Similar Triangles and Proportions Flashcard

Front

What are similar triangles?

Back

Triangles that have the same shape but may differ in size. Their corresponding angles are equal, and their corresponding sides are in proportion.

Front

What is the definition of proportion?

Back

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal.

Front

If two triangles are similar, what can be said about their corresponding sides?

Back

The lengths of their corresponding sides are in proportion.

Front

How do you solve a proportion?

Back

Cross-multiply the terms and then solve for the unknown variable.

Front

What is the formula for finding the length of a side in similar triangles?

Back

If triangle ABC is similar to triangle DEF, then AB/DE = AC/DF = BC/EF.

Front

What is the relationship between the angles of similar triangles?

Back

The corresponding angles of similar triangles are equal.

Front

If triangle ABC is similar to triangle DEF and AB = 4, DE = 8, what is the ratio of their areas?

Back

The ratio of their areas is (AB/DE)² = (4/8)² = 1/4.

Front

What is the scale factor in similar triangles?

Back

The scale factor is the ratio of the lengths of corresponding sides of two similar triangles.

Front

How do you find the missing side of a triangle using proportions?

Back

Set up a proportion using the lengths of the known sides and solve for the unknown side.

Front

If two triangles have sides of lengths 3, 4, and 5, and 6, 8, and 10, are they similar?

Back

Yes, they are similar because the ratios of their corresponding sides are equal (3/6 = 4/8 = 5/10 = 1/2).