Proportions & Similar Triangles

Objectives/Assignments Use proportionality theorems to calculate segment lengths. To solve real-life problems, such as determining the dimensions of a piece of land.

Use Proportionality Theorems In this lesson, you will study four proportionality theorems. Similar triangles are used to prove each theorem.

Triangle Proportionality Theorem If a line parallel to one side of a triangle intersects the other two sides, then it divides the two side proportionally. If TU ║ QS, then RT TQ RU US =

Converse of the Triangle Proportionality Theorem If a line divides two sides of a triangle proportionally, then it is parallel to the third side. RT TQ RU US = If, then TU ║ QS.

Ex. 1: Finding the length of a segment In the diagram AB ║ ED, BD = 8, DC = 4, and AE = 12. What is the length of EC?

Step: DC EC BD AE 4 EC (12) 8 6 = EC Reason Triangle Proportionality Thm. Substitute Multiply each side by 12. Simplify. = = = EC  So, the length of EC is 6.

Ex. 2: Determining Parallels Given the diagram, determine whether MN ║ GH. LM MG = 8 3 = LN NH = 3 1 = ≠ MN is not parallel to GH.

Proportional parts of // lines If three parallel lines intersect two transversals, then they divide the transversals proportionally. If r ║ s and s║ t and l and m intersect, r, s, and t, then UW WY VX XZ =

Special segments If a ray bisects an angle of a triangle, then it divides the opposite side into segments whose lengths are proportional to the lengths of the other two sides. If CD bisects  ACB, then AD DB CA CB =

Ex. 3: Using Proportionality Theorems In the diagram  1   2   3, and PQ = 9, QR = 15, and ST = 11. What is the length of TU?

SOLUTION: Because corresponding angles are congruent, the lines are parallel. PQ QR ST TU = TU = 9 ● TU = 15 ● 11 Cross Product property 15(11) = TU = Parallel lines divide transversals proportionally. Substitute Divide each side by 9 and simplify.  So, the length of TU is 55/3 or 18 1/3.

Ex. 4: Using the Proportionality Theorem In the diagram,  CAD   DAB. Use the given side lengths to find the length of DC.

Solution: Since AD is an angle bisector of  CAB, you can apply Theorem 8.7. Let x = DC. Then BD = 14 – x. AB AC BD DC = X X = Apply Thm. 8.7 Substitute.

Ex. 4 Continued... 9 ● x = 15 (14 – x) 9x = 210 – 15x 24x= 210 x= 8.75 Cross product property Distributive Property Add 15x to each side Divide each side by 24.  So, the length of DC is 8.75 units.

Finding Segment Lengths In the diagram KL ║ MN. Find the values of the variables.

Solution To find the value of x, you can set up a proportion x x = 13.5(37.5 – x) = 9x – 13.5x = 9x = 22.5 x 22.5 = x Write the proportion Cross product property Distributive property Add 13.5x to each side. Divide each side by 22.5  Since KL ║MN, ∆JKL ~ ∆JMN and JK JM KL MN =

Solution To find the value of y, you can set up a proportion y = 9y = 7.5(22.5) y = Write the proportion Cross product property Divide each side by 9.