7•2 Similar Polygons
7•2
Identify Similar Polygons
SIMILAR POLYGONS
Similar polygons have the same shape but not necessarily
the same size. For similar polygons, the corresponding angles
are congruent, and the corresponding sides are proportional.
The scale factor between two similar polygons is also called a
similarity ratio.
EXAMPLE Identifying Similar Polygons
Determine whether the pair of figures is similar. If
so, write the similarity statement and scale factor.
Explain your reasoning.
12 X
Q
8
W P
9 18 6 12
S
Z 10 R
15 Y
Step 1: Compare corresponding angles.
∠W ≅ ∠P, ∠X ≅ ∠Q, ∠Y ≅ ∠R, ∠Z ≅ ∠S
Corresponding angles are congruent.
Geo-SG06-02-02-860183-B
Step 2: Compare corresponding sides.
_ = _ _
WX 12 3
PQ
8 or
2
_ QR = _ _
XY 18 3
12 or
2
RS = _
_ 10 or _
YZ 15 3
2
_ = _
6 or _
ZW 9 3
SP
2
Since corresponding sides are proportional, WXYZ ∼
PQRS. The polygons are similar with a scale factor of _
3
2
.
210 HotTopic 7
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
Use Similar Figures
You can use scale factors and proportions to find missing side
lengths in similar polygons.
EXAMPLE Using Similar Polygons
a. The two polygons are similar. Find x and y.
S
32 x N
16 13
R T M y P
38
Use the congruent angles to write the corresponding
vertices in order.
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△RST ∼ △MNP
Write proportions to find x and y.
_ 13 _
= _ _
32 x 38 32
16 y = 16
16x = 32(13) 32y = 38(16)
x = 26 y = 19
b. If △DEF ∼ △GHJ, find the scale factor of △DEF
to △GHJ and the perimeter of each triangle.
The scale factor is H
_ = _ = _
EF 8 2 12
. E
HJ 12 3 8 J
10 F
The perimeter of △DEF 12
is 10 + 8 + 12 or 30. D G
_ _____
Perimeter of △DEF
2
3 =
Perimeter of △GHJ
_ _
2 30 C07-008A-890516-A
3 = x Substitution
(3)(30) = 2x Cross Products Property
45 = x Solve.
So, the perimeter of △GHJ is 45.
Similar Polygons 211
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
7•2 Exercises
7•2
List all the pairs of congruent angles and write a
EXERCISES
proportional that relates the corresponding sides.
1. △DEF ∼ △GJH
E G H
D F
J
Determine whether each pair of figures is similar. If
so, write the similarity statement and scale factor. If
not, explain your reasoning.
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2. A B H 3. P
J
G Q R
E C K
11
L
S T
D 22
C07-006A-890516-A
Each pair C07-007A-890516-A
of polygons is similar. Find the value of x.
4. 8 5. 18
12 18
x 9
10
x+1
12 24
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6. If ABCD ∼ PQRS, find the scale factor of ABCD to PQRS
and the perimeter of each polygon.
20
P Q
A B
14
D C S R
25
7. If JKL ∼ XYZ, find the scale factor of JKL to XYZ.
C07-009A-890516-B
K 16
1
2 Y 11
L Z
36 X 24
J
212 HotTopic 7
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
