Ratio,

Proportion,
and
Similarity
 TOPICS:

´Concurrence of the Medians of a Triangle

´Proportions in a Right Triangle
´The Pythagorean Theorem
Concurrence of the Medians of a Triangle

The point of concurrency of median of a triangle is called

the following:
A. Incenter
B. Orthocenter
C. Circumcenter
D. centroid
Incenter:
In geometry, the incenter of a triangle is a triangle center, a point defined for
any triangle in a way that is independent of the triangle's placement or scale. It
is the point of intersection of the angle bisector of the three angles of the
triangle.

The incenter of a triangle is also

known as the center of a triangle's
circle since the largest circle could fit
inside a triangle. The circle that is
inscribed in a triangle is called an
incircle of a triangle.
Properties of an Incenter

Property 1: If I is the incenter of the triangle then line segments AE

and AG, CG and CF, BF and BE are equal in length.
 Property 3:
The sides of the triangle are tangents to the circle,
hence OE = OF = OG = r are called the inradii of the
circle.

Property 4: If
s = a + b + c/2, where s is the semiperimeter of the triangle
and r is the inradius of the triangle, then the area of the
triangle is: A = sr.

Property 5:
Unlike an orthocenter, a triangle's incenter always lies
inside the triangle.
Example 1:
Peter calculated the area of a triangular sheet as 90 feet2. The perimeter of the sheet is
30 feet. If a circle is drawn inside the triangle such that it is touching every side of the
triangle, help Peter calculate the inradius of the triangle.

Solution:

Given:

The area of the sheet = 90feet^2

The perimeter of the sheet = 30 feet
Semi-perimeter of the triangular sheet = 30feet/2 = 15feet
The area of the triangle = sr, wger r is the inradius of the triangle.
Area = sr
90 = 15 x r
r = 90/15
r=6
Therefore, r = 6feet
 Incenter Formula
To calculate the incenter of a triangle with 3 coordinates, we can use the incenter
formula. Let us learn about the formula. Consider the coordinates of incenter of the
triangle ABC with coordinates of the vertices,
A(x1,y1), B(x2, y2), C(x3, y3) and sides a, b, c are:

Incenter of a Triangle Angle Formula

To calculate the incenter of an angle of a triangle we can use the formula mentioned as follows:
Let E, F, and G be the points where the angle bisectors of C, A, and B cross the sides AB, AC, and BC,
respectively.
Using the angle sum property of a triangle, we can calculate the incenter of a triangle angle.
Example 2: If I is the incenter of the triangle ABC then find the value of x in the figure.

Solution:
Given: I is the incenter of the triangle.
AI, BI, CI are the angle bisectors of the triangle,

∠ BAI +∠ CBI +∠ ACI = 180°/2

37° + 20° + x° = 90°
57° + x° = 90°
x° = 90° - 57°
x° = 33°
Therefore, x = 33°
Example 3: Find the coordinates of the incenter of a triangle whose vertices are
given as A(20, 15), B(0, 0) and C(-36, 15).

Solution:
Let the given points be:
A(20, 15) = (X_1, Y_1)
B(0, 0) = (X_2, Y_2)
C(-36, 15) = (X_3, Y_3)

Using distance formula, we

can find the length of sides
AB, BC and CA as:

AB = c = √[(20-0)^2 + (15-0)^2]
= √(20)^2 + (15)^2
= √400+225
= √625
AB=c=25
Continuation:

Substituting the values in using the

incenter formula,
Orthocenter:
An orthocenter can be defined as the point of intersection of altitudes that are drawn
perpendicular from the vertex to the opposite sides of a triangle. The orthocenter of a
triangle is that point where all the three altitudes of a triangle intersect.

The main three main aspects of an orthocenter are:

Triangle - A polygon with three vertices and three edges.

