UNIT

SIMILAR FIGURES
4

Unit outcomes
After Completing this unit, you should be able to:
 know the concept of similar figures and related
terminologies.
 understand the condition for triangles to be similar.
 apply tests to check whether two given triangles are
similar or not.

Introduction
You may see the map of Ethiopia either in smaller or larger size, but have you
asked yourself about the difference and likness of these maps? In geometery this
concept is described by “similarity of plane figures” and you learn this concept
here in this unit. You begin this by studying similarity of triangles and how to
compare their areas and perimeters.

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4.1 Similar Plane Figures

Activity 4.1
Discuss with your teacher
1. Which of the following maps are similar?

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 4.1
2. Which of the following pictures or polygons are similar?

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 4.2

3. Which of the following polygons are similar?

D 8cm u 8cm T
C
P 2cm Q
6cm 6cm
6cm

Polygon I
6cm

Polygon II Polygon III 2cm

2cm

A B
8cm R S S R
8cm 2cm

Figure 4.3
Similar geometric Figures are figures which have exactly the same shape. See
Figure 4.4, each pair of figures are similar.

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Small
Larger
Larger rectangle Rectangle Small
triangle
triangle

(a)
Figure. 4.4 Geometric Figures (b)

Therefore, geometric figures having the same shape, equal corresponding angles
and corresponding sides are proportional are called similar figures.

4.1.1 Illustration and Definition of Similar Figures

Group Work 4.1
1. A square and a rectangle have corresponding angles congruent.

W C
D

W W

A B
W
Figure. 4.5
Are they similar? Why?

2. A square and a rhombus have the corresponding sides proportional.

x C S
D

t t
x x
P R

A B t t
x

Are they similar? Why? Figure. 4.6 Q

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
3. Which members of these families of shape are similar:
a) squares d) circles g) regular hexagons
b) rectangles e) equilateral triangles h) trapeziums
c) Parallelograms f) isosceles triangles
4. Which members of these families of solid shape are similar:
a) cubes c) spheres e) pyramids
b) cuboids d) tetrahedrons f) cones

Definition 4.1: Two polygons are similar, if:

i. their corresponding sides are proportional.
ii. their corresponding angles are congruent (equal).

Example1: Which of the following polygons are similar? Which are not? state
the reason.

Square Rectangle
Rectangle Rhombus

Figure 4.7 Polygons

Solution: From the given Figure 4.7 above
a. The square and the rectangle are not similar because their corresponding
angles are congruent but their corresponding sides are not proportional.
b. The square and the rhombus are not similar because their corresponding
sides are proportional but their corresponding angles are not congruent.
c. The rectangle and the rhombus are not similar because their
corresponding angles are not congruent and corresponding sides are not
proportional.

Example2: Tell whether each pairs of in Figures 4.8 is similar or not.

(a) (b)
Figure 4.8 Polygons

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Solution:
a. Paris of the quadrilaterals have the same shape and angles but have not
the same size. Therefore, they are not similar.
b. Paris of the quadrilaterals have not the same shape. Therefore, they are
not similar.

Exercise 4A
Which of the following figures are always similar?
a. Any two circles. e. Any two squares.
b. Any two line segments. f. Any two rectangles.
c. Any two quadrilaterals. g. Any two equilateral triangles.
d. Any two isosceles triangles.

4.1.2 Scale Factors and Proportionality

Activity 4.2
Discuss with your friends.
1. Have you observed what they do in the film studio?
2. How do you see films in the cinema house?
3. How are the pictures enlarged on the cinema screen?
4. What is meant by scale factor?
5. What is meant by proportional sides of similar figures?

To discuss Activity 4.2, it is important to study central enlargement (central

stretching). Central enlargement which is either increases or decreases the size
of figures with out affecting their shapes.

Under an enlargement
1. Lines and their images are parallel.
2. Angles remain the same.
3. All lengths are increased or decreased in the same ratio.

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Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
Positive enlargement
In Figure 4.9 triangle A 1 B 1 C 1 is the image of triangle ABC under enlargement.
O is the centre of enlargement and the lines AA 1 , CC 1 and BB 1 when produced
must all pass through O.

B1

C1
Image

B
C Object

Centre of enlargement
A1 A O

Figure 4.9 Positive enlargement

The enlargement in Figure 4.9 is called a positive enlargement, because both

the object and its image are on the same side of the centre of enlargement. Also
the image is further from O than the object.

Note: - AB is parallel to A1B1.

