How to determine if two triangles are similar using proportions and altitude

The video tutorial explains the concept of special segments in triangles, such as medians, angle bisectors, and altitudes, and their proportional relationships to the sides of the triangle. It demonstrates how to set up and solve proportions using these segments, with a focus on cross multiplication. The tutorial concludes with a Q&A session to address student queries.

Which of the following is a special segment of a triangle that is proportional to the sides?

• Perpendicular bisector

• Orthocenter

• Median

• Circumcenter

What does the median of a triangle do?

• Is perpendicular to the opposite side

• Divides the triangle into two equal areas

• Cuts the opposite side into two equal lengths

• Bisects the angle from which it is drawn

How do you set up a proportion when given a median in a triangle?

• By equating the sum of the sides

• By comparing the median to the angle bisector

• By relating the median to the side lengths

• By using the Pythagorean theorem

What is the first step in solving a proportion using cross-multiplication?

• Add the numerators

• Multiply the diagonals

• Subtract the denominators

• Divide the sides

After cross-multiplying, what is the next step to find the unknown value?

• Divide by the coefficient of the unknown

• Multiply by the reciprocal

• Subtract the smaller product

• Add the products