Similar triangles with ratio of areas

[krajyk]

In the following problem:

The area of the right triangle ABC is 4 times greater than the area of the right triangle KLM. If the hypotenuse KL is 10 inches, what is the length of the hypotenuse AB?


(1) Angles ABC and KLM are each equal to 55 degrees.

(2) LM is 6 inches.


Given #1, then you know the triangles are similar. When you do the math as described in the answer, the coefficient of the sides of the triangle is 2. Is it true that whenever you have two similar triangles and given the ratio of areas, the sides have a coefficient of sqrt(ratio of area)?

[StaceyKoprince]

Moved to general math folder. Please make sure to read (and follow!) forum guidelines when posting.

Note: the problem won't be answered unless / until a source (the author of the problem) is cited.

[StaceyKoprince]

Hmm, the system isn't letting me move the post right now. Please re-post the question in the General Math folder, with the source cited. (Or, if the question is from one of the three quant sources with their own folders - MGMAT Strategy Guides, MGMAT CATs, or GMATPrep), then post the question in the appropriate folder.)
Thanks!