CHAPTER 5

QUADRILATERALS

Quadrilaterals are special type of polygon. As with triangles and other polygons,
quadrilaterals have special properties and can be classified by characteristics of their angles and
sides. Understanding the properties of different quadrilaterals can help you in solving problems
that involve this type of polygon. This chapter is designed to introduce students quadrilaterals.
Included in this lesson are discussions about parallelograms and special types of parallelograms

Lesson Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

 Define and determine a parallelogram and special parallelogram

 Identify and apply the properties of parallelogram and special parallelogram
 Define kite and trapezoid and apply its properties.
 Identify the segment of a triangle/trapezoid and apply its properties.

LET’S DISCOVER

A quadrilateral, also known as tetragon or quadrangle, is a general term for a four-sided

polygon. There are six types of quadrilaterals. They are square, parallelogram, rectangle,
rhombus, trapezoid, and trapezium. Each types of quadrilateral has unique properties that make it
distinct from other types. A square is the most unique quadrilateral because it possesses all
unique all those unique properties.

We can find the shape of quadrilaterals in various things around us, like in a chess board,
a deck of cards, a kite, a tub of popcorn, a sign board and an arrow.
 (www.splashlearn.com)

The common parts of parallelograms are describes as follows:

1. Side- A side is a line segment which joins any two adjacent vertices.

2. Interior angle- An interior angle is the angle formed between two adjacent sides.

3. Height or Altitude – It is a distance between two parallel sides of quadrilaterals.

4. Base – This is the side that is perpendicular to the altitude

5. Diagonal- This is the line segment joining any two non-adjacent vertices.

Classification of Quadrilaterals
The classification of quadrilaterals is based on the number of pairs of its parallel sides as shown
in the figure below.

(Pininterest.com)
 5.1 Parallelogram

One special kind of polygons is called a parallelogram.

Definition

Parallelogram- It is a quadrilateral where both pairs of opposite sides are

parallel.

Figure 1. A Parallelogram. (geometry.help)

Properties of parallelograms

There are seven important properties of parallelograms to know:

1. Opposite sides are congruent

Look at the pair of parallel line segments here:

__________________________
__________________________

If you want to connect the endpoints of the line segments, you must draw in two parallel,
congruent line segments.

If the line segments are not congruent, you

cannot make a parallelogram:
So, even though parallelograms are defined by
their parallel opposite sides, one of their properties is that opposite sides be congruent.

2. Opposite angels are congruent

(Image from (www.ck12.org)).

3. Consecutive angles are supplementary .

(Image from (www.ck12.org)).

4. If one angle is right, then all angles are right.

 (Image from slideplayer.com)

5. The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.

(Image from (www.ck12.org)).

6. Each diagonal of a parallelogram separates it into two congruent triangles.

 (Figure .Parallelogram separated by a diagonal into two congruent triangles. Image from
(geometry.help)).

Application of the Properties of Parallelograms

Practice Problems

Problem 1 :
Find the lengths of SR and SK in the parallelogram shown below. Explain your reasoning.

Solution : 

Finding the length of SR :

By Theorem, opposite sides of a parallelogram are congruent. 

So, we have 
SR=PQ
From the diagram, PQ=5.
SR=5

Finding the length of SK :

By Theorem, diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.  
So, we have 
SK=QK
¿ the diagram , QK =3.
SK =3
Problem 2 :
Find the measures of ∠C and ∠B in the parallelogram ABCD. 

Solution :

Finding the measure of ∠C : 

By Theorem, opposite angles of a parallelogram are congruent. 
So, we have 
m∠C=m∠ A
¿ the diagram , m∠ A=70° .
m∠C=70 °
Finding the measure of ∠B : 
By Theorem, consecutive  angles of a parallelogram are supplementary.  
So, we have 
m∠ A+ m∠ B=180 °
¿ the diagram , m∠ A=70° .
70 ° +m∠ B=180 °

Subtract 70° from both sides. 

m∠ B=110°

Problem 3 : 
Find the value of x in the
parallelogram ABCD
shown below. 

