\circ\), \(B=60^\circ\), and \(C=80^\circ\). Triangle \(DEF\) has angles \(D=80^\circ\), \(E=40^\circ\), and \(F=60^\circ\). Which side of triangle \(DEF\) corresponds to \(BC\)?

Hints

- Corresponding vertices have equal angles. - Find the matches for both endpoints of \(BC\).

Solution

1. Match equal angles: \(A\leftrightarrow E\), \(B\leftrightarrow F\), and \(C\leftrightarrow D\). 2. Therefore side \(BC\) corresponds to side \(FD\).

Answer

\(FD\)
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 2
In triangle \(RST\), which angle is included between sides \(RS\) and \(ST\)? Why does the position of the angle matter in SAS similarity?

Hints

- Where do the named sides meet? - How is the angle placed in the SAS condition?

Solution

1. The sides meet at \(S\), so the included angle is \(\angle RST\). 2. SAS uses the angle between the two pairs of proportional sides, not an angle elsewhere.

Answer

\(\angle RST\). The angle must lie between the two pairs of proportional sides.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 3
Triangle \(PQR\) has \(PQ=6\,\text{cm}\), \(PR=9\,\text{cm}\), and \(\angle QPR=42^\circ\). Triangle \(XYZ\) has \(XY=10\,\text{cm}\), \(XZ=15\,\text{cm}\), and \(\angle YXZ=42^\circ\). a) Determine whether the triangles are similar. State the similarity criterion and the correct correspondence. b) Find the scale factor from \(PQR\) to \(XYZ\). Write an equation relating \(YZ\) to \(QR\).

Hints

- Compare the two sides that meet at the \(42^\circ\) angle in each triangle. - Check whether those two pairs of sides have the same scale factor. - In part b, which side of the larger triangle matches \(QR\)?

Solution

1. The sides around the included angle satisfy \(\frac{PQ}{XY}=\frac{6}{10}=\frac{3}{5}\) and \(\frac{PR}{XZ}=\frac{9}{15}=\frac{3}{5}\). 2. The included angles satisfy \(\angle QPR=\angle YXZ=42^\circ\). 3. Therefore, \(\triangle PQR\sim\triangle XYZ\) by SAS, with \(P\leftrightarrow X\), \(Q\leftrightarrow Y\), and \(R\leftrightarrow Z\). 4. The scale factor from \(\triangle PQR\) to \(\triangle XYZ\) is \(\frac{10}{6}=\frac{5}{3}\). 5. Since \(QR\) corresponds to \(YZ\), the equation is \(YZ=\frac{5}{3}QR\).

Answer

a) \(\triangle PQR\sim\triangle XYZ\) by SAS, with \(P\leftrightarrow X\), \(Q\leftrightarrow Y\), and \(R\leftrightarrow Z\). b) The scale factor is \(\frac{5}{3}\), and \(YZ=\frac{5}{3}QR\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 4
One right triangle has an acute angle of \(32^\circ\). Another right triangle has an acute angle of \(58^\circ\). Explain why the triangles must be similar.

Hints

- Find the missing acute angle in each right triangle. - Compare the three angle measures in the two triangles. - Which triangle-similarity criterion uses two pairs of congruent angles?

Solution

1. Each triangle has a \(90^\circ\) angle. 2. The third angle in the first triangle is \(180^\circ-90^\circ-32^\circ=58^\circ\). 3. The third angle in the second triangle is \(180^\circ-90^\circ-58^\circ=32^\circ\). 4. Both triangles have angles \(90^\circ\), \(32^\circ\), and \(58^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.

Answer

The triangles are similar by AA because both have angle measures \(90^\circ\), \(32^\circ\), and \(58^\circ\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 5
The first triangle has angles of \(40^\circ\) and \(80^\circ\). The second triangle has angles of \(80^\circ\) and \(60^\circ\). Are the triangles similar? Justify your answer.

Hints

- Find the missing interior angle in each triangle. - Compare the complete sets of angle measures. - Which similarity criterion applies when two pairs of corresponding angles are congruent?

Solution

1. The missing angle of the first triangle is \(180^\circ-40^\circ-80^\circ=60^\circ\). 2. The missing angle of the second triangle is \(180^\circ-80^\circ-60^\circ=40^\circ\). 3. Both triangles have angle measures \(40^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(80^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.

Answer

Yes. Both triangles have angle measures \(40^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(80^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 6
Two triangles have the following angle measures: Triangle 1: \(\alpha_1 = 45^\circ\) and \(\beta_1 = 75^\circ\) Triangle 2: \(\alpha_2 = 45^\circ\) and \(\gamma_2 = 60^\circ\) a) Find the third angle of each triangle. b) Compare the shapes of the triangles. c) Must the triangles be congruent? Explain.

Hints

- Use the \(180^\circ\) triangle angle sum. - What does matching angle measures tell you about similarity? - Does angle information alone determine a triangle’s size?

Solution

1. For Triangle 1, \(\gamma_1 = 180^\circ - (45^\circ + 75^\circ) = 60^\circ\). 2. For Triangle 2, \(\beta_2 = 180^\circ - (45^\circ + 60^\circ) = 75^\circ\). 3. Both triangles have angle measures \(45^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(75^\circ\), so they have the same shape and are similar by AA. 4. No side length is given, so the triangles may have different scale factors. Therefore, they are not necessarily congruent.

