Grade 10

Grade 10GeometrySimilarity


Criteria for Similarity


In geometry, similarity refers to a situation where two figures have the same shape but may differ in size. When two objects share the same shape, their angles are the same and the sides of one are proportional to the sides of the other. Understanding similarity is essential in solving various problems related to shapes and sizes. Similar polygons are the main focus, especially triangles. Let's understand this concept in more depth.

Understanding equality

Two geometric figures are similar if they have the same shape. This does not mean that they have the same size. Let's start with the primary criterion that determines whether two triangles are similar:

  • Angle-Angle (AA)
  • Side-Angle-Side (SAS)
  • Side-Side-Side (SSS)

Angle-Angle (AA) criterion

According to the angle-angle (AA) criterion, if two angles of one triangle are respectively equal to two angles of another triangle, then the two triangles are similar. It is based on the fact that the sum of the interior angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees, so if two angles are known, the third angle is implicitly defined.

A B C

This triangle named ABC, where ∠A = ∠D and ∠B = ∠E, is similar to another triangle DEF under the AA criterion.

Side-Angle-Side (SAS) criterion

The Side-Angle-Side (SAS) criterion for similarity states that if one angle of a triangle is equal to one angle of another triangle and the sides including these angles are in proportion, then the triangles are similar. This criterion involves two pairs of sides and the angle between them.

    Triangles ABC and DEF:
    AB / DE = BC / EF = AC / DF
    

Provided that the above ratios satisfy ∠A = ∠D, then triangle ABC is similar to triangle DEF according to the SAS criterion.

Side-Side-Side (SSS) criterion

According to the Side-Side-Side (SSS) criterion, two triangles are similar if the corresponding sides of the two triangles are proportional. This means that the ratio of the lengths of their corresponding sides is equal.

    Triangles ABC and DEF:
    AB / DE = BC / EF = AC / DF
    

If the sides of two triangles satisfy this condition, then they are similar according to the SSS criterion.

Exploring example problems

Example 1: Proving triangle similarity using the AA criterion

A triangle whose angles are ∠P = 30°, ∠Q = 60°, and another triangle whose angles are ∠A = 30°, ∠B = 60° are given. Prove that these triangles are similar.

Solution:

Since ∠P = 30° = ∠A and ∠Q = 60° = ∠B, by AA criterion, triangle PQR is similar to triangle ABC.

Example 2: Proving triangle similarity using SAS criteria

Consider two triangles: In triangle XYZ, ∠XY = 3 cm, ∠X = 45°, ∠YZ = 4 cm. In triangle DEF, DE = 6 cm, ∠D = 45°, EF = 8 cm. Prove that the triangles are similar.

Solution:

  • Check the proportionality of the sides: XY / DE = 3 / 6 = 1/2
  • XZ / DF = 4 / 8 = 1/2

Since ratios are equal and ∠X = ∠D = 45°, triangle XYZ is similar to triangle DEF by SAS criteria.

Example 3: Proving triangle similarity using the SSS criterion

Two triangles are given: triangle LMN and triangle PQR, where:

  • LM = 4 cm, MN = 5 cm, LN = 6 cm
  • PQ = 8 cm, QR = 10 cm, PR = 12 cm

Show that these triangles are similar.

Solution:

  • Check the ratio: LM / PQ = 4 / 8 = 1/2
  • MN / QR = 5 / 10 = 1/2
  • Ln / Pr = 6 / 12 = 1/2

Since all the corresponding sides are in proportion, i.e. in the same ratio, therefore, triangle LMN is similar to triangle PQR by the SSS criterion.

Practical applications

Understanding similarity in geometry has practical applications in real life, such as map reading, architecture, and even art. From knowing how to scale objects or reduce a setup into manageable sample measurements, the concepts of similarity are universally applicable in mathematical practice as well as in alignment fields.

Conclusion

Recognizing the criteria for similarity in triangles and other geometric shapes allows us to make accurate comparisons and measurements. The AA, SAS and SSS criteria form the fundamental principles that guide us in verifying similarity. These principles are not limited to theoretical mathematics but also offer ample practicality in day-to-day life scenarios, as understanding them helps us solve various geometric problems. With a broader understanding of similarity, we can address more complex problems involving other mathematical topics.


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