Solution :
By Theorem, consecutive  angles of a parallelogram are supplementary.  
So, we have 
m∠ D+ m∠C=180 °
Substitute m∠ D=3 x °∧m∠ C=120 ° .
3 x ° +120 °=180 °
Subtract 120° from both sides. 
3 x °=60°
3 x=60
Divide both sides by 3.
x=20

5.1.1 Special Types of Parallelogram

If it is true that not all quadrilaterals are created equal, the same may be said about
parallelograms. You can even out the sides or stick in a right angle.
The next three quadrilaterals that will be discussed- rectangles, rhombuses, and squares –
are all special types of parallelograms. You can classify each shape depending on the congruent
sides and angles. Given a shape, you can work backwards to find out its sides and angles.
Coordinate geometry is an effective way to measure the angles and the sides.
RECTANGLE SQUARE RHOMBUS

Rectangle is a four-sided flat A square is a special type of A quadrilateral with all equal
shape with straight sides where rectangle in which all the sides sides. It is also a
all interior angles (90˚). All are equal. It is a parallelogram parallelogram with all the
opposite sides are parallel and of with 4 right angles and 4 sides associated properties
equal length. Its two sides meet that have the same length. A
at right angles. square has all the rules of a
rectangle and a rhombus as
shown in square below.

Properties of Rhombus
Properties of Rectangle
A rhombus has the following
(cliffnotes.com)
1. It is a flat shape rules:
2. It has 4 sides (edges) Properties of Square 1. All the rules of a
3. It has 4 corners (vertices) 1. All four sides are congruent. parallelogram
 4. It has 4 right angles. 2. All four are right angles. 2. Four sides that have the
5. The diagonal of a rectangle 3. Diagonals bisect each other same length.
are equal. 4. Diagonals are perpendicular 3. Diagonals that intersect at
6. Consecutive angles are 5.Diagonals bisect vertices right angles
supplementary. 6. Diagonals are congruent. 4. Diagonals that bisect
7. Diagonals bisect each other. 7. Consecutive angles are opposite pairs
8. Opposite sides are congruent. supplementary. 5. Diagonals of a rhombus are
9. perpendicular to one another.
6. Diagonals are not
congruent

Application of the Properties of Special Parallelograms

Examples

Example 1: In Figure 6, find m ∠ A, m ∠ C, m ∠ D, CD, and AD.

Figure  A parallelogram with one angle specified.

m ∠ A = m ∠ C = 80°, because consecutive angles of a parallelogram are supplementary.

m ∠ D = 100°, because opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal.

CD = 8 and AD = 4, because opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal.

Example 2: In Figure , find TR, QP, PS, TP, and PR.

Figure  A rectangle with one diagonal specified.

TR = 15, because diagonals of a rectangle are equal.

QP = PS = TP = PR = 7.5, because diagonals of a rectangle bisect each other.

Example 4: In Figure 8, find m ∠ MOE, m ∠ NOE, and m ∠ MYO.

Figure  A rhombus with one angle specified.

m ∠ MOE = m ∠ NOE = 70°, because diagonals of a rhombus bisect opposite angles.

m ∠ MYO = 90°, because diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular.

Classification of Parallelogram as a Rectangle, Rhombus, and Square

Rectangles, rhombuses (also called rhombi) and squares are all more specific versions
of parallelograms, also called special parallelograms.

 A quadrilateral is a rectangle if and only if it has four right (congruent) angles.

 

(Image from www.ck12.org)

ABCD is a rectangle if and only if ∠A≅∠B≅∠C≅∠D.

 A quadrilateral is a rhombus if and only if it has four congruent sides.

(
(Image from www.ck12.org)

 
ABCD is a rhombus if and only if  AB≅ BC ≅ CD ≅ AD.

 A quadrilateral is a square if and only if it has four right angles and four congruent sides.
By definition, a square is a rectangle and a rhombus.
 

(Image from www.ck12.org)

ABCD is a square if and only if ∠A≅∠B≅∠C≅∠D and  AB ≅ BC ≅ CD ≅ AD
You can always show that a parallelogram is a rectangle, rhombus, or square by using the
definitions of these shapes. There are some additional ways to prove parallelograms
are rectangles and rhombuses, shown below:

1.  A parallelogram is a rectangle if the diagonals are congruent.

(Image from www.ck12.org)

ABCD is parallelogram. If  AC ≅ BD , then ABCD is also a rectangle.

2.  A parallelogram is a rhombus if the diagonals are perpendicular.

 
(Image from www.ck12.org)

ABCD is a parallelogram. If  AC ⊥ BD , then ABCD is also a rhombus.