Answer

a) \(\gamma_1 = 60^\circ\) and \(\beta_2 = 75^\circ\) b) The triangles have the same angle measures, so they have the same shape and are similar. c) No. They may be different sizes because no corresponding side lengths are specified.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 7
Paul claims, “If two triangles have all three pairs of corresponding angles congruent, then the triangles must be congruent.” Evaluate Paul’s claim. Explain what matching angle measures determine about a triangle’s shape and size.

Hints

- Imagine enlarging or reducing a triangle without changing its angles. - What is the difference between similar and congruent figures? - Can two equilateral triangles have different side lengths?

Solution

1. Paul’s claim is false. 2. Three matching angle measures determine the shape of a triangle but not its size. Such triangles are similar by AA. 3. For example, two equilateral triangles both have angles measuring \(60^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(60^\circ\). One could have side length \(2\,\text{cm}\), while the other has side length \(5\,\text{cm}\). 4. The triangles have the same shape but different sizes, so they are not congruent. AAA is a similarity condition, not a congruence criterion.

Answer

Paul is incorrect. Three pairs of congruent angles guarantee similarity, not congruence. The triangles can have the same shape but different side lengths.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 8
An isosceles triangle \(ABC\) has a base angle of \(72^\circ\). A second triangle \(DEF\) has two interior angles measuring \(36^\circ\) and \(72^\circ\). Use calculations to determine whether the triangles are similar.

Hints

- What is true about the base angles of an isosceles triangle? - What is the sum of the interior angles of a triangle? - What angle condition is sufficient to prove two triangles similar?

Solution

1. In isosceles triangle \(ABC\), both base angles measure \(72^\circ\). 2. The vertex angle is \(180^\circ-72^\circ-72^\circ=36^\circ\). Thus, the angle measures are \(36^\circ,72^\circ,72^\circ\). 3. In triangle \(DEF\), the missing angle is \(180^\circ-36^\circ-72^\circ=72^\circ\). 4. Both triangles have the same three angle measures, so they are similar by AA.

Answer

Yes. Both triangles have interior angle measures \(36^\circ,72^\circ,72^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 9
Lucas and Sophia are discussing right triangles. Lucas claims, “All right triangles with a \(40^\circ\) angle are similar.” Sophia claims, “All right triangles in which one leg is twice as long as the other leg are similar.” Determine whether each claim is true and justify your conclusions mathematically.

Hints

- What conditions can prove two triangles similar? - What is the third angle in a right triangle with a \(40^\circ\) angle? - For Sophia’s claim, compare the two legs and the angle between them. - Match the shorter leg to the shorter leg and the longer leg to the longer leg.

Solution

1. Lucas’s claim is true. A right triangle already has a \(90^\circ\) angle. If another angle is \(40^\circ\), the third angle is \(180^\circ-90^\circ-40^\circ=50^\circ\). Every such triangle has angle measures \(90^\circ,40^\circ,50^\circ\), so the triangles are similar by AA. 2. Sophia’s claim is true. In every such triangle, the included angle between the legs is \(90^\circ\), and the ratio of the two adjacent leg lengths is \(2\) to \(1\). Therefore, any two such triangles are similar by SAS.

Answer

Both claims are true. Lucas’s claim follows from AA because every triangle described has angles \(90^\circ,40^\circ,50^\circ\). Sophia’s claim follows from SAS because the included angle is \(90^\circ\) and the adjacent leg-length ratio is always \(2\) to \(1\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 10
A reference triangle has angles of \(48^\circ\) and \(72^\circ\). For each triangle below, determine whether it is similar to the reference triangle. Find the missing angles to justify your answer. a) Triangle 1 has \(\alpha=72^\circ\) and \(\gamma=60^\circ\). b) Triangle 2 is isosceles with a base angle of \(48^\circ\). c) Triangle 3 has \(\beta=48^\circ\) and \(\gamma=60^\circ\).

Hints

- First find the third angle of the reference triangle. - Use the triangle angle sum for each comparison triangle. - In the isosceles triangle, the two base angles are congruent. - Compare the complete angle sets before deciding similarity.

Solution

1. The third angle of the reference triangle is \(180^\circ-48^\circ-72^\circ=60^\circ\), so its angles are \(48^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(72^\circ\). 2. For a), the missing angle is \(180^\circ-72^\circ-60^\circ=48^\circ\). The triangle is similar to the reference triangle by AA. 3. For b), both base angles are \(48^\circ\), so the vertex angle is \(180^\circ-2\cdot48^\circ=84^\circ\). Its angles do not match the reference triangle, so it is not similar. 4. For c), the missing angle is \(180^\circ-48^\circ-60^\circ=72^\circ\). The triangle is similar to the reference triangle by AA.

Answer

a) Missing angle: \(48^\circ\). Similar. b) Missing angles: \(48^\circ\) and \(84^\circ\). Not similar. c) Missing angle: \(72^\circ\). Similar.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 11
Two ramps form right triangles. Ramp A has a horizontal run of \(15\,\text{ft}\) and a rise of \(3\,\text{ft}\). Ramp B has a horizontal run of \(20\,\text{ft}\) and a rise of \(4\,\text{ft}\). Without calculating either acute angle, use the SAS similarity criterion to determine whether the two ramp triangles are similar.

Hints

- Use only the two leg lengths and the angle between them. - Compare the rise-to-run ratios for the two ramps. - Check the angle included between each rise and run before naming the criterion.

Solution

1. The two legs of Ramp A have ratio \(\frac{3}{15}=\frac{1}{5}\). 2. The corresponding legs of Ramp B have ratio \(\frac{4}{20}=\frac{1}{5}\). 3. The included angle between each rise and run is \(90^\circ\). 4. Two pairs of corresponding sides are proportional and their included angles are congruent, so the ramp triangles are similar by SAS.

