Congruent and Similar Triangles

Congruent
Triangles

Sub
Topics

Similar
Triangles
 Three Types of
Transformation

Congruent
Triangles

Congruency
Formal Proofs
Tests
 Enlargement
Factor

Formal
Similarity
Similar Similarity
Tests
Proofs Triangles

Finding an
Unknown
Side Length
 Three Types of Transformation

a) Translation b) Reflection c) Rotation and

Translation
 Congruency Tests P1
1. If three sides of one triangle are equal to three sides of another triangle, then the
two triangles are congruent (SSS)

2. If two sides and the included angle of one triangle are equal to two sides and the
included angle of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent (SAS)
 Congruency Tests P2
3. If two angles and one side of a triangle are equal to two angles and the matching
side of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent (AAS)

4. If the hypotenuse and a second side of one right-angled triangle are equal to the
hypotenuse and a second side of another right-angled triangle, then the two
triangles are congruent (RHS)
 Congruency Formal Proofs
A clear structure; split into logical steps; relevant evidence provided; DO NOT
MAKE ASSUMPTIONS IN RELATION TO DATA!
Example: B
A C
-State what youre proving
- If something is drawn in, state it
here
- Proof: usu. Has 3 points for the
sections of a test (SSS, SAS, AAS
or RHS)
-Therefore, restate what you are
finding, and with a triangle, with
the three-line equal sign, and the
name of the test
Prove that the two base angles of an isosceles triangle
are equal. Data: AB=BC
Aim: To prove BAC=BCA
Construction: Create BD; perpendicular bisector to AC
Proof: In s ABD and BCD
AB=BC (given)
AD=DC (D bisects AC)
BD is common
BDC=BDA (BD _|_AC)
Therefore ABD is congruent with BCD (SAS)
Therefore BAC = BCA (Matching sides in congruent
triangles)
Subsequent angles or sides being identified as
congruent do not use a test in their answer: simply say
matching sides/angles in congruent triangles
 Tests For Similar Triangles P1
1. If three sides of one triangle are in proportion to three sides of another triangle,
then the two triangles are similar.

2. If three angles of one triangle are equal to three angles of another triangle, then
the two triangles are similar.
 Tests For Similar Triangles P2
3. If two sides of one triangle are in proportion to two sides of another triangle
AND the included angles are equal, then the two triangles are similar.

4. If the hypotenuse and a second side of a right angled triangle are proportional to
the hypotenuse and a second side of a right angled triangle, then the two triangles
are similar.
 Enlargement Factor
-The amount multiplied by the side lengths of a triangle to create an enlargement.
--to find the enlargement factor, divide the side lengths of the large triangle by the
corresponding side lengths of the smaller triangle.

Enlargement factor
11
=--
4

= 2.75
4cm

11cm
Finding an Unknown Side Length
-To find, form the ratio of the two corresponding pairs of sides , including the
pronumeral, then solve the equation.
-Always put the pronominal on the top left of the fraction equation.
 Formal Similarity Proofs
-Setting out is the same as for congruent proofs
 Congruency Tests P2
3. If two angles and one side of a triangle are equal to two angles and the matching
side of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent (AAS)