Geometry Week 4 - 2689 Introduction To Geometry

10/12/21, 8:25 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Introduction to Geometry (2689)

Achilleas Sinefakopoulos
Friday
Apr 30, 2021 - Oct 8, 2021
7:30 - 9:00 PM ET (4:30 - 6:00 PM PT)
Overview
Week 4 (May 21) Class Transcript - Similar Triangles
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Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:29:23
Hi, everyone!
dan09
2021-05-21 19:29:40
Hello!
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:29:40
hii
SpencerSun
2021-05-21 19:29:40
heyo!
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:29:40
hello
neptune08
2021-05-21 19:29:40
hi!
yoyododococo123
2021-05-21 19:29:40
hi!
grayspider
2021-05-21 19:29:40
Hello! Greetings
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:29:40
Hi!
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 19:29:40
HELLO!
RollOver2020
2021-05-21 19:29:40
Hello Achilleas!
TheIdentityProperty
2021-05-21 19:29:40
hello
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:29:40
hi
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:29:43
Hello!
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:29:43
hi
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:29:47
Hello! We'll get into our new material today in a few minutes. Here's a quick review of what we did last week to get our brains
warmed up and in the zone.
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40732 1/44
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:29:54
A triangle is isosceles if it has two equal sides. We showed that if a triangle is isosceles, then the angles opposite the equal sides
are equal. Conversely, we showed that if a triangle has two equal angles, then it is isosceles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:07
A triangle is equilateral if it has three equal sides. It is equiangular if it has three equal angles. We showed that if a triangle is
equilateral, then it is equiangular. Conversely, we showed that if a triangle is equiangular, then it is equilateral. All the angles in an
equilateral triangle are 60 degrees since they are equal and add up to 180. Equilateral triangles are very special isosceles
triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:21
We then talked about perimeter and area. The perimeter of a figure is defined to be the total distance around the figure. The area
of a figure tells us "how much" of the plane is contained inside a bounded figure. Intuitively, it measures how many 1x1 squares
(and fractions of 1x1 squares if necessary) fit inside the figure.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:31
We saw that the area of a rectangle (a four-sided figure with four right angles) is equal to the length times the width. We then
showed that the area of right triangles equals one half the base times the height; this is because we can always form a rectangle
around the triangle that has twice the area. Finally, we used this to then show that the area of any triangle equals one half the base
times the height; we showed this by noting that the altitude splits the triangle into right triangles, whose areas we know how to
compute.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:45
One useful problem-solving technique involves using the fact that the area of a figure is the same no matter how we compute it.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:49
This is a specific version of the strategy of finding the same thing in two different ways so that you can create a useful equation.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:55

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:30:56
For instance, in the figure above, we know that
1 1
(KO)(LM ) = [KLM ] = (LN )(KM )
2 2
so if we are given the lengths of three of these segments, we can use this identity to solve for the fourth.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:31:07
Finally, we found a general result for the ratio of areas of triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:31:08

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:31:12
This diagram appears frequently in problems, so you should look out for it. Last time, we discovered the relationship:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:31:13
[ADC] AD
= .
[BDC] BD
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:31:19
Does anyone remember how we proved this? What was the key step?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:31:55
The heights are the same.
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:31:55
the heights of both triangles are the same
tkubota
2021-05-21 19:31:55
That the heights were the same.
Brendangho
2021-05-21 19:31:55
The triangles must have the same height and are on the same base
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:31:55
noticing the heights were the same
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 19:31:55
the fact that for both triangles the height is the same
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:31:59
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Let h be the height from C to AB. Then h is the height for both △ADC and △BDC !
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:32:15
Therefore,
1
[ADC] (AD) ⋅ h AD
2
= = .
1
[BDC] (BD) ⋅ h BD
2
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:32:27
This is a very useful theorem; if two triangles share an altitude, then the ratio of their areas equals the ratio of their bases. This is
useful because it allows us to find some areas without having to go through the steps of drawing altitudes and finding their
lengths.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:32:41
We'll be using this theorem later in class today, so keep it in mind!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:32:51
Introduction to Geometry
Week 4: Similar Triangles

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:32:57
Today we will focus on a powerful tool you will use both on basic problems and on some of the hardest geometry problems you'll
ever see. We will talk about similar triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:33:05
Previously in this course, we learned how to prove two triangles are congruent. If you recall, AAA was not a congruence criterion.
In other words, if all three angles in two triangles match up, we cannot conclude the triangles are congruent.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:33:16
However, triangles with the same three pairs of congruent angles are useful to study. Let's draw several triangles with the same
three angles. They are not congruent, but what is true of all of them?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:33:20

pwr
2021-05-21 19:33:52
they are all similar
cwc28
2021-05-21 19:33:52
similar triangles!
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:33:52
They are similar
neptune08
2021-05-21 19:33:52
they are similar
Bluepantzola1
2021-05-21 19:33:52
They are all similar
RollOver2020
2021-05-21 19:33:52
They are similar
Teediv
2021-05-21 19:33:52
they are similar
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:33:55
All of these triangles have the same shape, so we say they are similar. Similarity is a property two figures have when one is a
scaled (and possibly rotated or flipped) version of the other.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:34:14
The intuitive concept is that when two shapes are similar, one is a rescaled version of the other.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:34:26
More precisely, we define two figures to be similar when corresponding angles are congruent and corresponding pairs of side
lengths are all in the same ratio. Please remember both components!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:34:41
With triangles, we can actually determine that they are similar just by the fact that they have the same angles. Any two triangles
with the same angles will have the same shape and are therefore similar. So while AAA is not sufficient to establish congruence, it
does ensure similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:34:54
We'll prove later today that if two triangles have the same three angle measures then those triangles are similar.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:35:02
Actually, in a triangle two angles give us the third, so in fact if just two angles in one triangle are congruent to two in another, then
the triangles are similar. We call this the AA criterion for similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:35:17