Answer

Yes. The ramp triangles are similar by SAS because \(\frac{3}{15}=\frac{4}{20}\) and the included angles are both \(90^\circ\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 12
Use the diagram. Explain why \(\triangle ADC\) is similar to the original triangle \(ABC\). Name the similarity criterion.
Figure for problem 515249

Hints

- Which angle belongs to both triangles? - What do the two right-angle marks tell you? - Which similarity criterion uses two pairs of congruent angles?

Solution

1. Triangles \(ADC\) and \(ABC\) share \(\angle A\). 2. The right-angle marks show that \(\angle ADC=90^\circ\) and \(\angle ACB=90^\circ\). 3. Therefore, the triangles have two pairs of congruent corresponding angles, so \(\triangle ADC\sim\triangle ACB\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle ADC\sim\triangle ACB\) by AA because they share \(\angle A\) and each has a right angle.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 13
Two triangles are being compared. a) Triangle 1 has interior angles of \(42^\circ\) and \(75^\circ\). Triangle 2 has interior angles of \(75^\circ\) and \(63^\circ\). Determine whether the triangles are similar and justify your answer. b) Suppose every side length of Triangle 1 is doubled. How do the interior angles of the new triangle compare with those of the original triangle? Explain.

Hints

- What is the sum of the interior angles of a triangle? - Which angle condition proves triangles similar? - What properties are preserved when a figure is enlarged by a dilation?

Solution

1. The missing angle in Triangle 1 is \(180^\circ-42^\circ-75^\circ=63^\circ\). 2. The missing angle in Triangle 2 is \(180^\circ-75^\circ-63^\circ=42^\circ\). 3. Both triangles have angle measures \(42^\circ,63^\circ,75^\circ\), so they are similar by AA. 4. Doubling every side length is a dilation with scale factor \(2\). A dilation preserves angle measures, so the new triangle has the same interior angles as the original.

Answer

a) Yes. Both triangles have angle measures \(42^\circ,63^\circ,75^\circ\), so they are similar by AA. b) All interior angle measures remain unchanged because a dilation preserves shape and angle measure.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 14
Use the side lengths shown in the diagram to determine whether \(\triangle ABC\) and \(\triangle DEF\) are similar. Compare corresponding side-length ratios and name the similarity criterion.
Figure for problem 536409

Hints

- Match the shortest, middle, and longest sides in the two triangles. - What must be true about all three corresponding side-length ratios for SSS similarity? - Compare one ratio for each pair of corresponding sides.

Solution

1. Match the sides from shortest to longest: \(AB=6\,\text{cm}\) with \(DE=4\,\text{cm}\), \(BC=9\,\text{cm}\) with \(EF=6\,\text{cm}\), and \(AC=12\,\text{cm}\) with \(DF=8\,\text{cm}\). 2. The ratios are \(\frac{6}{4}=1.5\), \(\frac{9}{6}=1.5\), and \(\frac{12}{8}=1.5\). 3. All three corresponding side-length ratios are equal, so the triangles are similar by SSS.

Answer

Yes. \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle DEF\) by SSS because every corresponding side-length ratio equals \(1.5\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 15
Use the angle measures shown in the diagram to determine whether \(\triangle PQR\) and \(\triangle STU\) are similar. Find the missing angle in each triangle and justify your conclusion.
Figure for problem 536410

Hints

- What is the sum of the interior angles of a triangle? - Find the unlabeled angle in each triangle. - Which angle condition is sufficient to prove triangle similarity?

Solution

1. In triangle \(PQR\), \(\angle R=180^\circ-52^\circ-68^\circ=60^\circ\). 2. In triangle \(STU\), \(\angle S=180^\circ-68^\circ-60^\circ=52^\circ\). 3. Both triangles have angle measures \(52^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(68^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.

Answer

\(\angle R=60^\circ\) and \(\angle S=52^\circ\). Yes, \(\triangle PQR\sim\triangle STU\) by AA.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 16
Explain why \(\triangle ABE\sim\triangle CDE\).
Figure for problem 536886

Hints

- Which pair of angles is marked congruent? - What is true about opposite angles formed by intersecting lines? - Which triangle similarity criterion uses two angle pairs?

Solution

1. It is given that \(\angle ABE\cong\angle CDE\). 2. Angles \(\angle AEB\) and \(\angle CED\) are vertical angles, so they are congruent. 3. Therefore, \(\triangle ABE\sim\triangle CDE\) by AA.

Answer

The triangles are similar by AA because \(\angle ABE\cong\angle CDE\) and \(\angle AEB\cong\angle CED\) as vertical angles.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 17
Use the diagram to prove that triangles \(ACE\) and \(EKF\) are similar.
Figure for problem 536887

Hints

- Which two angle pairs are marked congruent in the diagram? - How many congruent angle pairs are needed for AA similarity? - Match the vertices of the two triangles in corresponding order.

Solution

1. The right-angle marks show that \(\angle ACE\cong\angle EKF\). 2. The matching angle marks show that \(\angle CAE\cong\angle FEK\). 3. Therefore, \(\triangle ACE\sim\triangle EKF\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle ACE\sim\triangle EKF\) by AA because the diagram shows two pairs of congruent corresponding angles.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 18
Use the diagram to identify two similar triangles and justify your conclusion.
Figure for problem 536888

Hints

- Which smaller triangle shares the angle at \(B\) with the large triangle? - What congruent angle pair is marked in the diagram? - Use the order of corresponding vertices when naming the similar triangles.

