Similar Triangles Analysis: Determining Similarity Ratio Among Three Given Triangles

Triangle Similarity with Side Ratio Comparison

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 written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

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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2

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 .

3

Final Answer

B + C, similarity ratio of 2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • SSS Similarity: All three corresponding side ratios must be equal
  • Ratio Check: Compare 84=2 \frac{8}{4} = 2 , 42=2 \frac{4}{2} = 2 , 63=2 \frac{6}{3} = 2
  • Verification: Check all three ratios equal the same value ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Comparing sides in wrong order or checking only two ratios
    Don't compare 82=4 \frac{8}{2} = 4 with 44=1 \frac{4}{4} = 1 = different ratios! This mixes up corresponding sides and gives wrong similarity conclusions. Always match corresponding sides correctly and check all three ratios.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is the similarity ratio between the three triangles equal to one?

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 position and size of sides in each triangle. The longest side in one triangle corresponds to the longest in the other, shortest to shortest, and middle to middle.

What if two ratios are equal but the third is different?

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Then the triangles are not similar! For triangles to be similar by SSS, all three corresponding side ratios must be exactly equal.

Can I use decimals for the ratios?

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Yes, but be careful with rounding! 63.51.71 \frac{6}{3.5} ≈ 1.71 is not equal to 2, so these triangles aren't similar. Always calculate ratios precisely.

What does the similarity ratio tell me?

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The similarity ratio shows how many times larger one triangle is than the other. A ratio of 2 means each side of the larger triangle is twice as long as the corresponding side of the smaller triangle.

Do I need to check angles too?

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No! If all three side ratios are equal (SSS criterion), the triangles are automatically similar and their corresponding angles are equal. The side ratios are sufficient proof.

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