Altitude - The altitude of a triangle is that line that passes through its
vertex and is perpendicular to the opposite side. Hence, a triangle
can have three altitudes, one from each vertex.
Vertex - The point where two or more lines meet is called a vertex.
Look at the image below, △ABC is a triangle, △ABC has three altitudes, namely,
AE, BF, and, CD, △ABC has three vertices, namely, A, B, and, C, and the
intersection point H is the orthocenter.
Properties of an Orthocenter
The properties of an orthocenter vary depending on the type of triangle such as the Isosceles triangle,
Scalene triangle, right-angle triangle, etc. For some triangles, the orthocenter need not lie inside the triangle
but can be placed outside. For instance, for an equilateral triangle, the orthocenter is the centroid. The
properties are as follows:

Property 1:
The orthocenter lies inside the triangle for an acute angle triangle. As seen in the
below figure, the orthocenter is the intersection point of the lines PF, QS, and RJ.
 Property 2:
The orthocenter lies outside the
triangle for an obtuse angle triangle.
As seen in the image below, the
orthocenter formed by 3
intersecting lines or altitudes lies
outside the triangle.

Property 3:
The orthocenter lies on the vertex of
the right angle of the right triangle. As
seen in the image below, the point of
intersection lies at point C.

Property 4:
An orthocenter divides an altitude into
different parts. The product of the lengths
of all these parts is equivalent for all three
perpendiculars.
 How to Construct an Orthocenter?
To construct the orthocenter for a triangle geometrically, we
have to do the following:

Find the perpendicular from any two vertices to the

opposite sides.
To draw the perpendicular or the altitude, use vertex C as
the center and radius equal to the side BC. Draw arcs on
the opposite sides AB and AC.
Draw intersecting arcs from B and D, at F. Join CF.
Similarly, draw intersecting arcs from points C and E, at
G. Join BG.
CF and BG are altitudes or perpendiculars for the sides
AB and AC respectively.
The intersection point of any two altitudes of a triangle
gives the orthocenter.
Thus, find the point of intersection of the two altitudes.
At that point, H is referred to as the orthocenter of the
triangle.
Orthocentre of a Triangle Formula

PA, QB, RC are the perpendicular lines

drawn from the three vertices P(x_1, y_1),
Q(x_2, y_2), and R(x_3, y_3) respectively
of the △PQR. H(x, y) is the intersection
point of the three altitudes of the
triangle.

Step 1
Calculate the slope of the sides
of the triangle using the formula:
m(slope) = y_2 - y_1/x_2-x_1

Let slope of PR be given by mPR.

Hence, mPR = y_3-y_1/x_3-x_1

Similarly, mQR = y_3-y_2/x_3-x_2
 Step 2
The slope of the altitudes of the △PQR will be perpendicular to the
slope of the sides of the triangle.

We know,
Perpendicular slope of line = -1/slope = -1/m The generalized equation formed by

using artbitary points x and y is:
The slope of the respective altitudes:
Slope of PA, mPA = -1/mQR
mPA = (y - y_1)/(x-x_1)
SLope of QB, mQB = -1/mPR
mQB = (y -y_2/(x - x_2)

We will use the slope-point form equation as Thus, solving the two equations for any given
a straight line to calculate the equations of values the orthocenter of a triangle can be
the lines coinciding with PA and QB. calculated.
Example:
Can you help Sam name the vertices, sides, altitudes, and orthocenter for the following figure?
Example 2:

△ ∠ ∠
Point H in the orthocenter of ABC. Of B = 58°, C = 60°, and ∠A = 62°
Solution:
∠ ∠
In the given figure, CDH = BFC = 90°
∠ ∠
DCH = BCF
△ △
Hence, by AAA Property, DCH and FCB are similar triangles.
∠ ∠
Thus, CDH = CBF = 58°
∠
Therefore, CDH = 58°

Example 3:
Can you help Emma find the slopes of the altitudes of
△ABC when its vertices are A (-5, 3), B (1, 7), C (7, -5)?

Solution:
Give, the vertices of the triangle, Slope of AB,
A = (-5, 3) mAB = y_2 - y_1/x_2 - x_1
B = (1, 7) = &-3/1+5
C = (7,-5) = 4/6
= 2/3
Continuation:

Slope for BE,

mBE = Perpendicular slope of AC
= -1/mAC
= 3/2

Therefore, the slopes of the altitude of

-3/2, 1/2, 3/2

What is the Circumcenter of a Triangle?