3.  A parallelogram is a rhombus if the diagonals bisect each angle.

 
(Image from www.ck12.org)

ABCD is a parallelogram. If  AC bisects ∠ BAD∧∠ BCD  and  BD bisects∠ ABC∧∠ ADC ,
then ABCD is also a rhombus.
What if you were given a parallelogram and information about its diagonals? How could you use
the properties to classify the parallelogram as a rectangle, rhombus, and/or square?

 Examples

Example 1
Is a rectangle SOMETIMES, ALWAYS, or NEVER a parallelogram? Explain why.

A rectangle has two sets of parallel sides, so it is ALWAYS a parallelogram.

Example 2
Is a quadrilateral SOMETIMES, ALWAYS, or NEVER a pentagon? Explain why.
A quadrilateral has four sides, so it will NEVER be a pentagon with five sides.

Example 3
What typed of parallelogram are the figures below?

      

(Image from www.ck12.org)

For the first figure, all sides are congruent and one angle is 135∘, so the angles are not congruent.
This is a rhombus.
For the second figure, all four angles are congruent but the sides are not. This is a rectangle.

Example 4
Is a rhombus SOMETIMES, ALWAYS, or NEVER a square? Explain why.

A rhombus has four congruent sides and a square has four congruent sides and angles.
Therefore, a rhombus is a square when it has congruent angles. This means a rhombus is
SOMETIMES a square.

Example 5
List everything you know about the square SQRE.

A square has all the properties of a parallelogram, rectangle and rhombus.

EXPLORE MORE!
EXERCISES
Practice Activity
Fill the chart with appropriate properties.

QUADRILATERAL

PARALLELOGRAM

RECTANGLE RHOMBUS

SQUARE

Practice Activity.
Look at each diagram below and tell whether or not it is a parallelogram. Be sure to support your
answer with one of the conditions or properties.
 5.2 TRAPEZOID AND KITE

Now that we’ve seen several types of quadrilaterals that are parallelograms, let’s learn about
figures that do not have the properties of parallelograms. Recall the parallelograms were
quadrilaterals whose opposite sides were parallel. In this section, we will look at quadrilaterals
whose opposite sides may intersect at some point. The two types of quadrilaterals we will study
are called trapezoids and kites. Let’s begin our study by learning some properties of trapezoid
and kites.

5.2.1. Trapezoid

Definition

Trapezoid - It is quadrilateral having two and only two sides parallel

Properties of Trapezoid
The properties of trapezoid are as follows:
1. The bases are parallel by definition.
2. Each lower base angle is supplementary to the upper base angle on the same side.

Types of Trapezoid
 Isosceles trapezoid- Non-parallel sides are congruent
 Right Trapezoid- contains right angles.

Properties of Isosceles Trapezoid

The properties of the isosceles trapezoid are as follows:
 The properties of trapezoid apply by definition (parallel bases).
 The legs are congruent by definition.
 The lower base angles are congruent.
 The upper base angles are congruent.
 Any lower base angle is supplementary to any upper base angle.
 The diagonals are congruent.

Examples

Example 1:

Here’s an isosceles trapezoid proof for you:

Statement 1:
 (Image from www.dummies.com)

Reason for statement 1: Given.

Statement 2:

Reason for statement 2: The legs of an isosceles trapezoid are congruent.

Statement 3:

Reason for statement 3: The upper base angles of an isosceles trapezoid are congruent.

Statement 4:

Reason for statement 4: Reflexive Property.

Statement 5:

Reason for statement 5: SAS, or Side-Angle-Side (2, 3, 4)

Statement 6:

Reason for statement 6: CPCTC (Corresponding Parts of Congruent Triangles are Congruent).
Statement 7:

Reason for statement 7: If angles, then sides.

Example 2:

Measuring Angles
Look at trapezoid TRAP below. What is m∠A?

(Image from dummies.com)

TRAP is an isosceles trapezoid. So, m∠R=115˚. To find m∠A, set up an equation.

115 ˚+115 ˚+ m∠ A+m ∠ P=360 ˚
230 ˚ +2 m∠ A=360˚ =360 ˚ → m∠ A=m∠ P

2 m∠ A=130˚
m∠ A=65 ˚

5.2.2. Kite

A kite is a quadrilateral in which two disjoint pairs of consecutive sides

are congruent (“disjoint pairs” means that one side can’t be used in both
pairs). Check out the kite in the below figure.