Solution

1. Compare triangles \(BKP\) and \(BAC\). 2. Because \(K\) lies on \(BA\) and \(P\) lies on \(BC\), \(\angle KBP\cong\angle ABC\). 3. The matching angle marks show that \(\angle BKP\cong\angle BAC\). 4. Therefore, \(\triangle BKP\sim\triangle BAC\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle BKP\sim\triangle BAC\) by AA.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 19
Use panels a) and b). Are the two triangles similar? Justify your answer using a triangle similarity criterion.
Figure for problem 536943

Hints

- Read the two side lengths adjacent to the marked angle in each panel. - Compare the ratios of corresponding side pairs. - Is the marked congruent angle included between those side pairs?

Solution

1. Compare the pairs of sides adjacent to the marked angles: \(\frac{12}{8}=1.5\) and \(\frac{15}{10}=1.5\). 2. The two pairs of corresponding sides are proportional. 3. The included angles are congruent because both are marked \(38^\circ\). 4. Therefore, \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle DEF\) by SAS similarity.

Answer

Yes. \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle DEF\) by SAS similarity because the adjacent side pairs are proportional and the included angles are congruent.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 20
Use the diagram. Are the two isosceles triangles similar? Briefly justify your answer.
Figure for problem 536945

Hints

- What do the matching tick marks tell you about each triangle? - Use the marked vertex angle and the triangle angle sum to find a base angle. - Which similarity criterion applies once two angle measures match?

Solution

1. The tick marks show that each triangle is isosceles, and each vertex angle is marked \(44^\circ\). 2. In each triangle, each base angle measures \(\frac{180^\circ-44^\circ}{2}=68^\circ\). 3. Both triangles therefore have angle measures \(44^\circ\), \(68^\circ\), and \(68^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.

Answer

Yes. Both triangles have angle measures \(44^\circ\), \(68^\circ\), and \(68^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 21
Prove that \(\triangle ABD\sim\triangle ACB\).
Figure for problem 537116

Hints

- Which angles are indicated by the matching blue marks? - Is there another pair of angles formed by the same rays, even though it is not marked? - Check that your angle matches follow the vertex order in the similarity statement.

Solution

1. Because \(D\) lies on \(AC\), \(\angle BAD\cong\angle CAB\). 2. The matching angle marks show that \(\angle ABD\cong\angle ACB\). 3. Therefore, \(\triangle ABD\sim\triangle ACB\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle ABD\sim\triangle ACB\) by AA: \(\angle BAD\cong\angle CAB\) and \(\angle ABD\cong\angle ACB\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 22
Determine whether the two triangles are similar. Justify your answer with a triangle similarity criterion.
Figure for problem 537118

Hints

- What do the matching tick marks tell you about each triangle? - Find the two acute angle measures in an isosceles right triangle. - Which similarity criterion uses angle measures?

Solution

1. Each triangle is a right triangle with two congruent legs, as shown by the tick marks. 2. In each isosceles right triangle, the two acute angles are congruent and have measure \(\frac{180^\circ-90^\circ}{2}=45^\circ\). 3. Both triangles have angle measures \(45^\circ\), \(45^\circ\), and \(90^\circ\), so they are similar by AA.

Answer

Yes. The triangles are similar by AA because both are \(45^\circ\)-\(45^\circ\)-\(90^\circ\) triangles.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 23
Determine whether the two triangles shown are similar. Show the corresponding side-length ratios to support your conclusion.
Figure for problem 537134

Hints

- Match the shortest sides, the middle-length sides, and the longest sides. - Check whether one constant scale factor relates all three pairs.

Solution

1. Match the sides from shortest to shortest, middle to middle, and longest to longest. 2. The corresponding ratios are \(\frac{6}{4}=1.5\), \(\frac{9}{6}=1.5\), and \(\frac{11}{8}=1.375\). 3. The ratios are not all equal, so the triangles are not similar.

Answer

No. The triangles are not similar because the corresponding side-length ratios are \(1.5\), \(1.5\), and \(1.375\), which are not all equal.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 24
In triangle \(ABC\), the angle bisector of \(\angle A\) is drawn. Perpendicular segments from \(B\) and \(C\) meet the angle bisector at \(B_1\) and \(C_1\), respectively. Explain why right triangles \(ABB_1\) and \(ACC_1\) are similar.
Figure for problem 537217

Hints

- What angle is formed by a segment perpendicular to a line? - What does an angle bisector do to an angle? - Which similarity criterion uses two pairs of congruent angles?

Solution

1. Because \(BB_1\) and \(CC_1\) are perpendicular to the angle bisector, \(\angle AB_1B\) and \(\angle AC_1C\) are right angles. 2. The angle bisector divides \(\angle A\) into two congruent angles, so \(\angle BAB_1\cong\angle CAC_1\). 3. Therefore, \(\triangle ABB_1\sim\triangle ACC_1\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle ABB_1\sim\triangle ACC_1\) by AA because each triangle has a right angle and the acute angles at \(A\) are congruent.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 25
Are \(\triangle ABC\) and \(\triangle DEF\) similar? If so, name the similarity criterion, write a similarity statement, and give the scale factor from \(\triangle ABC\) to \(\triangle DEF\).
Figure for problem 555047

Hints

- A triangle's shape is determined by all three sides working together. - Test whether your proposed side pairs preserve the same relationship. - After comparing sides, how do you name matching vertices?