- BC is parallel to B1C1.
- AC is parallel to A1C1.
- Angle BAC≅ angle B1 A1 C1.
- Angle ABC ≅ angle A1 B1 C1.
- Angle BCA≅angle B1C1 A1.

"In Figure 4.9 above the object and the image are similar why?"
?
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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Example3: Given the rectangle, ABCD and A as the centre of enlargement.

Draw the image AB'C'D' after enlargement of each side of ABCD
twice.
B’ B’ C’
C’

B C C
B B C

A D A D’ A D’
D D

Figure. 4.10
Solution:
Point A is the centre of enlargement and is fixed. A' is at A. Since each sides of
A'B'C'D' enlarged twice of each side of ABCD,
AB AD AC DC 1
= = = = or A'B'=2AB, A'D'=2AD A'C'=2AC and,
A' B' A' D' A' C' D' C' 2
D'C' = 2DC. The number 2 in this equation is called the constant of
proportionality or scale factor.

? "Can you define a scale factor based on example 3 above?"

Definition 4.2: Scale factor – the ratio of corresponding sides usually

expressed numerically so that:
length of line segment on the enlargement
Scale factor=
length of line segment on the original

Notation of scale factor = K

Example 4: The vertices of triangle ABC have co-ordinates A(2,1), B(4,1) and
C(3,4). Find the co-ordinates of triangle A 1 B 1 C 1 after an
enlargement, scale factor 2, with centre at O.
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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
Y

8 C1
7
6
5
4 C
3
2 A1
B1
1 A B
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 X

Figure. 4.11
Solution:
In Figure 4.11 you can see the object, triangle ABC and its image under
enlargement, triangle A 1 B 1 C 1 with co-ordinates: A 1 (4,2), B 1 (8,2) C 1 (6,8).

Example 5: Give the shape PQRS and point O. Draw the image P'Q'R'S' after
enlargement of each side of PQRS twice.
P’
P

P O Q
O• Q’

Q R
S
R’
S R S’
Figure 4.12

Solution: Join O to P, Q, R and S. Since each sides of P' Q' R' S' enlarged
twice of each side of PQRS.
OP OQ OR OS 1
= = = = or
OP' OQ' OR' OS' 2
OP'=2OP, OQ'= 2OQ, OR'=2OR and OS'=2OS
Hence, the number 2 is called the constant of proportionality or scale factor.
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Can you define a central enlargement (central stretching) in your own

? word?

Definition 4.3: A mapping which transform a figure following

the steps given below is called central enlargement.

Step i: Mark any point O. This point O is called center of the central
enlargement.
Step ii: Fix a number K. This number K is the constant of proportionality.
Step iii: Determine the image of each point A such as A' such that A'O=KAO.
Step iv: The image of point O is itself.
According to the definition 4.3 when you find the image of a plane figure,
i. If K > 1, the image figure is larger than the object figure.
ii. If 0 < K < 1, the image figure is smaller than the object figure.
iii. If K=1, the image figure is congruent to the object figure.

Example 6: Enlarge triangle PQR by scale factor 3 and O is the centre of

enlargement as shown below.

P O Q
Figure 4.13

Solution:
R′
Copy triangle PQR and the point O inside the
triangle. R
Step i: Make point P', R' and Q' on
O
OP, OQ and OR such that P Q
P'O = 3PO, Q′O = 3QO and P′ Q′
Figure 4.14
R′O = 3RO see Figure 4.14 to the
right.
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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
Stepii: Join the points P',Q', R' with
line segment to obtain P'Q'R'
(which is the required Figure).

Exercise 4B
1. Draw the image of the shape KLMN K •C
after an enlargement by scale factor
N
1
with center O. Label the image
2
K' L' M' N'.
M L

Figure 4.15

L N
2. Work out the scale factor of the
enlargement that takes in Figure
A C
4.16, triangle ABC on the
triangle LMN.

M
B

Figure 4.16
3. Copy the Figure 4.17 below.
With O as centre, draw the O
image of the shaded shape after
enlargement by:
1
a. scale factor
4
3
b. scale factor
4 Figure 4.17

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4.2 Similar Triangles

4.2.1 Introduction to Similar Triangles
Group Work 4.2
1. Consider Figure 4.18 below:
D M

40 20 x 12

0 0 0 0
54 62 54 62
E y F N L
24
Figure 4.18
a. Are ∆DEF similar to ∆MNL? Why?
b. If ∆DEF similar to ∆MNL then find the value of X and Y.

