Determining similarity of plane figures

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In summary, the two polygons are similar if they can be zoomed in and out to look the same. This is equivalent to saying that the angles between the sides of the polygons are the same.
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MathIsHard123
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really need help on this I learned it but forgot how to do it. thanks if you reply with explanation
 

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Two polygons in Euclidean geometry are called similar when, roughly speaking, one can be resized (zoomed in and zoomed out) to obtain another.

This is essentially equivalent to saying (are you familiar with the geometric proof of this) that if you have two polygons with sides labeled $AB, BC, CD, \cdots$ and $A'B', B'C', C'D', \cdots$ and the angles labelled $\alpha, \beta, \gamma, \cdots$ and $\alpha', \beta', \gamma', \cdots$ in the same order, then $$\frac{AB}{A'B'} = \frac{BC}{B'C'} = \frac{CD}{C'D'} = \cdots$$ $$\alpha = \alpha', \beta = \beta', \gamma = \gamma', \cdots$$

What can you say about the polygons you are given? Can you use the fact above?
 
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  • #3
mathbalarka said:
Two polygons in Euclidean geometry are called similar when, roughly speaking, one can be resized (zoomed in and zoomed out) to obtain another.

This is essentially equivalent to saying (are you familiar with the geometric proof of this) that if you have two polygons with sides labeled $AB, BC, CD, \cdots$ and $A'B', B'C', C'D', \cdots$ in the same order, then $$\frac{AB}{A'B'} = \frac{BC}{B'C'} = \frac{CD}{C'D'} = \cdots$$
For triangles, this is indeed equivalent. For polygons with more than three sides, the fact that sides are proportional is necessary for the polygons to be similar, but it is not sufficient.
 
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Hello MathIsHard123 (Wave) and welcome to MHB!I have re-titled your thread so that it reflects the nature of the question being asked. A title such as "Math Help" tells us no more than we already know...when our users view the thread listing, it is best if the titles give some indication of the type of question posted. This makes MHB more efficient for our users, and ensures you get the most prompt help possible.:)
 
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Evgeny.Makarov said:
For triangles, this is indeed equivalent. For polygons with more than three sides, the fact that sides are proportional is necessary for the polygons to be similar, but it is not sufficient.

Fair enough, otherwise a Rhombus and a square would be similar. The diagonals must be similar too, but that fact isn't needed here. I evidently didn't see the angles marked in the image. :p
 

FAQ: Determining similarity of plane figures

How do you determine similarity between two plane figures?

Determining similarity between two plane figures involves comparing their corresponding angles and sides. If the corresponding angles are equal and the corresponding sides are in proportion, the figures are similar.

Why is it important to determine similarity of plane figures?

Determining similarity of plane figures is important in geometry and mathematics as it allows us to make accurate measurements and calculations. It also helps us identify patterns and relationships between different shapes and figures.

What are some methods for determining similarity of plane figures?

Some methods for determining similarity of plane figures include using ratios, proportions, and the side-angle-side (SAS) or angle-angle-angle (AAA) similarity theorems. Other methods involve using a compass and straightedge to construct and compare the figures.

Can two plane figures be similar if they have different sizes?

Yes, two plane figures can be similar even if they have different sizes. As long as their corresponding angles and sides are in proportion, the figures are considered similar. This means that one figure can be a scaled version of the other.

How is determining similarity of plane figures related to congruence?

Determining similarity of plane figures is related to congruence in that both involve comparing angles and sides of geometric shapes. However, congruence refers to figures that are exactly the same in shape and size, while similarity allows for differences in size.

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