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:35:27
Knowing that ∠A = ∠D and ∠B = ∠E together imply
△ABC ∼ △DEF .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:35:43
We use the symbol ~ (in LaTeX, \sim) to denote that two triangles are similar. For triangles, this means that the corresponding
angles are equal, and that corresponding lengths have constant proportion.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:36:02
Let's explain a bit how we write the fractions of corresponding side lengths. Let's assume that △ABC ∼ △DEF , as in the above
figure.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:36:08
First, we write three fractions with the sides of triangle △ABC as numerators:
AB BC AC
= = .
?? ?? ??
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:36:19
Then we need to fill out the corresponding denominators. What's the denominator of the first fraction?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
pwr
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
Teediv
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
Evang12
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
Teediv
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
Korn
2021-05-21 19:36:56
DE
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:38:53
That's right! It is DE. If we have matched up the corresponding vertices, then A corresponds to D and B corresponds to E.
Hence, AB corresponds to DE.
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 19:39:19
why not ED?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:39:48
ED is also correct, but we prefer to match the vertices of the two similar triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:39:55
What's the second missing denominator?
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
TheIdentityProperty
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
tkubota
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Evang12
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
neptune08
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
turquoisewolf
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Save_The_Elephants
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
grayspider
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
dan09
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
takolhe12
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
GarudS
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Brendangho
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:40:23
EF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:40:31
Correct! It is EF because B corresponds to E, and C corresponds to F . Hence, BC corresponds to EF .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:40:51
So, we write
AB BC AC
= = .
DE EF ??
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:41:00
And the last one?
hchhaya
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
turquoisewolf
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
JC0001
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Teediv
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
RollOver2020
2021-05-21 19:41:24
The third denominator is DF
Evang12
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
apple.xy
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
snake2020
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
RyanL2019
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 19:41:24
DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:41:28
Similarly, the last denominator is DF .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:41:38
Therefore, we have
AB BC AC
= = .
DE EF DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:41:52
Matching up the vertices appropriately between the triangles helps us speed up this process.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:00
That's why, when we name the similar triangles, we make sure to write the vertices in the correct order.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:10
We'll be proving that AA similarity works later today.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:17
For the next few minutes, however, we'll take the AA similarity theorem as a fact and see how we can use it to solve some
problems, to give you a feeling for it. Then we'll double back and actually prove it.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:32
Let's try some basic problems to make sure we understand similarity, and to see some common geometric set-ups in which
similarity is helpful.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:43
Consider the following two triangles:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:44

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:42:51
Since we are discussing similarity of triangles, you might correctly guess that these two triangles are similar. But how do we know
with certainty they are similar?
pwr
2021-05-21 19:43:44
they both have angles x and y
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:43:44
Because <B = <D and <C = <F
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:43:44
they both have angles x and y
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:43:44
All the corresponding angles are congruent
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:43:44
because they both have x's and y's in the same 'angle slot'
Brendangho
2021-05-21 19:43:44
They both have angles x and y
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:43:44
Because x and y are corresponding angles on the 2 triangles.
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:43:44
We know angle ABC= angle EDF and angle ACB= angle EFD
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:43:44
they have equal values for 2 angles
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:43:44
We are told that both △ABC and △EDF have angles x and y
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:43:49
Because they both have angles of x and y, the triangles are similar. Let's be very specific; which triangle is △ABC similar to?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:44:03
Make sure to name the vertices F , E, D in the correct relative order, relative to our choice to write the name of △ABC as
‘‘△ABC, " so that the first vertex you name is the one that corresponds to the first vertex named in ‘‘△ABC " (namely, vertex
A), the second vertex you name is the one that corresponds to the second vertex named in ‘‘△ABC " (namely, vertex B), and
the third vertex you name is the one that corresponds to the third vertex named in ‘‘△ABC " (namely, vertex C ).
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:44:44
triangle EDF
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:44:44
triangle ABC is similar to triangle EDF by AA
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△EDF
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△EDF
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△EDF
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△EDF
pwr
2021-05-21 19:44:44
triangle ABC ~ triangle EDF
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△EDF
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△ABC ∼ △EDF
RollOver2020
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△EDF
dan09
2021-05-21 19:44:44
△ABC ∼ △EDF
Brendangho
2021-05-21 19:44:44
triangle ABC is similar to triangle EDF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:44:48
We have △ABC ∼ △EDF . Be very careful to match up the vertices appropriately between the triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:44:59
Notice that △ABC is not similar to △DEF , because then the corresponding parts won't match up! (For example, ∠B ≠ ∠E. )
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:45:15
So, corresponding angles in two similar figures are equal. Similarity also gives us useful information about lengths.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:45:33
The sides of the triangle on the right are how many times those of the corresponding sides of the triangle on the left?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3/2
dan09
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3
pwr
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3/2
snake2020
2021-05-21 19:46:13
.
3
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3/2
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3/2 times
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3/2
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3
grayspider
2021-05-21 19:46:13
3
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:46:17
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
ED and AB are corresponding sides in our triangles, and the ratio of their lengths is ED/AB = 12/8 = 3/2. Therefore, to get
from the triangle on the left to the one on the right, we multiply the side lengths by 3/2.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:46:29
I encourage you to write statements like ED/AB = 12/8 = 3/2 -- a statement like that makes it so much more clear where
your answer is coming from and why it is correct!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:46:36
So what are a and b?
hchhaya
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18, b = 10
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18, b = 10
RyanL2019
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a=18 and b=10
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18, b = 10
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a=18, b=10
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18 and b = 10
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 12 * 3/2 = 18, b = 15/(3/2) = 10
pwr
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18 and b = 10
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18 ,b = 10
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18, b = 10.
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a is 18 and b is 10
WestAndEast
2021-05-21 19:47:23
a = 18, b = 10.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:47:27
We have
3
⋅ 12 = a = 18,
2
and because
3
⋅ b = 15,
2
we have
2 ⋅ 15
b = = 10.
3
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:47:38
The reasoning and the calculations we're doing here are absolutely vital for the rest of today's class, and a lot of other days of the
class too, so be sure to ask questions if you are not fully certain about how we're getting these results.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:47:51
Let's try another problem.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:47:57