2. Consider Figure 4.19 below:

A P

10c 10b 6c 6b

B C Q 6a R
10a
Figure 4.19

a. ∆ABC is similar to ∆PQR. Explain the reason.

b. ∆ABC is not similar to ∆PRQ. Explain the reason.
3. ∆XYZ is given such that ∆DEF similar ∆XYZ. Find XY and YZ when the scale
factor from ∆XYZ to ∆DEF is 6 and DE=7, EF=12 and XZ=36.

You have define similar polygon in section 4.1.1. You also know that any
polygon could be dived into triangles by drawing the diagonals of the polygon.
Thus the definition you gave for similar polygons could be used to define similar
triangles.

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A D
Definition 4.4: ∆ABC is
similar to ∆DEF, if 4c 4b
6c 6b
i. their corresponding sides
are proportional.
B C E F
ii. their corresponding angles 6a 4a
Figure. 4.20
are congruent.

That is symbolically:
∆ABC~∆DEF if and only if
1. ∠A≡∠D
2. ∠B≡∠E corresponding angles are congruent
3. ∠C≡∠F

4.
AB BC
=
DE EF

5. corresponding sides are proportional

BC AC
=
EF DF

6.
AB AC
=
DE DF
or the above three facts 4, 5 and 6 can be summarized as
AB BC AC
= = =K
DE EF DF

Note: From definition (4.4) of similar triangles it is obvious that similarity is

a transitive relation. That is: If ∆ABC~ ∆DEF and ∆DEF ~∆XYZ, then
∆ABC~∆XYZ.

Example 7: Let ∆ABC~∆DEF. As shown in Figure 4.21 below. Find

a. m(∠F) b. m(∠E) c. the length of BC.

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C F
0
100
a 5

0 0
A 30 30
16 B 12 E
D

Figure 4.21

Solution: Given ∆ABC ∼ ∆DEF …. By definition 4.4

a. ∠A≡∠D if and only if m (∠A) = m (∠D) = 30°
∠B ≡ ∠E ....... Marked angels
Therefore, ∠C ≡ ∠ F if and only if m(∠C) = m (∠F) = 100°
Therefore, m (∠F) = 100°
b. m(∠A) + m(∠B) + m (∠C) = 180° ...Angle sum theorem
30° + m (∠B) +1000 = 180° ............. Substitution
m (∠B) = 180°- 130° = 50°
Therefore, m (∠E) = 50°.
c. Given ∆ ABC~∆DEF
AB BC AC
implies = = ................ Definition 4.4
DE EF DF
16 a
= .......................... Using the 1st and 2nd proportions
12 5
12a = 80 ........................ Cross multiplication
80
a= .........................Dividing both sides by 12
12
80
Therefore, the length of BC= unit.
12

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Example 8: In Figure 4.22 below, show that ∆ABC and ∆LMN are similar.
A
L
0
55
5 cm 10 cm
2cm 4cm

0
0 75
0 50
75
M B 7.5 cm C
3 cm N

Figure 4.22

Solution: You begin by finding the unknown angels in the triangles. You
know the size of two angles in each triangle and you also know that
the sum of the angles of a triangle is 1800. Therefore, it is easy to
calculate the size of the unknown angles.
In ∆ABC, m(∠ABC)+m(∠BCA)+m(∠CAB)=180°.... Why?
⇒ 750+500+m(∠CAB)=1800 .......................... Substitution
⇒ m(∠CAB)=1800-1250
⇒ m(∠CAB)=550
In ∆LMN, m(∠LMN)+m(∠MNL)+m(∠NLM)=180°....Why?
⇒ 750+m(∠MNL)+550=1800 ....................... Substitution
⇒ m(∠MNL)=1800-1300
⇒ m (∠MNL) =500
The corresponding angles are equal, to show the corresponding
sides are in the same ratio. Let us check whether the corresponding
sides are proportional or not. In short let us check.
∆ABC~∆LMN
AB BC AC
⇒ = = =K (constant of proportionality)
LM MN LN
5cm 7.5cm 10cm
= = = 2.5
2cm 3cm 4cm

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The corresponding sides are proportional with constant of proportionality

equals 2.5. Therefore ∆ABC~∆LMN….By definition 4.4.

