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# Using Similar Right Triangles

## Prove and use the Triangle Proportionality, Triangle Angle Bisector, and Pythagorean Theorems.

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Theorems Involving Similarity

Can you find any similar triangles in the picture below?

### Theorems on Similar Triangles

If two triangles are similar, then their corresponding angles are congruent and their corresponding sides are proportional. There are many theorems about triangles that you can prove using similar triangles.

1. Triangle Proportionality Theorem: A line parallel to one side of a triangle divides the other two sides of the triangle proportionally. This theorem and its converse will be explored and proved in #1 and #2, and the Review exercises.
2. Triangle Angle Bisector Theorem: The angle bisector of one angle of a triangle divides the opposite side of the triangle into segments proportional to the lengths of the other two sides of the triangle. This theorem will be explored and proved in #3.
3. Pythagorean Theorem: For a right triangle with legs  and  and hypotenuse , . This theorem will be explored and proved in the Examples problems.

Let's take a look at some problems about proving triangle similarity

1. Prove that .

The two triangles share . Because , corresponding angles are congruent. Therefore, . The two triangles have two pairs of congruent angles. Therefore, by .

2. Use your result from #1 to prove that . Then, use algebra to show that .

which means that corresponding sides are proportional. Therefore, . Now, you can use algebra to show that the second proportion must be true. Remember that and .

You have now proved the triangle proportionality theorem: a line parallel to one side of a triangle divides the other two sides of the triangle proportionally.

3. Consider with the angle bisector of and point  constructed so that . Prove that .

By the triangle proportionality theorem, . Multiply both sides of this proportion by .

Now all you need to show is that in order to prove the desired result.

• Because  is the angle bisector of , .
• Because (corresponding angles).
• Because (alternate interior angles).
• Thus,  by the transitive property.

Therefore, is isosceles because its base angles are congruent and it must be true that . This means that . Therefore:

This proves the triangle angle bisector theorem: the angle bisector of one angle of a triangle divides the opposite side of the triangle into segments proportional to the lengths of the other two sides of the triangle.

### Examples

#### Example 1

Earlier, you were asked can you find any similar triangles in the picture below.

There are three triangles in this picture: , , . All three triangles are right triangles so they have one set of congruent angles (the right angle). and share , so by . Similarly, and share , so by . By the transitive property, all three triangles must be similar to one another.

The large triangle above has sides , , and . Side  has been divided into two parts: and . In the Concept Problem Revisited you showed that the three triangles in this picture are similar.

#### Example 2

Explain why .

When triangles are similar, corresponding sides are proportional. Carefully match corresponding sides and you see that .

#### Example 3

Explain why .

When triangles are similar, corresponding sides are proportional. Carefully match corresponding sides and you see that .

#### Example 4

Use the results from #2 and #3 to show that .

Cross multiply to rewrite each equation. Then, add the two equations together.

You have just proved the Pythagorean Theorem using similar triangles.

### Review

Solve for in each problem.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Use the picture below for #8-#10.

8. Solve for .

9. Solve for .

10. Solve for .

Use the picture below for #11-#13.

11. Assume that . Use algebra to show that .

12. Prove that

13. Prove that

14. Prove that a segment that connects the midpoints of two sides of a triangle will be parallel to the third side of the triangle.

15. Prove the Pythagorean Theorem using the picture below.

### Notes/Highlights Having trouble? Report an issue.

Color Highlighted Text Notes

### Vocabulary Language: English

Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem is a mathematical relationship between the sides of a right triangle, given by $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $a$ and $b$ are legs of the triangle and $c$ is the hypotenuse of the triangle.

Triangle Proportionality Theorem

The Triangle Proportionality Theorem states that if a line is parallel to one side of a triangle and it intersects the other two sides, then it divides those sides proportionally.

Triangle Angle Bisector Theorem

The angle bisector of one angle of a triangle divides the opposite side of the triangle into segments proportional to the lengths of the other two sides of the triangle.