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:48:07
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
In the diagram, DE ∥ BC . We wish to find z and x.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:48:12
What do the parallel lines give us?
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 19:48:52
Equal angles
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:48:54
Parallel lines give us equal angles! Which angles are equal, specifically?
pwr
2021-05-21 19:50:08
<ADE and <ABC are congruent by corresponding angles and <AED and <ACB have the same measure too
Brendangho
2021-05-21 19:50:08
angles <ADE = <ABC, and angle <AED = <ACB
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:50:08
angle ADE= angle ABC and angle AED= angle ACB
snake2020
2021-05-21 19:50:08
∠ADE = ∠ABC and ∠AED = ∠ACB .
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:50:08
∠ADE = ∠ABC and ∠AED = ∠ACB
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:50:08
∠ADE = ∠ABC and ∠AED = ∠ACB.
Evang12
2021-05-21 19:50:08
∠ADE = ∠ABC
∠AED = ∠ACB
pnacham
2021-05-21 19:50:08
<ADE = <ABC and <ADE = <ACB
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:50:15
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Because DE ∥ BC , we know ∠B = ∠ADE and ∠C = ∠AED.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:50:29
Remember to be precise with your communication. It's OK to say ∠B because there's only one angle with that vertex. It's not OK to
say ∠D because we don't know if you're talking about ∠BDE or ∠ADE . Or maybe even ∠ADB. Whoa.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:50:47
Now some of you have been saying we get similar triangles. What two triangles can we conclude are similar? Complete this
statement: △ABC ∼ _____. Make sure to write the vertices in corresponding order!
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ADE
apple.xy
2021-05-21 19:51:33
∆ABC ~ ∆ADE
dan09
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ABC ∼ △ADE
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ABC ~ triangle ADE
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ADE.
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ADE
pnacham
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ADE!
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ABC is similar to triangle ADE by AA
JC0001
2021-05-21 19:51:33
∆ABC ~ ∆ADE
pwr
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ABC ~ triangle ADE
superhero2020
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ABC ∼ △ADE
GarudS
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ABC ∼ △ADE
Korn
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ADE
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ADE
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ABC ∼ △ADE
grayspider
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ABC ∼ △ADE
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 19:51:33
triangle ABD ~ triangle ADE
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 19:51:33
△ADE
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:51:37
By AA similarity, we have △ABC ∼ △ADE .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:51:48
How can we use this to find x? What equation can you write?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:52:22
A lot of you are writing 15/25 = something. 25 is not a side length of either triangle ABC or triangle ADE . We haven't proven or
even discussed anything about situations like this. Be sure to use side lengths of the triangles that are similar to set up your ratios.
Evang12
2021-05-21 19:53:20
x 40
=
30 15
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:53:20
30/x=15/40
apple.xy
2021-05-21 19:53:20
AE/AC = DE/BC --> 15/40 = 30/x
Korn
2021-05-21 19:53:20
30/x = 15/40
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:53:20
30:x = 15:40, 30:x = 3:8
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:53:20
15/40 = 30/x
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 19:53:20
15 30
=
40 x
GarudS
2021-05-21 19:53:20
30/x = (15/(25 + 15)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:53:29
AE DE
Our similar triangles tell us that = , so
AC BC
15 30
= .
15 + 25 x
What do we get for x?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:54:06
(x =?)
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
pwr
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x=80
RyanL2019
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x=80
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x=80
GarudS
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
RollOver2020
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
dan09
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
tkubota
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
pnacham
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x=80
hchhaya
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x=80
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x = 80
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 19:54:24
x=80
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:54:29
Solving for x, we have 15x = 30 ⋅ 40, so
30 ⋅ 40
x = = 2 ⋅ 40 = 80.
15
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:54:40
What about z? What equation do we get involving z?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:55:08
(use parentheses, if needed)
dan09
2021-05-21 19:56:10
16 3
=
16+z 8
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:56:10
16/(16+z)=15/40
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:56:10
16: (16+z) = 15:40
hchhaya
2021-05-21 19:56:10
15/40 = 16/(16 + z)
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:56:10
15 16
15+25
=
16+z
.
pwr
2021-05-21 19:56:10
AE/AC=15/40=16/(16+z)
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:56:10
16/(16+z)= 15/40
pnacham
2021-05-21 19:56:10
15/(15+25) = 16/(z+16)
Suraahi
2021-05-21 19:56:10
15 16
=
40 z
Evang12
2021-05-21 19:56:10
z+16 40
=
16 30
Korn
2021-05-21 19:56:10
16/(16 + z) = 15/40
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 19:56:10
16/(16+z)=15/40
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:56:14
AD AE
The similar triangles give us = , so
AB AC
16 15 3
= = .
16 + z 40 8
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:56:26
16
(Remember to write parentheses around 16+z in that fraction if you're writing it in plain text: 16/16+z means + z , which isn't
16
what you want!)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:56:38
So what is z?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:57:26
(z =?)
Sarah010
2021-05-21 19:57:43
z=80/3
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 19:57:43
z = 80/3
dan09
2021-05-21 19:57:43
80
z =
3
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 19:57:43
z=80/3
hchhaya
2021-05-21 19:57:43
z = 80/3
pwr
2021-05-21 19:57:43
z=80/3
tkubota
2021-05-21 19:57:43
80
z =
3
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 19:57:43
80
z =
3
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:57:49
Cross-multiplying gives
16 ⋅ 8 = 16 ⋅ 3 + 3z,
so 3z = 16 ⋅ 5, and z = 80/3.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:58:02
We had to be careful here, because z = DB isn't a side length of a triangle! AB = 16 + z was, though.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:58:16
I will often write out the ratio using the names of relevant side lengths, like I did with
AD AE
= ,
AB AC
before writing the equation this gives us,
16 15
= .
16 + z 40
I do this to make my work more clear, to be sure I'm comparing the correct lengths, and to avoid making careless mistakes.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:58:35
Let's try another similar setup to give us some more practice with these ratios.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:58:45

Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:58:53
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Once again, DE ∥ BC . How will we find x and y?
apple.xy
2021-05-21 19:59:19
by using similar triangles!
pwr
2021-05-21 19:59:19
similar triangles!
snake2020
2021-05-21 19:59:22
Using similar triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 19:59:24
Just like we found in the last problem, parallel lines mean similar triangles. Why are these triangles similar? Give a thorough
justification.
pwr
2021-05-21 20:01:27
since BC is parallel to DE, by alt interior angles, <DEF=<FBC and <DFE=BFC by vertical angles. So, by AA, these two triangles are
similar.
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:01:27
since DE is parallel to BC, we have< DEB=<CBF and <EDF=<BCF
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 20:01:27
<C=<D, <E=<B
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 20:01:27
angle DFE = angle BFC and angle FED = angle FBD
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:01:32
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Because DE ∥ BC , we have ∠E = ∠B and ∠D = ∠C. AA similarity implies the triangles are similar.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:01:36
We could also see that ∠BF C = ∠DF E since they are vertical angles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:01:41
Which triangle is similar to △F ED? Make sure to write its vertices in the correct order.
apple.xy
2021-05-21 20:02:29
∆FBC
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 20:02:29
∆FBC
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△F BC
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FED is similar to triangle FBC
pwr
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FED ~ triangle FBC
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FBC
JC0001
2021-05-21 20:02:29
∆FBC
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FBC
dan09
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△F ED ∼ △F BC
grayspider
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△F ED ∼ △F BC
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:02:29
Therefore △F ED ∼ △F BC
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FBC
takolhe12
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FBC
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△F BC.
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△F BC
neptune08
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△FBC
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 20:02:29
triangle FBC
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:02:29
△F ED ∼ △F BC
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:02:34
We have △F ED ∼ △F BC .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:02:41
Make sure you see that it is NOT △F ED ∼ △F CB.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:02:49
What is the constant ratio between corresponding side lengths of the smaller triangle to the bigger triangle?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1/2
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1:2
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1/2
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1/2
pwr
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1/2
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1:2
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1:2
Mathqueen20
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1/2
max_z
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1：2
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1
.
2
dan09
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1
tkubota
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1
themikyway
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1:2
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:03:25
1:2
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:03:33
FD 15 1
The ratio between the sides of the triangles is = = .
FC 30 2
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:03:44
So, what are x and y?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:04:40
y = 18 and x = 32
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32, y = 18
pwr
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32 and y = 18
WestAndEast
2021-05-21 20:04:40
y = 18, x= 32.
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x=32 and y=18
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32, y = 18
apple.xy
2021-05-21 20:04:40
So y = 2(9) = 18 and x = 2(16) = 32
JC0001
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32
y = 18
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:04:40
y = 18, x = 32
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x=32, y=18
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32 and y = 18
grayspider
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32, y = 18
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x = 32, y = 18.
dan09
2021-05-21 20:04:40
y = 18 and x = 32
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:04:40
y = 2 ⋅ 9 = 18 and x = 2 ⋅ 16 = 32
Mathqueen20
2021-05-21 20:04:40
y=18 and x= 32
TheIdentityProperty
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x=32 y=18
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 20:04:40
x=32 y=18
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:04:46
Since the bottom triangle has sides that are double the top triangle, x = 2 ⋅ 16 = 32 and y = 2 ⋅ 9 = 18.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:05:29
Here's another similarity problem.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:05:36

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:05:41
Without using the Pythagorean Theorem (which we haven't proved yet!), find c, d, and e, where c = Y Z, d = Y W , and e = W Z.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:05:50
How do you think we are going to do it?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:06:17
similar triangles
pwr
2021-05-21 20:06:17
similar triangles!
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:06:17
Using similar triangles
Teediv
2021-05-21 20:06:17
using similar triangle
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:06:17
similar triangles
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:06:17
similar triangles
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:06:17
similar triangles
dan09
2021-05-21 20:06:17
Similar triangles again!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:06:20
We're going to find similar triangles. Let's focus on finding d first.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:06:27
We focus on triangle W XY , since d = W Y is a side length in that triangle. What other triangle is similar to △W XY , and why?
(Be careful that you get the order of the vertices correctly!)
pwr
2021-05-21 20:07:34
triangle WXY ~ triangle XZY
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:07:34
△XZY
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:07:34
triangle WXY is similar to triangle XZY
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:07:34
△XZY .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:07:40
Because ∠W Y X = ∠XY Z and ∠XW Y = ∠ZW X we have △W XY ∼ △XZY by AA Similarity. Trace out the vertices of
each so you see the similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:07:55
In terms of the vertices what ratios can we write down?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:08:10
(please write all three of them in one post)
grayspider
2021-05-21 20:08:49
Like d, e, and c?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:09:21
No, use XY ,, XW , Y W etc. instead.
pwr
2021-05-21 20:10:17
WX/XZ=XY/ZY=WY/XY
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:10:17
WX/XZ=YW/YX=YX/YZ
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:10:17
W X/XZ = XY /ZY = W Y /XY
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:10:17
we have WX/XZ=YW/YX=YX/YZ
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:10:17
XY:YZ = XW:XY = YW:XZ
dan09
2021-05-21 20:10:17
WY YX WX
= =
XY YZ XZ
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:10:24
YW XW XY
From our similar triangles, we have = = . (You can think: the ratio of the short legs equals the ratio of the
YX ZX YZ
longer legs equals the ratio of the hypotenuses).
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:10:34
Using this, what do you get for d?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:10:41
(d =?)
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d=18
snake2020
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d = 18.
Sunshine2016
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d=18
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:11:51
24/40 = d/30; d = 18
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d=18
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d = 18
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d = 18
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d = 18.
cwc28
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d=18
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d=18
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:11:51
24
d = ⋅ 30 = 18
40
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:11:51
d = 18
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:11:56
d 24 3
We have = , so d = 30 ⋅ = 18.
30 40 5
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:12:12
How will we find c? (Notice c is the length of Y Z.)
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:12:52
use that 3/5=30/c so c=50
RyanL2019
2021-05-21 20:12:52
30/c=3/5, so c=50
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:12:55
24 30 30 ⋅ 40
Using the previous ratios, we get = , and thus, c = = 50.
40 c 24
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:12:59
What about e? Is there an easy way to find it?
RyanL2019
2021-05-21 20:13:20
and e is c-d, so e=50-18=32
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:13:20
e = 32
apple.xy
2021-05-21 20:13:20
then e = c - d = 50 - 18 = 32
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:13:20
e= 50-18=32
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:13:22
We don't need any more similar triangles, because we can use subtraction instead:
e = W Z = Y Z − Y W = 50 − 18 = 32.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:13:33
Before we move on to the next problem, does anyone else see another triangle similar to △W XY ?
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:14:59
triangle WZX
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:14:59
△W ZX
pwr
2021-05-21 20:14:59
yes triangle WZX
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:14:59
triangle WZX
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:14:59
yes, △W ZX
apple.xy
2021-05-21 20:14:59
*triangle WZX
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:14:59
Triangle WZX
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:15:04
In fact, all three triangles in this diagram are similar. We already found that △XZY ∼ △W XY , and we have
△W ZX ∼ △XZY since ∠W ZX = ∠XZY and the right angles in the triangles are equal. Therefore, we have
△XZY ∼ △W XY ∼ △W ZX.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:15:28
This result occurs frequently. If we have a right triangle and draw the altitude from the vertex of the right angle, we create two
smaller triangles that are each similar to the original triangle.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:15:43
We'll be using this idea next week to prove the Pythagorean theorem!
dan09
2021-05-21 20:16:00
Now time for the proof of AA similarity!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:16:02
We're now going to prove AA Similarity. This is the hardest proof we've done in the class so far, so make sure to pay extra close
attention, and feel free to ask any questions you have along the way! That's what the teaching assistants are here for.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:16:13
First of all, what exactly do we mean by proving AA Similarity? What do we get to assume is true, and what are we trying to show is
true?
pwr
2021-05-21 20:17:36
we need to show that if two triangles share two angles that are congruent, the triangles are similar
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:17:36
We are trying to prove that if two triangles have two congruent angles, then the two triangles are similar
dan09
2021-05-21 20:17:36
We get to assume that two angles of a triangle are equal, and we want to show that the triangles are similar because of this
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:17:48
We are trying to prove that if two angles in one triangle equal two angles in another triangle, then the two triangles are similar.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:17:54
What does it take for two triangles to be similar?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:18:45
(the word "corresponding" is needed)
pwr
2021-05-21 20:19:59
corresponding angles are congruent and corresponding sides are in ratio
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:01
Right, we need 1) corresponding angles to be equal, and 2) all three sets of corresponding sides to have the same ratio.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:07
Notice that we get part 1) for free because we are assuming two sets (and hence three sets) of angles are equal.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:14
So, to show AA similarity, we must prove that it also gives us part 2).
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:22
Let's start with two triangles, which we'll call △ABC and △DEF , that have two angles in common, say, ∠A = ∠D and
∠B = ∠E. We must prove:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:28
AB BC CA
If ∠A = ∠D and ∠B = ∠E, then = = .
DE EF FD
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:39
We want to prove something about ratios of sides, and we have information about equal angles. We'll need some tools.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:20:48
What other tools do we have for working with equal angles?
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:21:18
parallel lines
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:21:18
parallel lines?
pwr
2021-05-21 20:21:18
parallel lines?
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:21:18
parallel lines
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 20:21:18
parallel lines
dan09
2021-05-21 20:21:18
parallel lines?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:21:20
Equal angles make us think of either congruent triangles or parallel lines.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:21:24
What other tools do we have for ratios of lengths? Where else have we seen ratios of lengths?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:22:07
in same base/same altitude principal
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:22:07
triangles with the same height
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:22:26
When have we seen these? What concept are these related to?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:22:34
(Hint: _ _ _. _ )
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:22:56
area
pwr
2021-05-21 20:22:56
area of a triangle?
Teediv
2021-05-21 20:22:56
area
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:22:56
Area
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:22:58
We have seen ratios of lengths when discussing areas of triangles that have the same altitude. That will be our key tool in this
proof.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:05
Now we have some clues. Suppose we have △ABC and △DEF with ∠A = ∠D and ∠B = ∠E, as shown below:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:07

