How to find if rectangles are similar - High School Math

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Question

Two rectangles are similar. The perimeter of the first rectangle is 36. The perimeter of the second is 12. If the base length of the second rectangle is 4, what is the height of the first rectangle?

Answer

Solve for the height of the second rectangle.

Perimeter = 2B + 2H

12 = 2(4) + 2H

12 = 8 + 2H

4 = 2H

H = 2

If they are similar, then the base and height are proportionally equal.

B1/H1 = B2/H2

4/2 = B2/H2

2 = B2/H2

B2 = 2H2

Use perimeter equation then solve for H:

Perimeter = 2B + 2H

36 = 2 B2 + 2 H2

36 = 2 (2H2) + 2 H2

36 = 4H2 + 2 H2

36 = 6H2

H2 = 6

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