Example 9: In Figure 4.23, ∆ABC~∆XYC. A

3
If CX=6, CY=5, AX= 3 and
X
AB= 8, find XY. 8
6

B Y 5 C

Figure 4.23

Solution:
By definition of similar triangles, we have:
AB BC AC
= = =K (constant proportionality)
XY YC XC
AB AC
Thus = .............. Using the 1st and 3rd proportions
XY XC
8 AX + XC
⇒ = since AX+XC=3+6=9
XY XC
8 9
⇒ =
XY 6

⇒ 9XY = 48 .......................... Cross multiplication

48
⇒ XY = ..............................Dividing both sides by 9.
9

Example 10: If ∆ABC≡∆DEF, then

a. Is ∆ABC~∆DEF?
b. Justify your answer.

Solution:
a. Yes
b. Suppose ∆ABC ≡ ∆DEF are as shown in Figure 4.24 below:

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
B
D E

F A C

Figure 4.24
Then i. ∠ABC≡∠DEF
∠BCA≡∠EFD and
∠CAB≡∠FDE
Hence corresponding angles are congruent.
ii. AB ≡ DE , BC ≡ EF and AC ≡ DF implies
AB=DE, BC=EF, and AC=DF. Thus
AB BC AC
= = =1
DE EF DF
Hence the corresponding sides are proportional. Since (from (i) and (ii))the
corresponding sides are proportional with constant of proportionality 1, and
also the corresponding angles are congruent, then the triangles are similar by
definition 4.4. From example 10 above you can make the following
generalization.

Note: Congruence is a similarity where the constant of proportionality is 1.

This general fact is equivalent of the statement given below. If two
triangles are congruent, then they are similar.

Exercise 4C
1. If ∆ABC~ ∆B'A'C', what are the pairs of corresponding angles and the pairs
of corresponding sides?
2. If ∆ABC~∆A'B'C' and AC=20cm, A'C'=15cm, B'C'=12cm and A'B'=9cm,
find the lengths of the other sides of ∆ABC.

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

3. The sides of a triangle are 4cm, 6cm, and a cm respectively. The corres-
ponding sides of a triangle similar to the first triangle are b cm, 12 cm and
8 cm respectively. What are the lengths a and b?
4. Are two similar triangles necessarily congruent? Why?
5. What is the length of the image of a 20cm long segment after central
1
stretching with a scale factor ?
2
6. If ∆DEF~∆KLM such that DE =(2x + 2)cm, DF = (5x − 7)cm, KL = 2cm,
KM = 3cm and EF= 10cm, then find LM. Z
7. In Figure 4.25 if ∆XYZ~∆WYP, P
express d in terms of a, b and c. a
d

X b W C Y
Figure 4.25

8. In Figure 4.26 below, if∆ABC~∆XBZ with XB=6cm, BZ=5cm, CX=8cm

and AC=7cm. C
What is the length of 8 cm

a. BC? b. XZ? 7 cm X
6 cm

A B
Z
Figure. 4.26

Challenge Problems A
9. Write down a pair of similar triangles B

in Figure 4.27 to the right. Find CD 15 18

10
and AC, if AE is parallel to BD.
30 C
E D
Figure. 4.27

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
4.2.2 Tests for Similarity of Triangles (SSS, SAS and AA)
Activity 4.3
Discuss with your teacher before starting the lesson.
1. Can you apply AA, SAS and SSS similarity theorems to decide whether a given
triangles are similar or not?
2. Which of the following is (are) always correct?
a. Congruent by SAS means similar by SAS.
b. Similar by SAS means congruent by SAS.
c. Congruent by SSS means similar by SSS.
d. Similar by SSS means congruent by SSS.

"But to decide whether two triangles are similar or not, it is necessary to

? know all the six facts stated in the definition 4.4?"
To prove similarity of triangles, using the definition of similarity means checking all
the six conditions required by the definition. This is long and tiresome. Hence we
want to have the minimum requirements which will guarantee us that the triangle
are similar, i.e all the six conditions are satisfied. These short cut techniques are
given as similarity theorems.

In this section you will see similarity theorems as you did see in grade 6
mathematics lessons congruence theorems for congruency of triangles.

Theorem 4.1: (AA-Similarity theorem)

If two angles of one triangle are congruent to the corresponding
two angles of another triangle, then the two triangles are similar.