Solution

1. Compare corresponding-looking side ratios: \(\frac{DE}{AB}=\frac{16}{12}=\frac{4}{3}\), \(\frac{DF}{AC}=\frac{12}{9}=\frac{4}{3}\), and \(\frac{EF}{BC}=\frac{8}{6}=\frac{4}{3}\). 2. All three pairs of sides are proportional, so the triangles are similar by SSS. 3. The side matches are \(AB\leftrightarrow DE\), \(BC\leftrightarrow EF\), and \(AC\leftrightarrow DF\), so \(A\leftrightarrow D\), \(B\leftrightarrow E\), and \(C\leftrightarrow F\). 4. Therefore, \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle DEF\), with scale factor \(\frac{4}{3}\) from the first triangle to the second.

Answer

Yes. The triangles are similar by SSS: \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle DEF\). The scale factor from \(\triangle ABC\) to \(\triangle DEF\) is \(\frac{4}{3}\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 26
Use the diagram. Determine whether \(\triangle ABC\) and \(\triangle DEF\) are similar. If they are, name the similarity criterion and give the scale factor from \(\triangle ABC\) to \(\triangle DEF\).
Figure for problem 555048

Hints

- Focus on the two sides that meet at each marked angle. - Compare the two pairs of those adjacent sides. - Check whether the congruent angle is the included angle between the proportional sides.

Solution

1. The marked included angles are congruent: \(\angle A=\angle D=50^\circ\). 2. The sides around those angles are proportional: \(\frac{DE}{AB}=\frac{10}{6}=\frac{5}{3}\) and \(\frac{DF}{AC}=\frac{15}{9}=\frac{5}{3}\). 3. Therefore, the triangles are similar by SAS, with correspondence \(A\leftrightarrow D\), \(B\leftrightarrow E\), \(C\leftrightarrow F\). 4. The scale factor from \(\triangle ABC\) to \(\triangle DEF\) is \(\frac{5}{3}\).

Answer

Yes. \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle DEF\) by SAS, with scale factor \(\frac{5}{3}\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 27
Triangle \(JKL\) has angles \(35^\circ\) and \(85^\circ\). Triangle \(MNP\) has angles \(35^\circ\) and \(60^\circ\). Are they similar? Name the criterion.

Hints

- How many pairs of equal angles are enough for triangle similarity? - Can you identify another equal angle pair even though the given angles differ?

Solution

1. The third angle in \(JKL\) is \(180^\circ-35^\circ-85^\circ=60^\circ\). 2. The triangles share \(35^\circ\) and \(60^\circ\) angles, so they are similar by AA.

Answer

Yes, by AA similarity.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 28
One triangle has side lengths \(3\), \(4\), and \(5\). Another has side lengths \(6\), \(8\), and \(10\). Are they similar? Name the criterion.

Hints

- What would have to be true of the three pairs of side lengths? - Try a scale factor and check whether it works for all three pairs.

Solution

1. Match sides from shortest to longest. 2. The ratios are \(\frac{6}{3}=2\), \(\frac{8}{4}=2\), and \(\frac{10}{5}=2\). 3. All three pairs are proportional, so the triangles are similar by SSS.

Answer

Yes, by SSS similarity; the scale factor is \(2\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 29
Two triangles each have a \(50^\circ\) angle between the given sides. The first has adjacent sides \(4\) and \(6\); the second has adjacent sides \(6\) and \(9\). Are they similar? Name the criterion.

Hints

- Are the given sides on either side of the marked angle? - Compare corresponding sides in the same direction.

Solution

1. The ratios of sides next to the equal included angles are \(\frac{6}{4}=\frac{3}{2}\) and \(\frac{9}{6}=\frac{3}{2}\). 2. The triangles are similar by SAS.

Answer

Yes, by SAS similarity.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 30
Triangle \(A\) has side lengths \(5\), \(7\), and \(9\). Triangle \(B\) has side lengths \(18\), \(10\), and \(14\). Are they similar by SSS? Show how you match the sides.

Hints

- What must be true of corresponding side lengths if the triangles are similar? - Try a proposed matching. Does it give one scale factor for all three sides?

Solution

1. Order the side lengths: \((5,7,9)\) and \((10,14,18)\). 2. The ratios are \(\frac{10}{5}=\frac{14}{7}=\frac{18}{9}=2\). 3. The triangles are similar by SSS.

Answer

Yes. Match \(5\leftrightarrow10\), \(7\leftrightarrow14\), and \(9\leftrightarrow18\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 31
\(DE\parallel BC\). Explain why \(\triangle ADE\) and \(\triangle ABC\) are similar. Name the criterion.
Figure for problem 561120

Hints

- Look for an angle common to both triangles. - What angle relationship follows from the parallel lines?

Solution

1. The triangles share angle \(A\). 2. Since \(DE\parallel BC\), corresponding angles \(ADE\) and \(ABC\) are equal. 3. Thus \(\triangle ADE\sim\triangle ABC\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle ADE\sim\triangle ABC\) by AA similarity.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 32
Triangle \(PQR\) has \(PQ=5\), \(PR=8\), and \(\angle QPR=62^\circ\). Triangle \(XYZ\) has \(XY=12\), \(XZ=7.5\), and \(\angle YXZ=62^\circ\). Are the triangles similar? Give the correct vertex correspondence.

Hints

- Compare the two sides that meet at the given angle in each triangle. - Is there a way to match those sides so that both ratios agree?

