S - Using Similarity Lesson

Using Similarity

Similarity will allow us to find missing sides of figures and to prove other mathematical concepts.

Find the Missing Sides

In order to find missing sides of similar figures, all you have to do is set up a proportion just like you did in the last lesson to prove that two figures are similar. The only difference is that one of the side measures will be missing. In order to solve for that missing side, you will solve the proportion using cross products just like you did in the first lesson of this module.

Watch this video to see examples of using similarity to find missing sides of triangles.

Now practice your new found skill with these practice problems.

Proving Pythagorean Theorem

Similar triangles can be used to prove the Pythagorean Theorem. The Pythagorean Theorem will be important in a later module that discusses right triangle trigonometry. 

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