Properties of Kite
The properties of the kite are as follows:
 Two disjoint pairs of consecutive sides are congruent by definition (Image from dummies.com)
 Note: Disjoint means that the two pairs are totally separate.
 The diagonals are perpendicular.
 One diagonal (segment KM, the main diagonal) is the perpendicular bisector of the other
diagonal (segment JL, the cross diagonal). (The terms “main diagonal” and “cross
diagonal” are made up for this example.)
 The main diagonal bisects a pair of opposite angles (angle K and angle M).
 The opposite angles at the endpoints of the cross diagonal are congruent (angle J and
angle L).
The last three properties are called the half properties of the kite.

Example:
Grab an energy drink and get ready for another proof.

(Image from dummies.com)

Statement 1:

Reason for statement 1: Given.

Statement 2:

Reason for statement 2: A kite has two disjoint pairs of congruent sides.

Statement 3:
Reason for statement 3: Given.
Statement 4:

Reason for statement 4: If two congruent segments (segment WV and segment UV) are
subtracted from two other congruent segments (segment RV and segment TV), then the
differences are congruent.
Statement 5:

Reason for statement 5: The angles at the endpoints of the cross diagonal are congruent.
Statement 6:

Reason for statement 6: SAS, or Side-Angle-Side (1, 5, 4).

Statement 7:

Reason for statement 7: CPCTC (Corresponding Parts of Congruent Triangles are Congruent).

Example 2.

(Image from wyzant.com)

Answer:
After reading the problem, we see that we have been given a limited amount of information and
want to conclude that quadrilateral DEFG is a kite. Notice that EF and GF are congruent, so if
we can find a way to prove that DE and DG are congruent, it would give us two distinct pairs of
adjacent sides that are congruent, which is the definition of a kite.

We have also been given that △EFD and △GFD are congruent. We learned several triangle

congruence theorems in the past that might be applicable in this situation if we can just find
another side or angle that are congruent.

Since segment DF makes up a side of △DEF and △DGF, we can use the reflexive property to

say that it is congruent to itself. Thus, we have two congruent triangles by the SAS Postulate.

Next, we can say that segments DE and DG are congruent because corresponding parts of

congruent triangles are congruent. Our new illustration is shown below.

(Image from wyzant.com)

We conclude that DEFG is a kite because it has two distinct pairs of adjacent sides that are
congruent. The two-column geometric proof for this exercise is shown below.
Exercise 1.
Solve for the missing variable using what you know about the properties of a kite.

1. 

m∠ K =¿ , m∠ J =¿ ¿

2. 

m∠ E=¿ ¿

3. 

x=¿ , y =¿ ¿

4. 

Given :OP=8∧NO=10.

OM =¿ NM =¿ ¿
. 5.

x=¿ y =¿ ¿

Exercise 1.2

Take a minute to help me gauge your understanding by answering the following question.
SHOW YOUR WORK !

TRAP is an isosceles trapezoid.

Find: 
a. m∠TPA
b. m∠PTR
c. m∠ZRA
d. m∠PZA

5.2 MIDSEGMENT

1. Trapezoid midsegment theorem - The midsegment of

a trapezoid is the segment connecting the midpoints of the two non-
parallel sides. There is only one midsegment in a trapezoid. It will be
parallel to the bases because it is located halfway between them.
Similar to the midsegment in a triangle, where it is half the length of the side it is parallel to, the
midsegment of a trapezoid also has a link to the bases.

In trapezoid ABCD, segment PQ is the midsegment.

www.varsitytutors.com

Properties of the Midsegment of Trapezoid

The midsegment of a trapezoid has two special properties:

 The midsegment of a trapezoid is parallel to each base.

 The length of the midsegment of a trapezoid is equal to half the sum of the lengths of its
bases.

Notice that m∠ R+ m∠ A=115˚ + 65˚=180˚. These angles will always be supplementary

because of the Consecutive Interior Angles Theorem. Therefore, the two angles along the same
leg (or non-parallel side) are always going to be supplementary. Only in isosceles trapezoids will
opposite angles also be supplementary.

Solving for Unknown Values 

Find x. All figures are trapezoids with the midsegment.