V
Example 11: In Figure 4.28 below
∠R≅∠V and show that ∆RSW~∆VSB. 0
45
W

S
B
0
45
Figure 4.28
R
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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Proof:
Statements Reasons
1. ∠R≅∠V 1. Degree measures are equal
2. ∠RSW≅∠VSB 2. Vertical opposite angles
3. ∆RSW~∆VSB 3. AA similarity theorem

Example 12: In ∆ABC and ∆XYZ if ∠ABC ≅ ∠XYZ, ∠ACB≅ ∠XZY,

AB=8cm, AC=10cm and XY=4cm as shown in Figure 4.29
below; find the length of XZ .
A X

B C Y Z
Figure 4.29

Solution: since ∠B ≅ ∠Y and ∠C ≅ ∠Z, we can say that

∆ABC ~ ∆XYZ by AA similarity theorem. Then,
AB AC
= ....................... Definition of similar triangle.
XY XZ
8 10
Thus: = ..................Substitution
4 XZ
8XZ= 4 × 10 ...................Cross multiplication
40
XZ= = 5 cm
8

Theorem 4.2: (SAS-Similarity theorem)

If two sides of one triangle are proportional to the corresponding
two sides of another triangle and their included angles are also
congruent, then the two triangles are similar.

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
Example 13: In Figure 4.30 below, find DE.
\

24
A 12
B

10 18
E
16

C
Figure 4.30
Solution:
1. ∠ABC≅∠EBD 1. Vertical opposite angles
AB 12 2 BC 16 2 2. The ratio of the lengths of the
2. = = and = =
EB 18 3 BD 24 3 corresponding sides are equal
3. ∆ABC~∆EBD 3. SAS similarity theorem
CA 2 4. Corresponding sides of similar triangles
4. =
DE 3 are proportional.
10 2 5. Substitution
5. =
DE 3
6. 2DE=30 6. Cross-product property
7. DE = 15 cm 7. solve for DE

Example 14: In Figure 4.31 below ∆ABC and ∆DEF, are given where,
m(∠A) = m(∠D) = 550, AB = 30 cm, AC = 100cm,
DE = 15cm and DF = 50cm.
a. Are the two triangles similar?
b. Justify your answer.

B
E

30 cm
15 cm

0 0
55 55
F
A 100 cm C D 50 cm
Figure 4.31

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Solution:
a. Yes
b. Suppose ∆ABC and ∆DEF are as shown in Figure 4.31 then,
AB 30cm
= =2
DE 15cm
AC 100cm
= =2
DF 50cm
AB AC
= =2
DE DF

Hence two sides of ∆ABC are proportional to two corresponding sides of ∆DEF.
Furthermore, m(∠A) = m(∠D) = 550, which shows that m(∠A) = m(∠D). Thus
the included angles between the proportional sides of ∆ABC and ∆DEF are
congruent. Therefore ∆ABC~∆DEF by SAS similarity theorem.

Theorem 4.3: (SSS-Similarity theorem)

If the three sides of one triangle are in proportion to the three sides
of another triangle, then the two triangles are similar.

Example 15: Based on the given Figure 4.32 below decide whether the two
triangles are similar or not. Write the correspondence.

C E

8 cm 10 cm 16 cm 20 cm

F D
A 14 cm B 28 cm

Figure 4.32

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Solution:
AC 8cm 1
= =
FE 16cm 2
While finding proportional sides don't forget to
CB 10cm 1
= = compare the smallest with the smallest and the
ED 20cm 2
AB 14cm 1 largest with the largest sides.
= =
FD 28cm 2
AC CB BA 1
Hence = = = or the sides are proportional.
FE ED DF 2
Therefore ∆ABC~∆FDE ............................. By SSS similarity theorem.
From this you can conclude that: ∠A≡∠F, ∠B≡∠D and ∠ C≡∠E.

Exercise 4D
1. If ∆ABC~∆XYZ and AC=10cm, AB=8cm and XY=4cm, find the length of
XZ .
2. Prove that any two equilateral triangles are similar.
3. In Figure 4.33 below determine the length x of the unknown side of
∆ABC, if ∆ABC~∆DEF.
x cm E
A B

5 cm 10 cm 12 cm
6 cm

D F
C Figure 4.33 10 cm

4. In Figure 4.34 below C C

∠CAB≡∠CDE,
AC=4cm, DC=5cm and 4 cm 5 cm
DE=7cm. Determine the
length of sides AB of B D E
A 7 cm
∆ABC. Figure 4.34

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5. In Figure 4.35 of ∆ABC, AC = 20cm, C

AB = 16cm, BC = 24cm.If D is a point

on AC with CD = 15cm and, E is a
point on BC with CE = 18cm, then:
a. Show that ∆DEC~∆ABC. D E
b. How long is DE?
6. For any triangles ABC, if ∠A≡∠B, then
A B
show that ∆ABC~∆BAC. Figure 4.35

