Indirect Measurement

Front

What is Indirect Measurement?

Back

Indirect measurement is a technique used to measure an object that is difficult to measure directly by using the properties of similar triangles.

Front

What is the formula for finding the height of an object using indirect measurement?

Back

Height = (Distance to object) x (Height of reference object) / (Distance to reference object)

Front

What is a similar triangle?

Back

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

Front

How can you use shadows to measure the height of a flagpole?

Back

By measuring the length of the shadow of the flagpole and a reference object, you can set up a proportion to find the height of the flagpole.

Front

If a 5-foot tall person casts a 3-foot shadow, and a flagpole casts a 12-foot shadow, how tall is the flagpole?

Back

Using the proportion: (Height of person / Shadow of person) = (Height of flagpole / Shadow of flagpole), we find the height of the flagpole is 20 feet.

Front

What is the importance of using indirect measurement in real life?

Back

Indirect measurement is important for measuring tall objects, such as buildings or trees, where direct measurement is impractical.

Front

What is the relationship between the angles of similar triangles?

Back

The corresponding angles of similar triangles are equal.

Front

What is the first step in solving an indirect measurement problem?

Back

Identify the reference object and measure its height and shadow length.

Front

How do you set up a proportion for indirect measurement?

Back

Set up a proportion comparing the height and shadow length of the reference object to the height and shadow length of the object being measured.

Front

What is a reference object in indirect measurement?

Back

A reference object is a known height object used to help determine the height of another object through proportional reasoning.