The circumcenter is the center point of the circumcircle drawn around a polygon. The
circumcircle of a polygon is the circle that passes through all of its vertices and the center of
that circle is called the circumcenter. All polygons that have circumcircles are known as cyclic
polygons. However, all polygons need not have a circumcircle. Only regular polygons, triangles,
rectangles, and right-kites can have the circumcircle and thus the circumcenter.
 Properties of Circumcenter of Triangle
A circumcenter of triangle has many properties, let us take a look:
Consider any ΔABC with circumcenter O.
Property 1: All the vertices of the triangle are equidistant from the circumcenter. Let us look at the image
below to understand this better. Join O to the vertices of the triangle.

AO = BO = CO. Hence, the vertices of the

triangle are equidistant from the circumcenter.

Property 2. All the new triangles formed by

joining O to the vertices are Isosceles
triangles.

∠ ∠ ∠
Property 3. BOC = 2 A when A is acute or
when O and A are on the same side of BC.

∠ ∠
Property 4. BOC = 2( 180° - A) when A is ∠
obtuse or O and A are on different sides of BC.

 Property 5. Location for the circumcenter is different for different types of

triangles.

Acute Angle Triangle: The
location of the circumcenter of
an acute angle triangle is
inside the triangle. Here is an
image for better
understanding. Point O is the
circumcenter.
Obtuse Angle Triangle: The
circumcenter in an obtuse angle
triangle is located outside the
triangle. Point O is the circumcenter
in the below-seen image.
Right Angled Triangle: The
circumcenter in a right-
angled triangle is located on
the hypotenuse of a
triangle. In the image below,
O is the circumcenter.
Formulas to Locate the Circumcenter of Triangle

Method 1: Using the Midpoint Formula

Step1: M(x,y) = (X_1 + X_2/2, Y_1 + Y_2/2)
Method 2: Using the Distance Formula
Step 2: Calculate the slope of any of the line
segments AB, AC, and BC. d=√(x_-x_1)^2 + (y-y_!)^2)
Step 3: By using the midpoint and the slope of the
perpendicular line, find out the equation of the Step 1 : Find d_1, d_2 and d_3
perpendicular bisector line. Step 2: Now by computing, d_1 = d_2 = d_3 we
(y - y_1) = (-1/m) (x-x_1) can find out the coordinates of the
Step 4: Similarly, find out the equation of the circumcenter.
other perpendicular bisector line.
Step 5: Solve two perpendicular bisector
equations to find out the intersection point.

Method 4: Using the Circumcenter Formula

Method 3: Using Extended Sin Law

a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC = 2R

Example: Shemron has a cake that is shaped like an
equilateral triangle of sides √3
inch each. He wants to find out the
dimension of the circular base of the
cylindrical box which will contain this cake.

srea of △AOC = area of △AOB △ABC,

=area of △BOC △ABC = 1/2 x baxe x height

= √3/4 x a^2
Area of △ANC = 3 x area of △BOC 1/2 x a x (R+aOD) = √3/4 x a^2
area of an equilateral triangle = √3/4 x 1/2 a x (R + a/2 √3) = √3/4 = a^2
a^2 R = a/√3
area of triangle = 1/2 x base x height substitute: a = √3

R = 1 inch.
substitute: √3/4 x a^2 = 3 x 1/2 a x OD
OD = 1/2√3 x a

What is Centroid of a Triangle?

The centroid of a triangle is formed when three medians of a triangle intersect. It is one of
the four points of concurrencies of a triangle. The medians of a triangle are constructed
when the vertices of a triangle are joined with the midpoint of the opposite sides of the
triangle. Observe the following figure that shows the centroid of a triangle.

Properties of the Centroid of Triangle

The following points show the properties of the centroid
of a triangle which are very helpful to distinguish the
centroid from all the other points of concurrencies.
The centroid is also known as the geometric center of the
object.
The centroid of a triangle is the point of intersection of
all the three medians of a triangle.
The medians are divided into a 2:1 ratio by the centroid.
The centroid of a triangle is always within a triangle.
Centroid of Triangle Formula
The centroid of a triangle formula is used to find the centroid of a
triangle uses the coordinates of the vertices of a triangle. The
coordinates of the centroid of a triangle can only be calculated if we
know the coordinates of the vertices of the triangle. The formula for
the centroid of the triangle is:

C(x,y) = (x_1 +x_2 + x_3/3), (y_1 + y_2 + y_3/3)

where, x_1, x_2, and x_3

are the 'x-coordinates' of the vertices of the
triangle; and
y_1, y_2, and y_3
are the 'y-coordinates of the vertices of the
triangle.
Difference Between Orthocentre and Difference Between Incentre and
Centroid of Triangle Centroid of Triangle
Example 1: If the coordinates of the vertices of a triangle are given
as (4,3), (6,5), and (5,4), find the position of the centroid of the
triangle.

