Similar Triangles Applied

IN D IR EC T
M EA S U R EM EN T

By: Jose Spindola

Adrian Martinez
Tritrina Roy
Elizabeth Acevedo
O ur Purpose
We will be calculating the height
of an object that is too tall to
measure directly. ________.
Legend
We will use 3 methods of indirect
measurement. This will allow us MyHeight = My shadow
Pole height Poles Shadow
to compare our answers and
determine whether our methods
are reliable.

Method 1 involves using to

separate triangles.

Method 2 involved using a mirror

to make two triangles meet.

Finally method 3 two overlapping

triangles.
M ethod # 1
Description:
By making two
separate
shadows one of
the poles and
X
one of my own 71 in
shadow we can
make a
88 in
proportion to 345 in
find the poles
height.
71 in 88 in Cross Multiply to
=
X 345 get.
P.S my shadow
is the same for
all methods Simplify
24,495=88X
(Jose)
278 in = X
71 inches my
height.

88 inches my
Shadow.

345 inches pole

shadow.
M ethod # 2 M irrors

By using mirrors were

able to get congruent
angles that meet on the Mirror
mirror.
X
71 In
Mirror
P
O 252 In 68 In
L
My
E
Height
Pole My 71 in = 68 In
Cross Multiply
Shadow Shadow X 252 In

-71 inches my height.

-68 inches my 17,892= 68X Divide
Shadow.
-252 inches pole
shadow.
263 In = X
M ethod # 3 O verlapping
Shadow s
Description:
In overlapping
shadows i stand
in the way of the
shadows pole and X 71 In
both are shadows
endpoints meet.
This again lets me 70 In
create a
proportion.
242 In

P Cross
O 71 In 70 In multiply
=
L X 242 In
My
E Height

My 17,182= 70 X
Shadow

Pole Shadow 245= X

Results Com parison

Method #1 Method #2 Method #3

Separate Mirrors Overlapping

Shadows Shadows

278 In = X 263 In = X 245 In = X

Mean

262 Inches
Mode
278 Inches
Conclusion
Do you think the method is reliable? Were your
results reasonable? How did you decide?
Although these methods do prove useful time is of
the essence and must be done fast and efficiently.
Our results did vary but were to a certain degree
accurate.
Do you think indirect measurement is useful?
Indirect measurement can be very useful if used
correctly and is fast and efficient.

Have you found any global connections for indirect

measurement?
For people in developing country without advanced
equipment can find this very simple and efficient to
use.