Similar Triangles Analysis: Compare Triangles ABC (8,6,4) and DEF (4,3,2)

Similar Triangles with SSS Ratio Comparison

Are the triangles below similar?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:03 Are the triangles similar?
00:06 Let's check by comparing the ratios of the sides.
00:16 If all the side ratios match, then the triangles are similar.
00:21 Be sure to compare the correct corresponding sides.
00:26 Here, all side ratios are equal. So, the triangles are indeed similar.
00:31 And that's how we solve the problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Are the triangles below similar?

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2

Step-by-step solution

To determine whether the triangles ABC \triangle ABC and DEF \triangle DEF are similar, we shall apply the Side-Side-Side (SSS) similarity theorem, which requires that the ratios of corresponding sides of the triangles be equal.

Let's compute the ratios:

  • Ratio of corresponding sides BC BC and EF EF : BCEF=84=2\frac{BC}{EF} = \frac{8}{4} = 2
  • Ratio of corresponding sides AB AB and DE DE : ABDE=42=2\frac{AB}{DE} = \frac{4}{2} = 2
  • Ratio of corresponding sides AC AC and DF DF : ACDF=63=2\frac{AC}{DF} = \frac{6}{3} = 2

Since all the corresponding side ratios are equal (2 2 ), the triangles ABC \triangle ABC and DEF \triangle DEF are similar by the SSS similarity theorem.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Yes.

3

Final Answer

Yes

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • SSS Similarity Rule: All three corresponding side ratios must be equal
  • Technique: Calculate ratios: 84=63=42=2 \frac{8}{4} = \frac{6}{3} = \frac{4}{2} = 2
  • Check: All ratios equal 2, so triangles are similar by SSS ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Only comparing two sides instead of all three
    Don't check just two side ratios and conclude similarity = wrong answer! Two equal ratios don't guarantee similarity - the third ratio might be different. Always calculate all three corresponding side ratios to confirm SSS similarity.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Angle B is equal to 60°

Angle C is equal to 55°

Angle E is equal to 60°

Angle F is equal to 50°

Are these triangles similar?

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which sides correspond to each other?

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Look at the relative positions of the sides in each triangle. The longest side corresponds to the longest side, shortest to shortest, and middle to middle. In this problem: 8↔4, 6↔3, and 4↔2.

What if I get different ratios for the three sides?

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If any ratio is different, the triangles are NOT similar. All three ratios must be identical for SSS similarity. Even if two ratios match but the third doesn't, they're not similar.

Does the order of the ratio matter?

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Yes! Always put corresponding sides in the same order. If you calculate ABC sideDEF side \frac{ABC\text{ side}}{DEF\text{ side}} for one pair, use the same pattern for all pairs to avoid confusion.

Can triangles be similar if one is much bigger?

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Absolutely! Similar triangles can be different sizes - that's the whole point! As long as all corresponding angles are equal and all side ratios are the same, they're similar regardless of size.

What's the difference between congruent and similar triangles?

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Congruent triangles are identical in size and shape (ratio = 1). Similar triangles have the same shape but can be different sizes (any equal ratio). All congruent triangles are similar, but not all similar triangles are congruent.

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