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:15
From this, we also have ∠C = since the angles of a triangle must always add to 180
∘
∠F , .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:23
We want to relate the triangles to each other. Intuitively, we think of this as sliding and stretching and stuff like that.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:31
But our axioms and definitions so far are about things like congruent triangles, not things like sliding or rotating or stretching.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:39
So, we "move" △ABC by making a congruent copy of it inside △DEF .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:43
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯
We choose B′ on DE so that DB′ = AB and then choose C ′ on DF such that ∠DB′ C ′ = ∠ABC.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:44

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:23:56
B with the little sign is a way of saying "a point that we want to correspond to B somehow." It helps remind us what corresponds
′ ′
with what to name it that way instead of using some brand new letter.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:24:05
By the way, in speaking, you'd call these new points "B prime" and "C prime." In typing, just use an apostrophe: B' and C'. Be careful
in your responses to remember the apostrophes when appropriate.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:24:16
(We use those names to help us remember how they relate to B and C -- you could also name them G and H if you don't like the
little primes ' as part of the name of the point.)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:24:32
Now I said we would "build a copy of △ABC inside △DEF ", but we have to prove that we really did! What does that mean we
want to prove about △ABC and △DB′ C ′ ?
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 20:25:17
That they are congruent
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:25:17
we want to prove that they are congruent
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:25:17
triangle ABC is congruent to triangle DB'C'
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:25:17
that they are congruent
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:25:17
they are congruent
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:25:17
they are congruent
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:25:24
We want to prove they are congruent! Why are △ABC and △DB′ C ′ congruent? (Remember we don't know anything about these
triangles besides the equal parts that are marked in the diagram!)
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:26:28
They are congruent by ASA
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 20:26:28
Because of ASA
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 20:26:28
ASA congruence
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 20:26:28
Because of ASA.
pwr
2021-05-21 20:26:28
by ASA
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:26:28
they are congruent by ASA congruence
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:26:28
ASA congruence
tkubota
2021-05-21 20:26:28
by ASA
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:26:31
Because ∠A = ∠D, AB = DB ,
′
and ∠ABC = ∠DB C ,
′ ′
we have △ABC ≅ △DB C
′ ′
by ASA Congruence.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:26:39
Therefore, in order to show that △ABC and △DEF are similar, we just need to show that △DB′ C ′ and △DEF are similar.
Can we make any other observations in this diagram?
pwr
2021-05-21 20:28:36
C'B' and FE seem parallel
dan09
2021-05-21 20:28:36
C B and EF are parallel(or at least look parallel)
′ ′
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:28:36
we know C'B' is parallel to FE because of the given angles
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:28:40
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Because ∠DB′ C ′ = ∠E, we have B′ C ′ ∥ EF .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:28:46

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:29:25
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
(Note that BC and EF are not parallel. We have to use the correct notation.)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:29:37
′ ′
DB DC
We'd like to show that = .
DE DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:29:54
Can we say this is true by AA Similarity?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:30:16
no
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:30:16
No
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 20:30:16
no
dan09
2021-05-21 20:30:16
No, because we are trying to prove AA Similarity!
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:30:16
no
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:30:16
no because that is what we are trying to prove
pwr
2021-05-21 20:30:16
no because we have not proved it yet
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:30:16
no, that's what we are trying to prove
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:30:23
We cannot. We are trying to prove AA Similarity! So, we can't use it as a step in the proof.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:30:31
We now have to focus on our tool for dealing with ratios of sides. What was that tool?
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 20:31:01
Area?
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:31:01
area
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:31:03
The one tool (before similar triangles) that we've used with ratios of sides is area. We will take advantage by creating triangles that
share an altitude.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:31:13
¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯
Let's draw in C ′ E. By doing so, we create a new triangle, △DEC ′ . The advantage to having this triangle in addition to the others
is that we now have two triangles that share an altitude, whose base side lengths are DB′ and DE. These are exactly the lengths
whose ratio we want to find!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:31:17

