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

Similar Triangle Identification with Ratio Calculations

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.

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

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.

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2

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.

3

Final Answer

II, III, 2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • SSS Similarity: Compare ratios of all three corresponding sides
  • Technique: Calculate 64=1.5 \frac{6}{4} = 1.5 and 42=2 \frac{4}{2} = 2 to check proportionality
  • Check: All ratios must be equal: 42=31.5=21=2 \frac{4}{2} = \frac{3}{1.5} = \frac{2}{1} = 2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Comparing sides in wrong order or forgetting to check all three ratios
    Don't just compare the first two sides or match sides randomly = wrong similarity conclusion! This leads to incorrect ratios and wrong triangle pairs. Always arrange corresponding sides properly and verify all three ratios are equal.

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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Arrange sides in order from smallest to largest for each triangle. Then compare: smallest to smallest, middle to middle, largest to largest. This ensures you're comparing the right sides!

What if I get different ratios for the same triangle pair?

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If the ratios aren't equal, those triangles are not similar! For similarity, all three ratios must be identical. Move on and test a different pair of triangles.

Can I use just two sides to determine similarity?

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No! You need all three sides for SSS similarity. Two matching ratios aren't enough - the third might be different, meaning the triangles aren't actually similar.

Why did Triangle I and Triangle III give different ratios?

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Triangle I has sides 8, 6, 4 and Triangle III has sides 6, 4, 2. The ratios 86 \frac{8}{6} , 64 \frac{6}{4} , and 42 \frac{4}{2} don't equal each other, so they're not similar.

How do I write the similarity ratio correctly?

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Write it as larger triangle : smaller triangle. Since Triangle II has sides 4, 3, 2 and Triangle III has sides 2, 1.5, 1 (when scaled), the ratio is 2:1 or simply 2.

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