Similar Triangles Analysis: Determining Similarity Ratio Among Three Given Triangles

Question

In the diagram there is a pair of similar triangles and a triangle that is not similar.

Determine which are similar and calculate their similarity ratio.

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Step-by-Step Solution

To determine which triangles are similar, we will compare the side ratios of each pair of triangles systematically.

First, let us consider Triangle A-B-C and Triangle D-E-F:

  • Triangle A-B-C: The side lengths are 8 8 , 4 4 , and 6 6 .
  • Triangle D-E-F: The side lengths are 4 4 , 2 2 , and 3.5 3.5 .
  • Ratio comparison: 84=2 \frac{8}{4} = 2 , 42=2 \frac{4}{2} = 2 , and 63.51.71 \frac{6}{3.5} \approx 1.71 .
  • Since the last comparison does not yield equal ratios, Triangles A-B-C and D-E-F are not similar.

Next, consider Triangle A-B-C and Triangle G-H-I:

  • Triangle A-B-C: Side lengths are already known.
  • Triangle G-H-I: The side lengths are 3 3 , 2 2 , and 4 4 .
  • Ratio comparison: 84=2 \frac{8}{4} = 2 , 42=2 \frac{4}{2} = 2 , and 63=2 \frac{6}{3} = 2 .
  • All corresponding side ratios are equal at 2 2 , making these triangles similar by SSS criterion.

To confirm, check Triangle B-C and Triangle G-H-I for the same ratio conformity.


Therefore, the similar triangles are Triangle G-H-I and Triangle A-B-C, with a similarity ratio of 2 2 .

Answer

B + C, similarity ratio of 2