7. Show that the corresponding altitudes of similar triangles ABC and PQR
have the same ratio as two corresponding sides (See Figure 4.36).
B
Q

P R
A C S
D
Figure 4.36
Challenge Problems C
8. For the plane Figure 4.37 below
BE and AD are altitude of ∆ABC. D
E
prove that
a. ∆ADC~∆BEC F
b. ∆AFE~∆BFD
A B
Figure 4.37

9. In Figure 4.38 to the right E is

G
any point on AB and G is any D C
point on DC. If AB // DC ,
prove that:
DG DF F
a. ∆DGF~∆BEF. b. = .
EB FB A
E B
Figure. 4.38
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10. In Figure 4.39 to the right determine the C
length AB of ∆ABC.
5cm

7cm
D E
4cm
A B
Figure 4.39

4.2.3 Perimeter and Area of Similar Triangles

Group work 4.3

1. Find the ratio of the areas of two
similar triangles:
5
a. if the ratio of their corresponding sides is .
4
10
b. if the ratio of their perimeters is .
9
2. For the given Figure 4.40 below, find 8cm

a. the area .
b. the perimeter. 6cm 5cm

Figure 4.40

In lower grades you have seen how to find the perimeter and area of some
special plane figures such as triangles, rectangles, squares, parallelograms
and trapeziums. In the proceeding section of this unit you have been dealing
with the areas and perimeters of similar plane figures. The perimeters and areas
of similar plane figures have very interesting relations to their corresponding
sides. You can compare the ratios of perimeters or that of the areas of similar
polygons with out actually calculating the exact values of the perimeters or the
areas. Look at the following example to help you clearly see these relations.

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

a b c
Example 16: In Figure 4.41 below if ∆ABC ~ ∆XYZ with = = .
x y z
Determine the relationship between:
a. The altitudes of the two triangles
b. The perimeters of the two triangles.
c. The areas of the triangles.
C Z

a y x
b h2
h1

A B X Y
D W
c z
Figure. 4.41
Solution:
∆ABC ~ ∆XYZ. let the constant of proportionality between their corresponding
sides be K, i.e.
a
=k implies a = kx
x
b
= k implies b=ky
y
c
= k implies c=kz
z
h1
= k implies h 1 =kh 2
h2
a. Let CD be the altitude of ∆ABC from vertex C on AB and ZW be the
altitude of ∆XYZ from vertex Z on XY
Then ∠CDB ≅ ∠ZWY …. Both are right angles.
∠B ≅ ∠Y …… Corresponding angles or similar triangles.
Therefore, ∆CDB ∼ ∆ZWY … By AA similarity theorem.
CD CB
Thus = ……. Definition of similar triangles.
ZW ZY
h1 a
⇒ = ……. Substitution
h2 x
h a
⇒ 1 = k …….. Since = k proportional sides
h2 x
h1
=k implies h 1 = kh 2
h2
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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
b. P(∆ABC)=a+b+c
=kx+ky+kz
=k(x+y+z)
and p(∆xyz) = x+y+z
P( ∆ABC) K(x + y + z)
then = =k
P( ∆XYZ) x+y+z

Hence the ratio of the perimeters of the two similar triangles is “k” which is
equal to the ratio of the lengths of any pair of corresponding sides.
1
c. a(∆ABC) = c.h 1
2
1
= (kzh 1 )
2
1
= (kz.kh 2 )
2
1
and a(∆xyz)= zh 2
2
1
kz.kh 2
a (ΔABC) 2
then = = k2
a (ΔXYZ) 1
zh 2
2
Hence the ratio of the areas of the two similar triangles is k2, the square of
the ratio of the lengths of any pair of corresponding sides. The above
examples will lead us to the following two important generalization which
could be stated as theorems.