Solution

1. The sides adjacent to the \(62^\circ\) angles match as \(PQ\leftrightarrow XZ\) and \(PR\leftrightarrow XY\). 2. The ratios are \(\frac{7.5}{5}=\frac{12}{8}=1.5\), and the included angles agree. 3. By SAS, \(P\leftrightarrow X\), \(Q\leftrightarrow Z\), and \(R\leftrightarrow Y\).

Answer

Yes, by SAS; \(\triangle PQR\sim\triangle XZY\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 33
Two triangles have corresponding side pairs in the ratio \(1:2\) for two sides. They also have equal angles opposite one of those sides. Maya says SAS proves they are similar. Is her reason valid? Explain.

Hints

- What does the middle letter in SAS tell you about the angle's position? - Could different triangles meet the information without sharing the same shape?

Solution

1. SAS requires the equal angle to be between the two given side pairs. 2. Here the angle is opposite a given side, not included between the pairs. This is SSA information. 3. SSA alone is not a triangle-similarity criterion, so Maya's proof is invalid.

Answer

No. SAS requires the included angle; an equal angle opposite one of the known sides does not establish similarity.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 34
A triangle has side lengths \(3\), \(4\), and \(5\). Another has lengths \(9\), \(x\), and \(15\), with sides listed in corresponding order. Find \(x\) so the triangles are similar by SSS.

Hints

- Use the first and third pairs to find the scale factor. - Apply the same factor to the remaining matching side.

Solution

1. The first and third sides have common scale factor \(\frac{9}{3}=\frac{15}{5}=3\). 2. The matching middle side must be \(x=3\cdot4=12\).

Answer

\(x=12\)
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 35
Determine whether the following right triangles are similar. Triangle \(A\) has leg lengths \(a_1=6\,\text{cm}\) and \(b_1=8\,\text{cm}\). Triangle \(B\) has one leg of length \(a_2=12\,\text{cm}\) and a hypotenuse of length \(c_2=20\,\text{cm}\). Justify your conclusion by finding the missing side lengths and comparing corresponding side-length ratios.

Hints

- Which missing side lengths are needed before all ratios can be compared? - Use the Pythagorean theorem in each right triangle. - How can side lengths show that one triangle is a scaled copy of another?

Solution

1. In triangle \(A\), the hypotenuse is \(c_1=\sqrt{6^2+8^2}=\sqrt{100}=10\,\text{cm}\). 2. In triangle \(B\), the missing leg is \(b_2=\sqrt{20^2-12^2}=\sqrt{256}=16\,\text{cm}\). 3. Compare corresponding sides: \(\frac{a_2}{a_1}=\frac{12}{6}=2\), \(\frac{b_2}{b_1}=\frac{16}{8}=2\), and \(\frac{c_2}{c_1}=\frac{20}{10}=2\). 4. All three corresponding side-length ratios are equal, so the triangles are similar by SSS similarity.

Answer

Yes. Triangle \(A\) has side lengths \(6\,\text{cm}\), \(8\,\text{cm}\), and \(10\,\text{cm}\), and triangle \(B\) has side lengths \(12\,\text{cm}\), \(16\,\text{cm}\), and \(20\,\text{cm}\). Every side of triangle \(B\) is twice the corresponding side of triangle \(A\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 36
Two right triangles each have an area of \(6\,\text{cm}^2\). Must the triangles be similar? Justify your answer by giving possible side lengths for a counterexample.

Hints

- Use \(A=\frac{1}{2}ab\) to choose two different pairs of positive leg lengths with the required area. - What must be true about corresponding side-length ratios for the triangles to be similar? - Can right triangles with equal areas have different shapes?

Solution

1. For a right triangle with leg lengths \(a\) and \(b\), the area is \(A=\frac{1}{2}ab\). 2. A right triangle with legs \(3\,\text{cm}\) and \(4\,\text{cm}\) has area \(\frac{1}{2}\cdot3\cdot4=6\,\text{cm}^2\). 3. A right triangle with legs \(2\,\text{cm}\) and \(6\,\text{cm}\) also has area \(\frac{1}{2}\cdot2\cdot6=6\,\text{cm}^2\). 4. The leg ratios are \(\frac{3}{4}\) and \(\frac{2}{6}=\frac{1}{3}\), so the triangles are not similar. Equal area does not guarantee similarity.

Answer

No. For example, right triangles with legs \(3\,\text{cm}\) and \(4\,\text{cm}\), and with legs \(2\,\text{cm}\) and \(6\,\text{cm}\), both have area \(6\,\text{cm}^2\) but are not similar because their leg-length ratios differ.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 37
Use the diagram of right triangle \(ABC\) with altitude \(CD\) to hypotenuse \(AB\). The diagram is not drawn to scale. a) Explain why the two smaller triangles \(ADC\) and \(CDB\) are similar. b) Suppose \(\angle A=35^\circ\). Find all interior angle measures of triangles \(ADC\) and \(CDB\).
Figure for problem 514825

Hints

- Use the right-angle marks in the diagram. - Express the other acute angle of triangle \(ADC\) in terms of \(\angle A\). - How do the two angles at \(C\) fit together in the original right triangle? - Compare the complete angle sets of the two smaller triangles.

