How to find if right triangles are similar - ACT Math
Card 0 of 3
You have two right triangles that are similar. The base of the first is 6 and the height is 9. If the base of the second triangle is 20, what is the height of the second triangle?
You have two right triangles that are similar. The base of the first is 6 and the height is 9. If the base of the second triangle is 20, what is the height of the second triangle?
Similar triangles are proportional.
Base1 / Height1 = Base2 / Height2
6 / 9 = 20 / Height2
Cross multiply and solve for Height2
6 / 9 = 20 / Height2
6 * Height2= 20 * 9
Height2= 30
Similar triangles are proportional.
Base1 / Height1 = Base2 / Height2
6 / 9 = 20 / Height2
Cross multiply and solve for Height2
6 / 9 = 20 / Height2
6 * Height2= 20 * 9
Height2= 30
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A right triangle is defined by the points (1, 1), (1, 5), and (4, 1). The triangle's sides are enlarged by a factor of 3 to form a new triangle. What is the area of the new triangle?
A right triangle is defined by the points (1, 1), (1, 5), and (4, 1). The triangle's sides are enlarged by a factor of 3 to form a new triangle. What is the area of the new triangle?
The points define a 3-4-5 right triangle. Its area is A = 1/2bh = ½(3)(4) = 6. The scale factor (SF) of the new triangle is 3. The area of the new triangle is given by Anew = (SF)2 x (Aold) =
32 x 6 = 9 x 6 = 54 square units (since the units are not given in the original problem).
NOTE: For a volume problem: Vnew = (SF)3 x (Vold).
The points define a 3-4-5 right triangle. Its area is A = 1/2bh = ½(3)(4) = 6. The scale factor (SF) of the new triangle is 3. The area of the new triangle is given by Anew = (SF)2 x (Aold) =
32 x 6 = 9 x 6 = 54 square units (since the units are not given in the original problem).
NOTE: For a volume problem: Vnew = (SF)3 x (Vold).
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On a flat street, a light pole 36 feet tall casts a shadow that is 9 feet long. At the same time of day, a nearby light pole casts a shadow that is 6 feet long. How many feet tall is the second light pole?
On a flat street, a light pole 36 feet tall casts a shadow that is 9 feet long. At the same time of day, a nearby light pole casts a shadow that is 6 feet long. How many feet tall is the second light pole?
Start by drawing out the light poles and their shadows.
In this case, we end up with two similar triangles. We know that these are similar triangles because the question tells us that these poles are on a flat surface, meaning angle B and angle E are both right angles. Then, because the question states that the shadow cast by both poles are at the same time of day, we know that angles C and F are equivalent. As a result, angles A and D must also be equivalent.
Since these are similar triangles, we can set up proportions for the corresponding sides.
Now, solve for 
by cross-multiplying.
Start by drawing out the light poles and their shadows.
In this case, we end up with two similar triangles. We know that these are similar triangles because the question tells us that these poles are on a flat surface, meaning angle B and angle E are both right angles. Then, because the question states that the shadow cast by both poles are at the same time of day, we know that angles C and F are equivalent. As a result, angles A and D must also be equivalent.
Since these are similar triangles, we can set up proportions for the corresponding sides.
Now, solve for
Compare your answer with the correct one above