Theorem 4.4: If the ratios of the corresponding sides of two

similar polygons is k, then the ratio of their
P 1 S1
perimeters is given by = =k.
P 2 S2

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Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Theorem 4.5: If the ratios of the corresponding sides of two

S1
similar polygons is = k, then the ratio of
S2
2

A1  S1 
their areas, is given by: =   = k 2 .
A 2  S2 

Example 17: Find the ratio of the areas of two similar triangles,
5
a. If the ratio of the corresponding sides is .
4
10
b. If the ratio of their perimeters is .
9
Solution:
Let A 1 , A 2 be areas of two similar triangles, P 1 , P 2 be the perimeters of the
two triangles and S 1 , S 2 be their corresponding sides.
2

A S 
a. 1 =  1  ..........................Theorem 4.5
A2  S 2 
2

A1  5 
=   ........................... Substitution
A2  4 
A1 25
Therefore, = .
A 2 16
2
 
A1  P1 
b. =  ................................... Theorem 4.4 and 4.5
A2  P 
 2 
2

 
A1  10 
= ................................. Substitution
A 2  9 
 
A 100
Therefore, 1 = .
A2 81

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
Example 18: The areas of two similar polygons are 80cm and 5cm2. If a side 2

of the smaller polygon is 2cm, find the corresponding sides of the

larger polygons.
Solution:
Let A 1 and A 2 be areas of the two polygons and S 1 , S 2 be their
corresponding sides, then
2
 S1  A
  = 1 .................................................. Theorem 4.5
 S1  A2
2
 S1  80
  = ................................................... Substitution
 S1  5
S 21 80
=
22 5
2
S1
= 16
4
= 64
2
s 1

S1 × S1 = 8 × 8
S1 = 8cm
Therefore, the corresponding sides of the larger polygon is 8cm.

Example 19: The sum of the perimeters of two similar polygon is 18cm. The
ratios of the corresponding sides is 4:5. Find the perimeter of
each polygon.
Solution:
Let S 1 and S 2 be the lengths of the corresponding sides of the polygon and
P 1 and P 2 be their perimeters.
P 1 +P 2 =18
P 1 =18-P 2 .................. Solve for P 1
P 1 S1
Thus = ...............Theorem 4.4
P 2 S2
18 − P 2 4
= .................... Substitution
P2 5
4P 2 =90-5P 2 .................... Cross multiplication
9P 2 =90
P 2 =10 ............................ Divides both sides by 9.
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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Therefore, when P 2 =10

P 1 +P 2 =18
P 1 +10=18
P 1 =8

Exercise 4E
1. In two similar triangles, find the ratio of:
a. corresponding sides, if the areas are 50cm2 and 98cm2.
b. the perimeter, if the areas are 50cm2 and 16cm2.
2. Two triangles are similar. The length of a side of one of the triangles is
6 times that of the corresponding sides of the other. Find the ratios of the
perimeters and the area of the triangles.
3. The sides of a polygon have lengths 5, 7, 8, 11 and 19 cm. The perimeter
of a similar polygon is 75cm. Find the lengths of the sides of larger
polygon.
4. A side of a regular six – sided polygon is 8cm long. The perimeter of a
similar polygon is 60cm. What is the length of a side of the larger
polygon?
5. The ratio of the sides of two similar polygon is 3:2. The area of the
smaller polygon is 24cm2. What is the area of the larger polygon?
6. Two trapeziums are similar. The area of one of the trapeziums is 4 times
that of the other. Determine the ratios of the perimeters and the corres-
ponding side lengths of the trapeziums.
7. Two triangles are similar. The length of a side of one of the triangles is 4
times that of the corresponding side of the other. Determine the ratios of
the perimeters and the areas of the polygon.

Challenge Problems
8. Two pentagons are similar. The area of one of the pentagons is 9 times
that of the other. Determine the ratios of the lengths of the corresponding
sides and the perimeters of the pentagons.

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Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
9. Two triangles are similar. The length of a side of one of the triangles
2 times that of corresponding sides of the other. The area of the smaller
triangle is 25sq.cm. Find the area of the larger triangle.
10. The lengths of the sides of a quadrilateral are 5cm, 6cm, 8cm and 11cm.
The perimeter of a similar quadrilateral is 20cm. Find the lengths of the
sides of the second quadrilateral.
11. The picture represents a man made pool surrounded by a park. The two
quadrilateral are similar and the area of the pool is 1600 sq.cm. What is
the area of the park of A'B' is four times the length of AB?

A’ B’
A Park B

Pool

D C
D’ C’
Figure 4.42

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Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

Summary For Unit 4

1. Similar geometric figures are figures which have the same shape.
2. Two polygons are similar if:
i. their corresponding sides are proportional.
ii. their corresponding angles are congruent.
3. Under an enlargement
a. Lines and their images are parallel.
b. Angles remain the same.
c. All lengths are increased or decreased in the same ratio. .
4. Scale factor- the ratio of corresponding sides usually expressed numerically
so that:
length of line on the enl arg ement
scale factor =
length of line on the original
5. ∆ABC similar to ∆DEF if:
i. their corresponding sides are proportional.
ii. their corresponding angles are congruent.
6. AA Similarity theorems
If two angles of one triangle are congruent to the corresponding two angles
of another triangle, then the two triangles are similar.
T P

R S L M

Figure 4.43
In the above Figure 4.43 you have:
• ∠T ≡∠P if and only if m(∠T)=m(∠P)
• ∠R ≡∠L if and only if m(∠R=m(∠L)
• ∆TRS∼∆PLM .............................. by AA similarity.