1. a) x is the average of 12 and 26.  x=13

12+ 26 38
= =19
2 2
c) 20 is the average of 5x−15 and 2x−8.
5 x−15+ 2 x−8
=20
b) 24 is the average of x and 35. 2
x+35 7 x−23=40
=24
2
7 x=63
x +35=48
x=9
EXAMPLES
TRAP an isosceles trapezoid. 

Find:
Example 1
m∠TPA
∠ TPZ ≅ ∠ RAZ so
m∠TPA =20 ˚ +35 ˚=55 ˚

Example 2
m∠PTR
∠ TPA  is supplementary with ∠ PTR , so m∠ PTR=125 ˚
Example 3
m∠ PZA
By the Triangle Sum Theorem, 35 ˚ +35 ˚ +m∠ PZA=180˚ , so m∠ PZA=110˚

Example 4
m∠ ZRA

Since m∠ PZA =110˚, m∠ RZ A=70˚ because they form a linear pair. By the Triangle Sum
Theorem, m∠ ZRA =90 ˚

2. Midsegment of Triangle- A segment connecting the midpoints of two sides of a triangle.

Properties of the Midsegment of Triangle
The midsegment of a trapezoid has two special properties:
 The midsegment of a trapezoid is always parallel to the third side
 The length of the midsegment is half the length of the third side.
EXPLORE MORE!

Exercise 1.
Find the length of the midsegment or missing side.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Exercise 1. 2

Find the indicated variable(s). You may assume that all line segments within a triangle are
midsegments.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

I. Determine if the quadrilateral is a parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, square or none. Provide

reasons.

3.
1.

2. 4.
 5.
II. For questions 6-9 determine if the following are ALWAYS, SOMETIME, or NEVER
true. Explain your reasoning.

6.A rectangle is a rhombus.

7.A square is a parallelogram.

8. A parallelogram is regular.

9.A square is a rectangle.

III. Solve the following.

10. ABCD is a parallelogram in which ∠A = 110°. Find the measure of each of the angles ∠B,
∠C and ∠D. 

11. Two adjacent angles of a parallelogram are equal. What is the measure of each of these
angles? 

12. Two adjacent angles of a parallelogram are in the ratio 4 : 5. Find the measure of each of its
angles. 

13. Two adjacent angles of a parallelogram are (3x - 4)° and (3x + 16)°. Find the value of x and
hence find the measure of each of its angles. 

14. The sum of two opposite angles of a parallelogram is 130°. Find the measure of each of its
angles. 

IV.

There are three midsegments in every triangle.

R, S, T, and U are midpoints of the sides of △XPO and △YPO.

15. If OP=12 , find RS∧TU .

16. If RS=8 , find TU .
17. If RS=2 x ,∧OP=20 , find x∧TU .
18. If OP=4 x∧RS=6 x−8 , find x .
For 19-20- Answer the following question.
19. How are the opposite angles in an isosceles trapezoid related?.
20. List all the properties of a trapezoid.

KITE is a kite. Find:

 
21. m∠ETS
22. m∠KIT
23. m∠IST
 CHAPTER 6
SIMILARITY

In layman’s language, we say that two objects are similar if, in some way, they share
some characteristics. We can say that the two flowers are similar if they have the same color,
although they might be different flowers. In mathematics, similarity is quite different and that is
what we will explore in this chapter. This chapter covers topics about similar polygons, triangle
similarity theorems and similarities in right triangle.

Lesson Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
 Determine if two triangles are similar by the use of AA Similarity Postulate, SAS and
SSS Similarity Theorems
 Apply Pythagorean Theorem to solve for unknown sides in right triangles
 Distinguish if triangles are right triangles using the Converse of the Pytagorean Theorem
 Prove and apply theorems about isosceles right triangle and the 30-60-90 triangle.

6.1 Similar Polygons

To define similar polygons we need to start with the concept of congruent
polygons.As you may recall, congruent polygons have the exact same size and are a perfect
match because all corresponding parts are congruent (equal). Whereas, similar polygons have
the same shape, but not the same size (i.e., one is bigger than the other).

Similar Polygon, (Retrieved from www.ck12.org)

 The symbol for “is similar to” is ∼. Notice that it is a portion of the “is congruent to” symbol,
≅. When two polygons are similar, these two facts both must be true:

 Corresponding angles are equal.

 The ratios of pairs of corresponding sides must all be equal.