Solution

1. Both smaller triangles have a right angle at \(D\). 2. Let \(\angle A=\alpha\). In triangle \(ADC\), \(\angle ACD=90^\circ-\alpha\). 3. Since \(\angle ACB=90^\circ\), the remaining angle \(\angle DCB=\alpha\). Thus triangle \(CDB\) has angles \(90^\circ\), \(\alpha\), and \(90^\circ-\alpha\). 4. Therefore, \(\triangle ADC\sim\triangle CDB\) by AA. 5. When \(\alpha=35^\circ\), triangle \(ADC\) has angles \(35^\circ\), \(55^\circ\), and \(90^\circ\), while triangle \(CDB\) has angles \(55^\circ\), \(35^\circ\), and \(90^\circ\).

Answer

a) \(\triangle ADC\sim\triangle CDB\) by AA. b) \(\triangle ADC\): \(35^\circ,55^\circ,90^\circ\) \(\triangle CDB\): \(55^\circ,35^\circ,90^\circ\)
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 38
Triangle \(T_1\) has side lengths \(6\,\text{cm}\), \(8\,\text{cm}\), and \(10\,\text{cm}\). Triangle \(T_2\) is formed by adding \(2\,\text{cm}\) to each side length of \(T_1\). Use calculations to determine whether \(T_1\) and \(T_2\) are similar. Justify your conclusion using a triangle similarity criterion.

Hints

- What must be true about all corresponding side lengths for two triangles to be similar by SSS? - Find the three side-length ratios. - Does adding the same amount to each side preserve proportionality?

Solution

1. The side lengths of \(T_2\) are \(8\,\text{cm}\), \(10\,\text{cm}\), and \(12\,\text{cm}\). 2. Compare corresponding side-length ratios: \(\frac{8}{6}=\frac{4}{3}\), \(\frac{10}{8}=\frac{5}{4}\), and \(\frac{12}{10}=\frac{6}{5}\). 3. The three ratios are not equal, so the corresponding sides are not proportional. Therefore, the triangles are not similar by SSS.

Answer

No. The corresponding side-length ratios \(\frac{4}{3}\), \(\frac{5}{4}\), and \(\frac{6}{5}\) are not equal, so the triangles are not similar.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 39
Oskar makes this claim: “If two polygons have congruent corresponding interior angles, then the polygons must be similar.” Analyze the claim in each case and justify your conclusion. a) The polygons are triangles. b) The polygons are trapezoids.

Hints

- What conditions define similar polygons? - Is there a triangle similarity criterion based only on angle measures? - Can two quadrilaterals have the same angle measures but different side-length proportions?

Solution

1. Similar polygons have congruent corresponding angles and proportional corresponding side lengths. 2. For triangles, the claim is true. If two corresponding angle pairs are congruent, then the triangles are similar by the AA similarity criterion. 3. For trapezoids, the claim is false. Consider two isosceles trapezoids that both have angle measures \(45^\circ,45^\circ,135^\circ,135^\circ\). One can have bases \(6\,\text{cm}\) and \(2\,\text{cm}\) with height \(2\,\text{cm}\), while another has bases \(8\,\text{cm}\) and \(4\,\text{cm}\) with height \(2\,\text{cm}\). Their corresponding base ratios are \(\frac{8}{6}\) and \(\frac{4}{2}\), which are not equal. Therefore, the trapezoids are not similar even though their corresponding angles are congruent.

Answer

a) The claim is true for triangles because two pairs of congruent corresponding angles establish similarity by AA. b) The claim is false for trapezoids. Two trapezoids can have congruent corresponding angles without having proportional corresponding side lengths.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 40
Two isosceles triangles each have an interior angle of \(50^\circ\). Explain mathematically why this information alone does not guarantee that the triangles are similar.

Hints

- What angle relationships hold in an isosceles triangle? - Could the given angle be either a vertex angle or a base angle? - What must be true about corresponding angles for triangles to be similar? - Find the other angles in both possible cases.

Solution

1. In an isosceles triangle, the \(50^\circ\) angle could be the vertex angle or a base angle. 2. If \(50^\circ\) is the vertex angle, each base angle is \(\frac{180^\circ-50^\circ}{2}=65^\circ\). The angle measures are \(50^\circ,65^\circ,65^\circ\). 3. If \(50^\circ\) is a base angle, the other base angle is also \(50^\circ\), and the vertex angle is \(180^\circ-2\cdot50^\circ=80^\circ\). The angle measures are \(50^\circ,50^\circ,80^\circ\). 4. Because two different angle sets are possible, the triangles are not guaranteed to be similar.

Answer

The \(50^\circ\) angle might be the vertex angle, giving angles \(50^\circ,65^\circ,65^\circ\), or a base angle, giving angles \(50^\circ,50^\circ,80^\circ\). These triangles are not similar, so the given information is insufficient.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 41
In right triangle \(ABC\), \(\angle C=90^\circ\). Altitude \(CD\) is drawn to hypotenuse \(AB\). Prove that \(\triangle ACD\sim\triangle CBD\).
Figure for problem 536949

Hints

- Which angles are right angles because \(CD\) is an altitude? - Express the acute angles in terms of one angle in the original right triangle. - Which similarity criterion follows from two pairs of congruent angles?

Solution

1. Because \(CD\perp AB\), \(\angle ADC\) and \(\angle CDB\) are both right angles. 2. Let \(\angle CAD=\alpha\). Since \(\triangle ACD\) is a right triangle, \(\angle ACD=90^\circ-\alpha\). 3. In \(\triangle ABC\), \(\angle CBA=90^\circ-\alpha\). Because \(D\) lies on \(AB\), \(\angle CBD=\angle CBA\). 4. Thus, \(\angle ACD\cong\angle CBD\), and the triangles also have congruent right angles. Therefore, \(\triangle ACD\sim\triangle CBD\) by AA.