Solution:
To find the centroid of a triangle, the given
parameters are:

(x_1, y_1) = (4,3)

(9x_2, y_2) = (6,5)
(x_3,y_3 = (5,4)

Using the centroid formula:

the centroid of a triangle = C (x, y) = (x_1 + x_2 + x_3/3),
(y_1 + y_2 + y_3/3)
= 4+6+5/3, 3+5+4/3
= 15/3, 12/3
=(5, 4)

Answer: The centroid of the triangle is (5 , 4).

 Proportions in a Right Triangle

Right Triangle Similarity Leg-Leg Similarity

Acute Angle Similarity

If the lengths of the corresponding legs
If one of the acute angles of a right triangle is of two right triangles are proportional,
congruent to an acute angle of another right triangle, then by Side-Angle-Side Similarity the
then by Angle-Angle Similarity the triangles are similar. triangles are similar.

∠ ≅∠
In the figure, M Y , since both are right In the figure, ABPQ=BCQR .
angles, and N∠ ≅∠ Z.

So, ΔABC∼ΔPQR .
So, ΔLMN∼ΔXYZ .
 Hypotenuse-Leg Similarity

If the lengths of the hypotenuse and a leg of a right triangle are proportional to the corresponding parts of
another right triangle, then the triangles are similar. (You can prove this by using the Pythagorean
Theorem to show that the third pair of sides is also proportional.)

In the figure, DFST=DESR .

So, ΔDEF∼ΔSRT .
 Example: Given: If GI = 9 and RI = 4, find the length of

If RT = 8 and GI = 12, find the length of

1. The altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle

2. The leg of a right triangle is the
is the mean proportional between the two segments
mean proportional between the
that the hypotenuse is divided into:
hypotenuse and the projection of
the leg on the hypotenuse:
 Similar Triangles:
Two triangles are said to be similar to each other if they have the same shape
(not necessarily the same size). If two triangles are similar, then all three of
their angles are congruent to each other, and their corresponding sides are in
proportion. This means that the ratio of their corresponding sides are equal
to each other. We use the ∼ symbol to mean similar to. So we write ΔABC ∼
ΔDEF if triangle ABC is similar triangle DEF.

Theorem: If ΔABC ∼ ΔDEF, and ΔDEF ∼ GHI, then ΔABC ∼ ΔGHI.

In other words, similarity is transitive
 AA (Angle-Angle) Similarity Theorem:
If two angles of a triangle is congruent to two angles
of another triangle, then the
two triangles are similar.
SAS (Side Angle Side) Similarity Theorem: If
an angle is congruent to an angle of another
triangle the the sides that make up the
angles are in proportion, then the two
triangles are similar.

SSS (Side-Side-Side) Similarity: If all three sides

of a triangle are in proportion with three sides
of another triangle, then the two triangles are
similar.
Theorem: The altitude of a right triangle (through
the right angle) divides the
triangle into two similar right triangles that are Proof:
also similar to the original right
triangle.
 Pythagorean Theorem:
In any right triangle, the sum of the square of the length of the two
legs is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse.

Example:

In first triangle, 5^2 + c^2 = 7^2⇒ 25 +

c^2 = 49 ⇒ c^2 = 24 ⇒ c = √24 = 2√6
In second triangle, (√6)^2 + (2)2 = h^2 ⇒
⇒
h^2 = 6 + 4 = 10 h =√10
Special Triangles:
A right triangle where one of the acute angle is 30degrees and the other
acute angle is 60degrees is called a 30-60-90 triangle.
Theorem:
◦
In a 30-60-90 triangle, if the side opposite the 30 angle has length of a,
◦
then the side opposite the 60 angle has length of √3a, and the
hypotenuse has length 2a.