This means that if two polygons are similar, then their corresponding angles are
congruent but their their corresponding sides are proportional. If two polygons are similar,
then the ratio of the lengths of any two corresponding sides is called the scale factor. This
means that the ratio of all parts of a polygon is the same as the ratio of the sides.

How to Find Scale Factor?

To find the scale factor, we simply create a ratio of the lengths of two corresponding
sides of two polygons. If the ratio is the same for all corresponding sides, then this is called
the scale factor and the polygons are similar.

Scalar Factor example. (Calcworkshop.com)

Examples

Example 1
ABCD and UVWX are below. Are these two rectangles similar?

Image from www.ck12.org

All the corresponding angles are congruent because the shapes are rectangles.

2
∧18
Let’s see if the sides are proportional. 8 = 3
12 24
= ()
3 2 3  ,so the sides are not in the same
≠
4 3 4
proportion, and the rectangles are not similar.

Example 2
△ ABC ∼ △ MNP . The perimeter of  △ ABC is150 , AB=32∧MN =48. Find the perimeter
of  △ MNP .
32 2 3
From the similarity statement,  AB∧MN are corresponding sides. The scale factor is  = ∨ .
48 3 2
3
△ABC is the smaller triangle, so the perimeter of △MNP is  (150)=225 .
2

Example 3
Suppose  △ ABC ∼ △ JKL. Based on the similarity statement, which angles are congruent and
which sides are proportional?
Just like in a congruence statement, the congruent angles line up within the similarity statement.
AB BC AC
So, ∠ A ≅ ∠ J , ∠B ≅ ∠ K ,∧∠C ≅ ∠ L . Write the sides in a proportion:  = = . Note
JK KL JL
that the proportion could be written in different ways. For example, ABBC=JKKL is also true.

Example 4
ABCD ∼ AMNP. Find the scale factor and the length of BC.

Image from www.ck12.org

 30 2 3
Line up the corresponding sides, AB and AM = CD, so the scale factor is   = or  
45 3 2
3 3
Because BC is in the bigger rectangle, we will multiply 40 by     because     is greater than
2 2
3
1.  BC= (40)=60 .
2
EXPLORE MORE!

EXERCISES

Practice Activity 1.

Determine if the following triangles and quadrilaterals are similar. If they are, write the similarity
statement.

1.

2.

3.

4.
Practice Activity 2.

Each polygon pair is similar. Find the scale factor of the smaller shape to the biggest shape.
 6.2. Similarity Theorems

Definition
Similar Triangles - Similar triangles are two or more triangles with the same shape, equal
pair of corresponding angles and the same ratio of the corresponding sides.

Illustration of similar triangles:

Image from (storyofmathematics.com)

Consider the three triangles above. if:

1. The ratio of their corresponding sides is equal.

AB AC AB AC BC
= =BC =QR , = =
PQ PR XY XZ YZ

∠ A=∠P=∠ X , ∠B=∠Q=∠ Y , ∠C=∠ R=∠ Z

Therefore,  Δ ABC Δ PQR Δ XYZ

How to identify similar triangles?

We can prove similarities in triangles by applying similar triangle theorems. These are postulates
or the rules used to check for similar triangles. There are three rules for checking similar
triangles, and they include: AA rule, SAS rule or SSS rule.
 Three Theorems to Identify Similar Triangles

1. Angle-Angle (AA) Theorem

Angle-Angle (AA) says that two triangles are similar if they have two pairs of corresponding
angles that are congruent. The two triangles could go on to be more than similar; they could be
identical. For AA, all you have to do is compare two pairs of corresponding angles.

 
If ∠ A ≅ ∠Y ∧∠ B ≅ ∠ Z , then △ ABC ∼ △ YZX .

What if you were given a pair of triangles and the angle measures for two of their angles? How
could you use this information to determine if the two triangles are similar?

Examples
Example 1
Are the triangles similar? If so, write a similarity statement.

Yes, there are three similar triangles that each have a right angle.  DGE ∼ FGD ∼FDE .

Example 2
Are the triangles similar? If so, write a similarity statement.
By the reflexive property,  ∠ H ≅ ∠ H . Because the horizontal lines are parallel, ∠ L ≅ ∠ K  
(corresponding angles). So yes, there is a pair of similar triangles.  HLI ∼ HKJ .