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:31:44
Let's denote the three areas in the diagram above by x, y and z. That is, let x and z
′ ′ ′ ′ ′
= [DB C ], y = [B C E] = [EC F ].
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:31:49
As a reminder, instead of writing "The area of △DC ′ E " we often write "[DC ′ E]" for short.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:31:53

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:32:00
′
DB
So, what is in terms of x, y, and z?
DE
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:32:42
(no, it is not x/y)
pwr
2021-05-21 20:33:19
x/(x+y)
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:33:19
x/ (x+y)?
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:33:19
′
DB x
=
DE x+y
snake2020
2021-05-21 20:33:19
x
x+y
.
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 20:33:19
x/(x+y)
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 20:33:19
x
x+y
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:33:19
x
x+y
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:33:24
In terms of x, y, and z, what is the area of a triangle with base DB' ?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:34:00
(and please specify that triangle, as well)
dan09
2021-05-21 20:35:15
△DB C is the triangle, and the area would be x
′ ′
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:35:15
[DB'C'] = x
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:35:15
area x, triangle DB'C'
pwr
2021-05-21 20:35:15
[DB'C']=x
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:35:15
′ ′
[DB C ] = x
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:35:15
triangle DC'B' has area x
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:35:21
That's x, the area of triangle DB′ C ′ .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:35:23
What about DE? What's the area of a triangle with base DE that has the same altitude as DB′ C ′ ?
pwr
2021-05-21 20:36:28
[DEC']=x+y
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:36:28
area x+y, triangle DEC'
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:36:28
′
[DEC ] = x + y
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:36:28
′
[DEC ] = x + y
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:36:28
triangle EC'D with area y+x has base DE
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:36:28
the area of triangle C'DE is x+y
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:36:30
That's x + y, the area of triangle DEC ′ .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:36:35
′
DB
So what expression do we get for in terms of x, y and z?
DE
pwr
2021-05-21 20:37:30
x/(x+y)
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:37:30
x/(x + y)
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:37:30
x/(x+y)
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:37:30
x/(x+y)
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:37:30
DB'/DE = x/(x+y)
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:37:30
x/(x+y)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:37:35
Triangles DB′ C ′ and DEC ′ have the same altitude from C ′ , so
′ ′ ′
DB [DB C ] x
= = .
′
DE [DEC ] x + y
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:37:48
OK, we've expressed one of our side ratios as a ratio of areas. Now we want to do another side ratio, and hope it is equal!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:37:55
′
DC
Next we need to understand more about the ratio . What line could we draw that would allow us to go through a similar
DF
′
DC
process for finding an area expression for ?
DF
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:38:19
segment B'F
pwr
2021-05-21 20:38:19
FB'?
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:38:19
a line from point F to point B'
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:38:19
B'F
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:38:22
Let's draw in line F B′ :
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:38:24

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:38:33
′
DC
Before we find the ratio let's label the diagram.
DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:39:01
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Triangles B′ EF and EC ′ F share a base, EF . Because EF ′
∥ B C ,
′
the altitudes from B′ and C ′ to base EF are the same
length. (If you want to work this out, it comes down to opposite sides of rectangles being equal.) So, these two triangles also have
the same altitude to their common base. This means their areas are the same, and so
′
[B EF ] = z.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:39:17

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:39:27
How about [B′ C ′ F ] then? How can we write it using our variables x, y, and z?
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:40:27
[B'C'F] = y.
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:40:27
[B'C'F] = y
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:40:27
[B'C'F]=y
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 20:40:27
y
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:40:27
it is y
pwr
2021-05-21 20:40:27
y
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:40:27
′ ′
[B C F ] = y
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:40:29
It must be [B′ EF C ′ ] − [B′ EF ] = (z + y) − z = y. So we have the diagram:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:40:35

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:40:43
′
DC
So, what is in terms of x, y and/or z?
DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:41:15
(make sure you use the areas of the correct triangles)
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y)
pwr
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y)
dan09
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x
x+y
!
tkubota
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x
x+y
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x
x+y
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y) again
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y)
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y)
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y)
superhero2020
2021-05-21 20:41:40
′
DC x
=
DF x+y
RyanL2019
2021-05-21 20:41:40
x/(x+y).
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:41:40
DC'/DF = x/(x+y)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:41:46
Triangles DB′ C ′ and DB′ F have the same altitude from B′ , so we have
′ ′ ′
DC [DB C ] x
= = .
′
DF [DB F ] x + y
This is exactly the expression that we had earlier!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:42:04
Therefore
′ ′
DB x DC
= = .
DE x + y DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:42:17
This is still not quite what we set out to prove. However, because △ABC ≅ △DB C
′ ′
(recall that we built △DB′ C ′ to be
congruent to △ABC ), we know that
′
DB = AB
and
′
DC = AC .
We can finally conclude that
AB AC
= .
DE DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:42:35
Because all three corresponding pairs of angles are equal, we can go through the exact same steps to show that
AB AC BC
= = .
DE DF EF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:42:48
We have therefore proved AA Similarity.
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:43:02
yay
dan09
2021-05-21 20:43:02
Yay! AA Similarity has been proven!
pwr
2021-05-21 20:43:02
yay!
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:43:02
yay
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:43:04
To recap, our chain of logic was as follows. We started with two triangles ABC and DEF with ∠A = ∠D and ∠B = ∠E. We
′ ′
DB DC
constructed a △DB C inside △DEF such that △DB C We then used area ratios to prove that
′ ′ ′ ′
≅ ABC. = ,
DE DF
AB AC
which allowed us to conclude that = .
DE DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:43:14
This proof may seem intimidating, and many of you may still be confused. This is perfectly fine. The main takeaway is this: Two
triangles are similar if all of their corresponding angles are equal and all of their corresponding sides have the same ratio. We
showed that if two triangles have two pairs of equal angles, then they are similar. In other words, if you have two triangles and you
can show that two pairs of corresponding angles are congruent, then you can automatically conclude that the ratios of their
corresponding sides are all equal. This is a very powerful tool, as you saw in the problems we solved before.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:43:38
Just like there are several different congruence theorems, there are also several different similarity theorems. AA isn't the only
one!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:43:43
There are two other general similarity theorems, but we will mostly skip the proofs due to time constraints. Each of these is much
less common than AA.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:43:51
One of these theorems is SAS Similarity. SAS Similarity tells us that if we have two pairs of sides being proportional between the
two triangles, and the angle between those sides is congruent, then the triangles are similar.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:43:52

