Geometric Proportions and Similar Figures

Front

What is a proportion?

Back

Front

What does it mean for two figures to be similar?

Back

Two figures are similar if they have the same shape but not necessarily the same size. This means their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding sides are in proportion.

Front

How do you set up a proportion to find a missing side in similar triangles?

Back

Front

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

Back

Front

If a rectangular garden is 45 ft wide and 70 ft long, what is the ratio of width to length?

Back

Front

How do you find the length of a side in a scaled drawing?

Back

Front

What is the cross-multiplication method for solving proportions?

Back

Front

What is the relationship between the sides of similar triangles?

Back

Front

How do you determine if two triangles are similar?

Back

Two triangles are similar if they satisfy one of the following conditions: 1) All three pairs of corresponding angles are equal (AA criterion). 2) The lengths of corresponding sides are in proportion (SSS criterion). 3) Two pairs of angles are equal (SAS criterion).

Front

What is a scale factor?

Back

A scale factor is a number that scales, or multiplies, some quantity. In geometry, it is the ratio of the lengths of two corresponding sides of similar figures.