Geometry: Common Core (15th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0133281159
ISBN 13: 978-0-13328-115-6

Chapter 7 - Similarity - 7-3 Providing Triangles Similar - Lesson Check - Page 455: 3

Answer

Yes, the triangles are similar because two sides in one triangle are proportional to two sides in the other triangle, and the included angles in both triangles are congruent. Thus, $\triangle AGU$ ~ $\triangle BEF$ using the SAS Similarity Theorem.

Work Step by Step

We are given the measures of two sides and an included angle in the two triangles. Let's see if the Side-Angle-Side Similarity Theorem can be applied here. The SAS Similarity Theorem states that if two sides in one triangle are proportional to the two sides of another triangle, and the included angle in one triangle is congruent to the included angle of the other triangle, then the two triangles are similar. Let's set up the ratios of corresponding sides in $\triangle AGU$ and $\triangle BEF$: $\frac{AG}{BE} = \frac{12}{15}$ Divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, $3$: $\frac{AG}{BE} = \frac{4}{5}$ Let's look at $GU$ and $EF$: $\frac{GU}{EF} = \frac{16}{20}$ Divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, $4$: $\frac{GU}{EF} = \frac{4}{5}$ Let's look at the corresponding angles in the two triangles: $m \angle G ≅ m \angle E = 70^{\circ}$ Yes, the triangles are similar because two sides in one triangle are proportional to two sides in the other triangle, and the included angle in both triangle are congruent. Thus, $\triangle AGU$ ~ $\triangle BEF$ using the SAS Similarity Theorem.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.