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:44:03
AB AC 1
The two triangles above exhibit SAS similarity; in other words, = = and ∠A = ∠D. This allows us to conclude
DE DF 2
that the two triangles are similar.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:44:16
What new information do we get from SAS similarity that isn't given in the figures?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:44:59
we prefer x/2 to 1/2(x)
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:45:16
CB/FE = 1/2
apple.xy
2021-05-21 20:45:16
CB/FE = 1/2
pwr
2021-05-21 20:45:16
CB=FE/2
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:45:20
What else?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:45:38
we know CB/FE = 1/2 and all the corresponding angles are equal
dan09
2021-05-21 20:45:38
∠F = ∠C and ∠E = ∠B
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:45:41
BC 1
Yes, SAS similarity lets us know that ∠C = ∠F , ∠B = ∠E, and that also equals .
EF 2
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:45:50
If we were going to prove SAS Similarity what are the likely tools (theorems) we might use to get the job done?
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:46:21
AA similarity
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:46:23
By proving an additional pair of angles congruent, we could then use AA Similarity. This is the general idea behind proving SAS
Similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:46:32
Because we're short on time, we won't work through the details. They're worked out in the textbook in Section 5.3.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:46:41
One last similarity theorem:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:46:46
"Equal angles means sides in proportion" works in reverse, too. If we have all three pairs of sides in proportion between two
triangles, they will be similar. We will call this SSS Similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:46:59
To summarize, here are our similarity criteria.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:01
AA Similarity: If ∠A = ∠D and ∠B = ∠E , then △ABC ∼ △DEF .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:08
AB AC
SAS Similarity: If ∠A = ∠D and = , then △ABC ∼ △DEF .
DE DF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:15
AB AC BC
SSS Similarity: If = = , then △ABC ∼ △DEF .
DE DF EF
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:33
Let's try a problem.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:34

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:36
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Prove that AB ∥ DE and AE ∥ BC .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:47:44
We want to prove some lines are parallel. How can we do that? What kind of information do we need?
pwr
2021-05-21 20:48:12
that angles are congruent
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:48:14
We would need to find some congruent angles in order to prove lines parallel; how do we get congruent angles?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:48:36
similar triangles
pwr
2021-05-21 20:48:36
similar triangles
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:48:38
We need similar triangles. Which triangles are similar?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:48:46
Give your answer in the form △ABC ∼ ...
apple.xy
2021-05-21 20:49:57
∆ABC ~ ∆DEA
dan09
2021-05-21 20:49:57
△ABC ∼ △DEA
grayspider
2021-05-21 20:49:57
△ABC ∼ △DEA
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:49:57
triangle ABC is similar to triangle DEA
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 20:49:57
△ABC ∼ △DEA
pwr
2021-05-21 20:49:57
triangle ABC ~ triangle DEA
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:49:57
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:49:57
triangle ABC is similar to DEA
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 20:49:57
△ABC ∼ △DEA
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:49:57
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:50:14
△ABC ∼ △DEA because of SSS Similarity; all three pairs of sides are in proportion, as the sides of △ABC are double the
corresponding sides of △DEA. So what does this tell us about the corresponding angles in the two triangles?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:51:10
there are congruent
pwr
2021-05-21 20:51:10
they are congruent!!
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:51:10
they are congruent
Rinnypig
2021-05-21 20:51:10
They are congruent?
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:51:10
they are congruent
grayspider
2021-05-21 20:51:10
They are congruent
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:51:10
They are congruent
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:51:14
The corresponding angles are congruent.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:51:19
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯
Can you find a pair of angles that will allow us to conclude that AB ∥ DE?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:51:52
<EDA = <BAC
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:51:52
< BAC =< EDA
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:51:55
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯
We know that ∠EDA = ∠BAC. These are alternate interior angles and they are equal, so we know AB must be parallel to DE.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:51:59
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Can you find a pair of angles that will allow us to conclude that AE ∥ BC ?
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:52:57
<ACB = <EAD
MathNinja7
2021-05-21 20:52:57
<BCA and <EAD
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:52:57
<EAD= <BCA
yoyododococo123
2021-05-21 20:52:57
<EAD=<BCA
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:53:00
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We know that ∠EAD = ∠BCA. These are alternate interior angles and they are equal, so we know AE must be parallel to BC .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:53:06
This was an example of SSS Similarity. You'll rarely see SAS and SSS Similarity, though. AA is by far the most useful method to
prove two triangles are similar.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:53:16
Let's try one more problem.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:53:18

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:53:19
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
In the diagram, ∠ACN = ∠BCN , ∠AN C = 90 ,
∘
and AM = M B. Prove that M N ∥ BC .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:53:28
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Where do we start? What could we show to prove that M N ∥ BC ?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:54:00
we need congruent angles
pwr
2021-05-21 20:54:00
congruent angles
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:54:06
Our best tool for showing two lines are parallel is showing that relevent angles are congruent (like alternate interior angles, or
corresponding angles).
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:54:15
Which pair of congruent angles will do?
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:54:52
angle AMN = angle ABC
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:54:52
<AMN = <ABC
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:54:52
angle ABC= angle AMN
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:54:52
<AMN and <ABC
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:54:52
<AMN=<ABC
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:54:52
<AMN = <MBC
pwr
2021-05-21 20:54:52
<MBC and <AMN
cwc28
2021-05-21 20:54:56
<AMN and <ABC
Bluepantzola1
2021-05-21 20:54:56
<AMN and <MBC
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:55:00
In the diagram, one clear candidate is to show that ∠AM N = ∠ABC.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:55:04
What is one of our newfound tools for showing two angles are equal?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:55:32
similar triangles
pwr
2021-05-21 20:55:32
similar triangles
dan09
2021-05-21 20:55:32
Similar triangles
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 20:55:32
similar triangles?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:55:35
If we can show two triangles are similar, we will get angle equalities.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:55:39
Do we have any obvious candidates for similar triangles that have ∠AM N in one and ∠ABC in another?
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 20:56:09
no
yoyododococo123
2021-05-21 20:56:09
not really
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:56:09
no
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:56:09
No
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:56:11
Unfortunately, we don't have any obvious candidates for such similar triangles. What might we try to do then?
Brendangho
2021-05-21 20:56:40
draw another line
yoyododococo123
2021-05-21 20:56:40
Maybe draw a line somewhere?
hchhaya
2021-05-21 20:56:40
draw some lines to make one
grayspider
2021-05-21 20:56:40
Make some by drawing lines!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:56:42
We might try to create similar triangles with these angles. We'd like to somehow use the fact that ∠AN C is right and the fact that
∠ACN = ∠N CB. What might we add to our diagram?
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:57:00
we can extend line AN
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:57:00
extend segment AN past N
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:57:02
We focus on the two angles we want to show equal: ∠AM N and ∠ABC, and we look for triangles with those angles in them.
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯
The only clear candidates are triangles AM N and ABC. Extending M N doesn't look too good, since it doesn't really help us use
¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
any of our given information. However, if we extend AN to BC , we get this:
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:57:05

Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:57:20
We immediately see that ∠XN C is right, so (along with the given angles at C and the shared segment N C ) triangles AN C and
XN C are congruent by ASA. Does this help give us our similar triangles?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:57:42
Yes
GarudS
2021-05-21 20:57:42
yes
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:57:42
yes
Wuwuspring
2021-05-21 20:57:42
yes
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:57:44
What triangles would we like to show are similar?
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:58:29
We get: triangle AMN and ABX then.
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:58:29
triangle AMN and triangle ABX
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 20:58:29
Evang12
2021-05-21 20:58:29
triangles AMN and ABX
Sarah010
2021-05-21 20:58:29
dan09
2021-05-21 20:58:29
△AM N ∼ △ABX
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:58:31
We would like to show that △AM N ∼ △ABX.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:58:33
What do we know about them?
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:58:39
(If you're stuck, ask yourself: what information have we not used yet. This is what I always ask myself when I am stuck on a
geometry problem.)
Suraahi
2021-05-21 20:59:15
We know that AM is half of AB
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:59:21
What else?
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 20:59:40
<BAX = <MAN
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 20:59:40
we have angle MAN= angle BAX
Achilleas
2021-05-21 20:59:43
We know that ∠M AN is obviously the same in both triangles, and we know that AM = AB/2 because M is the midpoint of
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
AB. What do we need to finish?
CalvinGarces
2021-05-21 21:00:16
AN = NX.
shenpinyi
2021-05-21 21:00:16
AN = NX.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:00:18
We need to show that AN = AX/2 as well, or in other words, AN = NX . Why is this true?
Sirahulania
2021-05-21 21:00:46
because we proved ANC is congruent to XNC
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:00:57
Angle CN X is also right from the straight line, so △AN C ≅ △XN C by ASA. (You should be getting fluent with this!)
Therefore, AN = N X , so that AN = AX/2. Now, we can conclude that by SAS Similarity, △AM N ∼ △ABX .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:08
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We have ∠AM N = ∠ABX from our similarity, so M N ∥ BX, or M N ∥ BC .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:16
This is a pretty good example of how using similar triangles and extending lines in a diagram may seem like magic, but it really
isn't. We know we want to get equal angles, so we look to build similar triangles using SAS. Once we are thinking of parallel lines
and similar triangles, we know we are trying to build something in our diagram that looks like our 'typical' parallel line similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:28
For those of you who wonder how to write up proofs (and that is likely most of you), here's how you can write up the problem we
just solved.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:35
¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We extend AN to point X on BC :
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:36

Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:38
(Always remember to include the diagram in your solution whenever you add new points and lines!)
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:42
We have ∠AN C = ∠XN C, N C = N C, and ∠XCN = ∠ACN , so
△AN C ≅ △XN C
by ASA Congruence. Therefore, AN = N X , so
AN 1
= .
AX 2
We are also given
AM 1
= .
AB 2
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:49
AN AM
Since = and ∠M AN = ∠BAX , we have
AX AB
△M AN ∼ △BAX
by SAS Similarity. Therefore,
∠AM N = ∠ABX ,
as they are corresponding angles in similar triangles, and we can conclude that
¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯ ¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯
M N ∥ BX .
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:01:59
Each step in our solution is justified and clear, and our proof is still nice and short.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:07
SUMMARY
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:08
We learned about similar triangles, which are triangles with equal angles and whose corresponding sides have the same ratio. We
discussed three different methods to prove triangles are similar: AA Similarity, SAS Similarity, and SSS Similarity.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:15
Any problem involving ratios of lengths or chasing angles should make you think to look for similar triangles. Sometimes you can
even make similar triangles by connecting some points. Parallel lines in a problem would be a giveaway that you should consider
similar triangles. Sometimes it is a good idea to construct parallel lines so you have an excuse to make similar triangles.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:22
We also solved a problem where we learned that if we have a right triangle and draw a line from the vertex of the right angle that is
perpendicular to the side opposite it, we create two smaller triangles which are each similar to the original triangle.
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:27

Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:29
You should spend some extra time with Chapter 5 in the Introduction to Geometry book. If you can master similar triangles, you are
ready for some very powerful geometry. The book is packed with challenging exercises, some of which you'll find in your
homework!
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:02:39
Any questions?
GarudS
2021-05-21 21:03:01
no
Vitah2008
2021-05-21 21:03:01
no
Hridhaan
2021-05-21 21:03:01
No
LONC123
2021-05-21 21:03:01
no
grayspider
2021-05-21 21:03:01
Nope
pnacham
2021-05-21 21:03:01
Nope!
AndrewZhong2012
2021-05-21 21:03:01
no
Achilleas
2021-05-21 21:03:04
Thank you al! Have a wonderful week! See you next time!
© 2021 Art of Problem Solving

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Geometry Week 4 - 2689 Introduction To Geometry

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10/12/21, 8:25 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Introduction to Geometry (2689)

Week 4: Similar Triangles

What do we get for x?

what you want!)

before writing the equation this gives us,

This is exactly the expression that we had earlier!

We can finally conclude that

by ASA Congruence. Therefore, AN = N X , so

We are also given

by SAS Similarity. Therefore,

© 2021 Art of Problem Solving

Copyright © 2021 Art of Problem Solving

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