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Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
7. SAS Similarity theorem
If two sides of one triangle are proportional to the corresponding two sides
of another triangle and their included angles are also congruent, then the
two triangles are similar. A Q

B C R S

Figure 4.44

• ∠A≡∠Q if and only if m(∠A)=m(∠Q)

AB AC
• =
QR QS
Therefore ∆ABC~∆QRS ................................. by SAS similarity.
8. SSS Similarity theorem
If the three sides of one triangle are in proportion to the three sides of
another triangle, then the two triangles are similar.
A Q

B C R S

Figure 4.45

In the above Figure 4.45 you have:

AB BC AC
= =
QR RS QS

Therefore, ∆ABC~∆QRS ...................... SSS Similarity.

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

9. In Figure 4.46, If ∆ABC~∆DEF with constant of proportionality k, then

a. P(∆ABC)=KP(∆DEF)
b. a(∆ABC)=K2× a(∆DEF)
c. AB = KDE, B E

BC = KEF
AC = KDE

A C D F

Figure 4.46

Miscellaneous Exercise 4
I Write true for the correct statements and false for the incorrect one.
1. AB ≡ CD if and only if AB=CD.
2. ∠ABC≅∠DEF if and only if m(∠ABC)=m(∠DEF).
3. All rhombuses are similar.
4. All congruent polygons are similar.
5. All Isosceles triangles are similar.
6. Any two equilateral triangles are similar.

II Choose the correct answer from the given alternatives.

7. In Figure 4.47 given below PQ ⊥ QT , ST ⊥ QT and P, R and S are on the same
line. If ∆PQR~∆STR, then which of the following similarity theorems
supports your answer?
a. SAS Theorem P

b. AA Theorem
c. SSS Theorem
T
d. None Q
R

Figure 4.47 S

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]
AB BC AC
8. Given ∆ABC and ∆DEF, if = = , then which of the following
DE EF DF
postulates or theorem shows that ∆ABC is similar to ∆DEF?
a. AA similarity theorem. c. SAS similarity postulate.
b. AAA similarity theorem. d. SSS similarity theorem.
9. Which of the following plane figures are not necessarily similar to each other?
a. two equilateral triangles.
b. two isosceles triangles.
c. two circles.
d. two squares.
10. Which of the following is different in meaning from ∆ADF~∆LMN?
a. ∆DFA~∆NML c. ∆AFD~∆LMN
b. ∆FAD~∆MNL d. ∆DAF~∆NLM
11. In Figure 4.48 below MN//YZ. If XN = 10cm, NZ = 5cm and MY = 4cm,
then what is the length of XY ?
a. 9cm Z
5cm
b. 15 cm
N
c. 12 cm
d. 18 cm 10cm

X
M 4cm Y
Figure 4.48

III Work out problems

12. Rectangle ABCD is similar to rectangle PQRS. Given that AB=14cm,
BC=8cm and PQ=21 cm, calculate the length of QR.
13. A football field measures 100m by 72m. A school marks a football field
similar in shape to a full size foot ball field but only 30m long. What is its
width?

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 Grade 8 Mathematics [SIMILAR FIGURES]

14. In Figure 4.49 below ∠QRP≅∠XYZ and show that ∆QRP~∆XYZ.

Z
P

8cm
6cm

Q R X
3cm 4cm Y
Figure 4.49
A
15. The sides of a polygon are 3cm, D
5cm, 6cm, 8cm and 10cm. The
perimeter of a similar polygons is
O
48cm. Find the sides of the second
polygon.
16. In Figure 4.50 to the right DC // AB,
C
AO BO
prove that = Figure 4.50 B
OD OC

17. A piece of wood is cut as shown in Figure 4.51 below. The external and
internal edge of the wood are similar quadrilaterals:
I 6m H
D 2cm C

b a 6m

A
c B
F G
Figure 4.51

i.e. ABCD~ FGHI. The lengths of the sides are indicated on the figure. How
long are the internal edges marked as a, b, and C?

135