Ratio and Similarity

Example:

Divide 3000 in the ratio 3: 2 : 1.

1500: 1000 : 500.

Example:

Two positive integers are in the ratio 2: 5. If the product of the integers is 40, find the larger integer.

Method 1:

Factors of 40:

1, 40

2, 20

4, 10

5, 8

Therefore, 4 and 10 satisfy this condition. The larger integer is 10.

Method 2:

Let a and b represent the two integers where a:b = 2:5.

a 2
=
b 5
ab=40
40
b=
a
a 2
=
40 5
a

a2 2
=
40 5

a 2=16
a=± 4 ,
However, a >0.

Therefore, a = 4.

And b = 40/4 = 10.

Therefore, the larger integer is 10.

Similarity for Triangles

SSS, SAS, AA, RHS

Example:

(a) Give the reason for triangle ABC being similar to triangle A’B’C’.

(b) Find the value of x.

Response:

(a) SAS

6.25 3.75 3.013

(b) = =
5 3 x
3.013
1.25=
x
3.013
x= =2.4104 cm
1.25

3.013 x
=
6.25 5
5 ×3.013
x= =2.4104 cm
6.25

Example:
(a) Prove that triangle ABC is similar to triangle AXY.

(b) Find the value of x.

(a) Since CB II XY,

Then Angle ABC = Angle AXY (Corresponding angles),

And Angle ACY = Angle AYX (Corresponding angles),

Therefore, triangle ACB is similar to triangle AYX (AA).

5.5 x +6
(b) =
3 x
5.5 x=3 ( x+ 6 )
5.5x = 3x + 18

2.5x = 18

18
x= =7.2
2.5

Ratio with Area of Similar Triangles

Suppose that the enlargement factor is k, i.e. 1:k (for side lengths). Then, the ratio between the
areas will be 1: k2.

Area of similar shape = k2 x area of the original shape.

Example:
The two rectangles shown below are similar. The area of rectangle ABCD is 20 cm 2. Find the area of
rectangle A’B’C’D’.

Ratio of lengths of sides: 3: 5

Ratio of areas: 9 : 25.

Area of smaller triangle is 20 cm2.

9: 25 = 20: x.

9 20
=
25 x
5 2
X = 55 cm .
9