Example 3
Determine if the following two triangles are similar. If so, write the similarity statement.

Compare the angles to see if we can use the AA Similarity Postulate. Using the Triangle Sum
Theorem, m∠G=48˚ and m∠M=30˚  So, ∠F≅∠M,∠E≅∠Land ∠G≅∠N and the triangles are
similar. △FEG∼△MLN.

Example 4
Determine if the following two triangles are similar. If so, write the similarity statement.

Compare the angles to see if we can use the AA Similarity Postulate. Using the Triangle Sum
Theorem, m∠C=39 ˚ ∧m∠ F=59 ˚ .m ∠ C ≠ m∠ F , So △ ABC ∧△≝¿ are not similar.

2. Side-Angle-Side (SAS) Theorem

The second theorem requires an exact order: a side, then the included angle, then the next side.
The Side-Angle-Side (SAS) Theorem states if two sides of one triangle are proportional to two
corresponding sides of another triangle, and their corresponding included angles are congruent,
the two triangles are similar.
Examples

Example 1
Are the triangles similar? Explain.

 
AC / ED=BC / FD =2. ∠C ≅ ∠D so the included angles are congruent. Therefore, the triangles
are similar by SAS∼.

Example 2
Are the triangles similar? Explain. 

While two pairs of sides are proportional and one pair of angles are congruent, the angles are not
the included angles. This is SSA, which is not a similarity criterion. Therefore, you cannot say
for sure that the triangles are similar.

3. Side-Side-Side (SSS) Theorem

The last theorem is Side-Side-Side, or SSS. This theorem states that if two triangles have
proportional sides, they are similar. This might seem like a big leap that ignores their angles, but
think about it: the only way to construct a triangle with sides proportional to another triangle's
sides is to copy the angles.
  
AB BC AC
If  = = , then △ABC∼△YZX.
YZ ZX XY

What if you were given a pair of triangles and the side lengths for all three of their sides? How
could you use this information to determine if the two triangles are similar?

 Examples

For Examples 1 and 2, use the following diagram:

Example 1
Is △DEF∼△GHI?
15 16 18
Is  = = ?
30 33 36
16
∧18
15 1 16 33 1
= , = =
30 2 33 36 2
1 16
≠ , △ ≝isnot similar ¿ △ GHI
2 33

Example 2
Is △ABC∼△GHI?
20 22 24
Is  = = =?
30 33 36

20 2 22 2 24 2 2
= , = , and  = . All three ratios reduce to  , △ABC∼△GHI.
30 3 33 3 36 3 3

Example 3
Determine if the following triangles are similar. If so, explain why and write the similarity
statement.
We will need to find the ratios for the corresponding sides of the triangles and see if they are all
the same. Start with the longest sides and work down to the shortest sides.

BC 28 7
= =
FD 20 5
BA 21 7
= =
FE 15 5
AC 14 7
= =
ED 10 5

Since all the ratios are the same, △ABC∼△EFD by the SSS Similarity Theorem.

Basic Proportionality Theorem (B.P.T)

Statement: If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle to intersect the other two
sides in distinct points, then the other two sides are divided in the same ratio.

Given: In △ABC, line DE is drawn parallel to side BC which

meets AB at D and AC at E.
AD AE
To Prove:  DB = EC

Proof:
 Converse of
Basic

Proportionality Theorem

The converse of Basic Proportionality theorem is also true.

Statement: If a line divides any two sides of a triangle in the same ratio, then the line is parallel
to the third.

Given: A triangle ABC and a line DE intersecting sides AB and AC at the

points D and E respectively such that
AD AE
= =
DB EC
To prove:  DE ∥ BC
Construction: Draw a line DF  parallel to side BC intersecting AC in point F.
 Internal
Angle
Bisector Theorem

Statement: The internal bisector of an angle of a triangle divides the opposite side internally in
the ratio of the sides containing the angle.

Given: A triangle ABC and AE is the internal bisector of ∠A.

To prove: EBEC=ABCA
Construction: Draw CD∥EA to meet BAproduced at D
 Converse of Internal Angle Bisector Theorem

The converse of the above theorem is also true. 

Statement: If a line passes through one vertex of a triangle divides the base in the ratio of the
other two sides, then it bisects the angle.

