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post-lab: Similar triangles

The project demonstrates the application of similar triangles to measure the height of tall objects without professional tools. Using a 100cm ruler, measurements were taken for various structures, including a bell tower, cafeteria, classroom, and brick way, with calculations based on the proportions of similar triangles. The analysis revealed minimal errors due to rounding and measurement differences, reinforcing the relevance of geometry in real-life situations.

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tianenguyen210709
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2 views

post-lab: Similar triangles

The project demonstrates the application of similar triangles to measure the height of tall objects without professional tools. Using a 100cm ruler, measurements were taken for various structures, including a bell tower, cafeteria, classroom, and brick way, with calculations based on the proportions of similar triangles. The analysis revealed minimal errors due to rounding and measurement differences, reinforcing the relevance of geometry in real-life situations.

Uploaded by

tianenguyen210709
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Similar Triangles Post-Lab

Purpose: This project aims to show how to apply similar triangles to solve real-life architectural

and mathematical problems. We will use similar triangles proportion to measure tall objects,

such as bell towers, cafeterias, classrooms, and brick way without the need for professional tools.

Materials used:

- 100cm ruler to reference the height of the object

- Pencil to record the data

- Calculator to calculate

Method of investigation:

1. Determine the height of the objects to be measured

2. Hold the 100cm ruler at a 90 degree angle (b) from our eye level, we will measure the height

of the object

3. For the Bell Tower, due to weather conditions, it is impossible to measure the distance from

the bottom of the object to our eyes (a+c). I use the available data from the teacher. For other

places, connect the rulers together to measure the distance

4. Measure the distance from the ruler to our eyes (a)

Collect the data and apply the similar triangles proportion:

b
( )
a
x (a+c)
Diagram:

Data

Object a b a+c Unknown


height

Bell Tower 65cm 76cm 1181cm 1381 cm


(OA)

Cafeteria 55cm 75cm 405cm 552 cm

Classroom 60cm 76cm 377cm 477.5 cm

Brick Way 60cm 70cm 494cm 576.3 cm

Example: To find the height of the bell tower, we identify a, a+c and b of it, which are:

a = 65cm

a+c = 1181cm
b = 76cm.

Then, we use the proportion of similar triangle to plug in:

b
X = ( a ) x (a+c)

76
X = ( 65 ) x 1181

X ≈ 1381 cm

Analysis/Error:

There wasn’t much difference between our data and our classmates’ when we compared our

results at the end of the lab. This was due to some rounding errors during the process, and also

due to the height of each person taking the measurements. Overall, these errors were small and

didn’t have a big impact on our final results.

Conclusion: By using the properties of similar triangles, we know how to apply our knowledge

to tackle problems in real life situations. I feel like my team and I have done a good job with this

project, we have managed to demonstrate this calculation well. Overall, I feel like geometry is

everywhere in our lives, from the simplest things to the most complex, it is designed to make our

lives better.

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