Similar Triangles: Find the Similarity Ratio Among Three Labeled Triangles I, II, and III

Question

In the following diagrams there is a pair of similar triangles and one triangle that is not similar to the others.

Determine which are similar and calculate their similarity ratio.

8884446664442223334442223.53.53.5AAABBBCCCGGGHHHIIIDDDEEEFFFIIIIII

Step-by-Step Solution

We will analyze the given triangles to establish which ones are similar:

  • Triangle I: Sides are 88, 66, and 44.
  • Triangle II: Sides are 44, 33, and 22.
  • Triangle III: Sides are 66, 44, and 22.

To check for similarity using the Side-Side-Side (SSS) criterion, we compare the ratios of the corresponding sides of each triangle:

  • For Triangle I and II:
    84=2\frac{8}{4} = 2, 63=2\frac{6}{3} = 2, 42=2\frac{4}{2} = 2
    All sides are in the ratio 2:12:1.
  • For Triangle I and III:
    The ratios of sides will be:
    866442\frac{8}{6} \neq \frac{6}{4} \neq \frac{4}{2}
    These do not confirm similarity as the ratios differ.
  • For Triangle II and III:
    64=1.5\frac{6}{4} = 1.5, 42=2\frac{4}{2} = 2, which are not equal in proportions resulting in no similarity.

The only pair of triangles meeting the similarity condition based on the SSS criterion is Triangle II and Triangle III, with a similarity ratio of 2:12:1.

Therefore, Triangles II and III are similar with a similarity ratio of 2.

This matches with the correct given answer, choice 4: II,III,2II, III, 2.

Answer

II, III, 2