similar triangles

[jmuduke08]

i noticed in the MGMAT guide when it was describing similar triangles that you could also have similar parallelograms, hexagon, etc. They also mention that it doesnt have to be sides that you compare for the similar triangle rule. It could be perimeter or heights, can someone please explain or point me to an example using perimeter or height?

[tim]

there is too much ambiguity in the rule you quote for us to be able to help you with an example. can you quote the exact rule from the book (with page number) that you are referring to?

[jmuduke08]

p 33 Chpt 2 of Geometry Strategy guide at the bottom. Thanks!

[tim]

[the page number refers to the 4th edition guide, for the benefit of other students reading this]

once you know the ratio of corresponding sides in two similar figures, that ratio will apply to any linear dimension. for instance, if you have two equilateral triangles where side lengths are in a ratio of 1:2, and the smaller one has height 5root3, then the larger one will have height 10root3. or if the larger one has perimeter 60, the smaller one will have perimeter 30..

[amycompton]

Similar triangle means riangles are similar if they have the same shape, but can be different sizes.

[tim]

thanks?