6706_PM10SB_C7_L7.3_pp391-393.

qxd 5/8/09 9:58 AM Page 391

7.3 Exploring Similar

Right Triangles

GOAL YOU WILL NEED

• dynamic geometry software,
Explore the connection between the ratios of the sides in the same or ruler and protractor
triangle for similar triangles.

EXPLORE the Math

Mark noticed a common design element in the wheelchair ramp that was
installed at his home and the skateboard ramp at a park. The ground, the
ramp, and the vertical supports formed a series of right triangles.

? How are the ratios of the sides in similar right triangles related? opposite side
the side that is directly across from
A. Using dynamic geometry C a specific acute angle in a right
software, or a protractor and triangle; for example, BC is the
opposite side in relation to ∠A
a ruler, construct a diagram I
like the one shown. Make sure C
that ∠ A = 40°. Also make G
hypotenuse side
sure that all the vertical lines opposite
are perpendicular to AB . E to A
A B
40° side adjacent to A
A D F H B
adjacent side
B. Explain why the four right triangles in your diagram are similar. the side that is part of an acute
angle in a right triangle, but is
C. For each triangle in your diagram, measure the lengths of the opposite not the hypotenuse; for
side and adjacent side, as well as the hypotenuse. Record these values example, AB is the adjacent side
in relation to ∠A above.
in a table like the one at the top of the next page. Calculate each ratio
to two decimal places.

NEL Chapter 7 391

 Trigonometric Ratios
Side Side
Opposite Adjacent opposite adjacent opposite
Triangle to ∠A to ∠A Hypotenuse hypotenuse hypotenuse adjacent
BC AB BC
^ ABC BC = . AB = . AC = . = . = . = .
AC AC AB
^ ADE
^ AFG
^ AHI

D. Describe the relationships in your table.

Tech Support
For help constructing triangles, E. Do you think the relationships you described for part D would change
measuring angles and sides, if ∠ A were changed to a different measure? Make a conjecture, and then
and calculating using dynamic test your conjecture by creating a new diagram using a different acute
geometry software, see
angle for ∠ A . Use the measure of this angle to repeat part C.
Appendix B-25, B-26, B-29,
and B-28. F. Compare your results with your classmates’ results. Summarize what
you discovered.

Reflecting
opposite
G. In each triangle, the ratio is equivalent to the slope of AC.
adjacent
Explain why.
H. Did the relationships involving the ratios of the sides in similar right
triangles depend on the size of ∠ A ? Explain.

In Summary
Key Idea
• In similar right triangles, the following ratios are equivalent
for the corresponding acute angles:
opposite AB DE A
S =
adjacent BC EF D
hypotenuse
opposite AB DE opposite hypotenuse
S = opposite
hypotenuse AC DF
adjacent BC EF
S = C adjacent B F adjacent E
hypotenuse AC DF

Need to Know
• The slope of a line segment is related to the angle that the line segment
makes with the x-axis.
• If two lines make the same angle with the x-axis, they have the same slope.

392 7.3 Exploring Similar Right Triangles NEL

6706_PM10SB_C7_L7.3_pp391-393.qxd 5/8/09 9:58 AM Page 393

7.3

FURTHER Your Understanding

1. a) For each triangle, state the opposite side and adjacent side to u
and the hypotenuse.
F

C 20 cm
5 cm 12 cm
3 cm
␪ ␪
A 4 cm B D 16 cm E
b) For ^ ABC ' ^ DEF , show that these ratios are equal for u
in both triangles.
i) opposite : hypotenuse
ii) adjacent : hypotenuse
iii) opposite : adjacent
2. a) Identify the triangles that are similar to ^ ABC .
A
K

I
G
E

B J H F D C
b) State each ratio for all the triangles. Use ∠C when identifying
the opposite and adjacent sides.
i) opposite : hypotenuse
ii) adjacent : hypotenuse
iii) opposite : adjacent
c) State all the ratios for part b) that are equal.
3. a) Part of a road rises 8 m over a run of 120 m. What is
the rise over a run of 50 m if the slope remains constant?
b) Compare the slopes for part a). Explain why these slopes
are the same.
4. A moving truck has two ramps, 3 m long and 4 m long,
for loading and unloading. Which ramp creates a greater
angle of elevation with the ground? Include a diagram
in your answer.

NEL Chapter 7 393