Answer

\(\triangle ACD\sim\triangle CBD\) by AA because both have a right angle and \(\angle ACD\cong\angle CBD\).
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 42
Are the two isosceles triangles similar? Justify your answer.
Figure for problem 537122

Hints

- How are an exterior angle and its adjacent interior angle related? - How are the base angles of an isosceles triangle related?

Solution

1. In the left triangle, the interior angle adjacent to the \(120^\circ\) exterior angle is \(180^\circ-120^\circ=60^\circ\). 2. Because the left triangle is isosceles, its other base angle is also \(60^\circ\), so its vertex angle is \(60^\circ\). 3. In the right isosceles triangle, the vertex angle is \(60^\circ\). Each base angle is \(\frac{180^\circ-60^\circ}{2}=60^\circ\). 4. Both triangles have three \(60^\circ\) angles, so they are similar by AA.

Answer

Yes. Both triangles are equilateral, so they are similar by AA.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 43
A classmate argues that the following information proves two triangles similar by SAS: \(AB=8\), \(AC=6\), \(DE=12\), \(DF=9\), and \(\angle B=\angle E=30^\circ\). The classmate notes that \(\frac{AB}{DE}=\frac{AC}{DF}\). Is the SAS argument valid? Explain.

Hints

- Identify exactly which two sides meet at each stated angle. - SAS requires more than two proportional side pairs and any congruent angle. - Ask whether the stated angle is the angle between the two side pairs being compared.

Solution

1. The two given side pairs are proportional because \(\frac{8}{12}=\frac{6}{9}=\frac{2}{3}\). 2. However, \(\angle B\) is not the included angle between \(AB\) and \(AC\), and \(\angle E\) is not the included angle between \(DE\) and \(DF\). 3. SAS similarity requires the congruent angle to lie between the two proportional side pairs. 4. Here the information has an SSA-type structure. Geometrically, after fixing one side and the \(30^\circ\) ray, a circle representing the other given side can intersect that ray in two different positions, so the data need not determine one triangle shape. 5. Therefore, the classmate has not proved the triangles similar.

Answer

No. The \(30^\circ\) angles are not included between the two proportional side pairs, so SAS does not apply. The given information does not guarantee similarity.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 44
The two sides beside an included \(45^\circ\) angle measure \(3\) and \(5\) in one triangle. In another triangle they measure \(x+1\) and \(x+4\), in matching order, and the included angle is also \(45^\circ\). Find the positive value of \(x\) that makes the triangles similar by SAS.

Hints

- The two angles are included angles, so compare their adjacent side pairs. - Set the two scale-factor expressions equal and solve.

Solution

1. Similarity requires \(\frac{x+1}{3}=\frac{x+4}{5}\). 2. Cross-multiply to get \(5x+5=3x+12\), hence \(x=3.5\). 3. The matching side lengths are \(4.5\) and \(7.5\), both \(1.5\) times the first triangle's sides.

Answer

\(x=3.5\)
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 45
Determine whether \(\triangle ABC\) and \(\triangle DEF\) are congruent. First find the missing interior angles. \(\triangle ABC\): \(b = 6.5\,\text{cm}\), \(\alpha = 50^\circ\), \(\gamma = 70^\circ\) \(\triangle DEF\): \(e = 6.5\,\text{cm}\), \(\delta = 60^\circ\), \(\phi = 70^\circ\)

Hints

- Use the triangle angle sum to find both missing angles. - Match corresponding vertices by equal angle measures. - Is the \(6.5\,\text{cm}\) side opposite the same angle in both triangles?

Solution

1. In \(\triangle ABC\), \(\beta = 180^\circ - 50^\circ - 70^\circ = 60^\circ\). 2. In \(\triangle DEF\), \(\epsilon = 180^\circ - 60^\circ - 70^\circ = 50^\circ\). 3. Both triangles have angle measures \(50^\circ\), \(60^\circ\), and \(70^\circ\), so they are similar by AA. 4. The side \(b = 6.5\,\text{cm}\) is opposite the \(60^\circ\) angle, while side \(e = 6.5\,\text{cm}\) is opposite the \(50^\circ\) angle. These are not corresponding sides. 5. Because distinct angles must have distinct opposite side lengths, the common value \(6.5\,\text{cm}\) cannot represent corresponding sides in congruent triangles. Therefore, the triangles are not congruent.

Answer

The triangles are not congruent. They are similar, but the equal-length sides lie opposite different angle measures and are not corresponding sides.
Similarity criteria for triangles (AA, SSS, SAS) 46
In triangle \(ABC\), point \(K\) lies on \(AB\) and point \(P\) lies on \(BC\). It is given that \(AB\cdot BK=CB\cdot BP\). Prove that \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle PBK\).
Figure for problem 536947

Hints

- Rewrite the product equation as an equation of ratios. - Which angle is shared by the two triangles? - Which similarity criterion combines two proportional side pairs with the included angle?

Solution

1. Rewrite the given equation by dividing both sides by \(CB\cdot BK\): \(\frac{AB}{CB}=\frac{BP}{BK}\). 2. The included angle at \(B\) is common to both triangles: \(\angle ABC\cong\angle PBK\). 3. Two pairs of sides that include the congruent angle are proportional, so \(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle PBK\) by SAS.

Answer

\(\triangle ABC\sim\triangle PBK\) by SAS because \(\frac{AB}{CB}=\frac{BP}{BK}\) and the triangles share the included angle at \(B\).

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