CFA: Similar Figures & Indirect Measure

Front

What are similar figures?

Back

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

Front

What does SSS stand for in triangle similarity?

Back

SSS stands for Side-Side-Side. It is a criterion for triangle similarity that states if the three sides of one triangle are proportional to the three sides of another triangle, then the triangles are similar.

Front

What does SAS stand for in triangle similarity?

Back

SAS stands for Side-Angle-Side. It is a criterion for triangle similarity that states if two sides of one triangle are proportional to two sides of another triangle and the included angles are equal, then the triangles are similar.

Front

How do you determine the scale factor between two similar figures?

Back

The scale factor is determined by dividing the length of a side of one figure by the corresponding side of the other figure.

Front

What is the relationship between the heights of two similar triangles?

Back

The heights of two similar triangles are proportional to the lengths of their corresponding bases.

Front

How can indirect measurement be used to find the height of an object?

Back

Indirect measurement can be used by creating a right triangle with a line of sight to the top of the object and using similar triangles to calculate the height.

Front

If a vertical yardstick casts a 4-foot shadow, and a flagpole casts a 20-foot shadow, how do you find the height of the flagpole?

Back

Use the proportion: height of yardstick / length of yardstick's shadow = height of flagpole / length of flagpole's shadow. Solve for the height of the flagpole.

Front

What is the formula for finding the height of a tree using a mirror?

Back

The height of the tree can be found using similar triangles: height of tree / distance from tree = height of mirror / distance from mirror.

Front

What is the significance of corresponding angles in similar figures?

Back

Corresponding angles in similar figures are equal, which helps establish the similarity of the figures.

Front

What is the importance of proportional sides in similar triangles?

Back

Proportional sides in similar triangles ensure that the triangles maintain the same shape, allowing for the application of similarity criteria.