EB AB
Given: A triangle ABC and E is the point on BC such that  =
EC CA
To prove: AE is the internal bisector of ∠A.
Construction: Draw CD∥EA to meet BAproduced at D.
EXPLORE MORE !
Exercise 1 AA Similarity Postulate

Answer questions 1-4 about trapezoid ABCD.

1. Name two similar triangles. How do you know they are similar?
2. Write a true proportion.
3. Name two other triangles that might not be similar.
4. If AB=10,AE=7, and DC=22, find AC.

Exercise 1.1 SAS Similarity Postulate

For each pair of triangles below state if they are similar, congruent, or if there is not enough
information to determine whether or not they are congruent. If they are similar or congruent,
write a similarity or congruence statement.

5.

6.
7.

8.

9.

Exercise 1.2. SSS Similarity Postulate

Use the following diagram for questions 10-12. The diagram is to scale.

10. Are the two triangles similar? Explain your answer.

11. Are the two triangles congruent? Explain your answer.

12. What is the scale factor for the two triangles?

Exercise 1.2.
1. In the figure,  DE ∥ BC . Find the length of EC.
2. In the figure,  FE ∥ AC , BC=10 cm, AB=13 cm and EC=2 cm. Find the length of AF.

3. In the figure,  AB∥ ∥ EW ∥. If AD=4 cm, DE=12 cm and DW=24 cm. Find the length of DB.

Similarities in a Right Triangle

In this lesson, you’re going to learn all about similar right triangles.

More specifically, you’re going to learn different right triangle similarity and see how
to use the geometric mean to create proportions, which in turn help us solve for missing side
lengths.

Let’s get started!

Right Triangle Similarity

Acute Angle Similarity

If one of the acute angles of a right triangle is congruent to an acute angle of another right
triangle, then by Angle-Angle Similarity the triangles are similar.
In the figure, ∠ M ≅ ∠ Y , since both are right angles, and ∠ N ≅ ∠Z .
So,  Δ LMN ∼ Δ XYZ .

Leg-Leg Similarity

If the lengths of the corresponding legs of two right triangles are proportional, then by Side-
Angle-Side Similarity the triangles are similar.

AB BC
¿ the figure , = .
PQ QR
So , Δ ABC ∼ Δ PQR .

Hypotenuse-Leg Similarity

If the lengths of the hypotenuse and a leg of a right triangle are proportional to the corresponding
parts of another right triangle, then the triangles are similar. (You can prove this by using
the Pythagorean Theorem to show that the third pair of sides is also proportional.)
 DF DE
In the figure, =  
ST SR
So , Δ≝∼ ΔSRT .

Taking Leg-Leg Similarity and Hypotenus- Leg Similarity together, we can say that if any two
sides of a right triangle are proportional to the corresponding sides of another right triangle, then
the triangles are similar.

We’re done on different similarities in triangles now we will study about the different
theorems about similar right triangles.

How are right triangles and the geometric mean related?

A right triangle has two acute angles and one 90° angle. The two legs meet at a 90°
angle, and the hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest side.

Right Triangle Diagram

The geometric mean of two positive numbers a and b is:

And the geometric mean helps us find the altitude of a right triangle! In fact, the
geometric mean, or mean proportionals, appears in two critical theorems on right triangles.
1. Geometric Mean Theorems

Geometric mean theorem states that the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle forms

two triangles that are similar to each other and to the original triangle.
In a right triangle, if the altitude drawn from the right angle to the hypotenuse divides
the hypotenuse into two segments, then the length of the altitude is the geometric mean of the
lengths of the two segments.

Altitude Rule

Additionally, the length of each leg is the geometric mean of the lengths of the hypotenuse
and the segment of the hypotenuse that is adjacent to the leg, as ck-12 accurately states.

But what do these theorems really mean?

They help us to create proportions for finding missing side lengths!

Let’s look at an example!
How To Solve Similar Right Triangles?
In the figure below, we are being asked to find the altitude, using the geometric mean and the
given lengths of two segments:

Application.

Find the altitude of this right triangle.

We only know the two line segments into which the altitude (h) divides the hypotenuse (c).
These segments are n = 3 cm and m = 12 cm.
Given the segments of the right triangle we apply the geometric mean theorem or altitude
rule and we get the altitude (h):

The altitude of the right triangle is h = 6 cm. The hypotenuse is the sum of the

segments n and m, so we obtain that c = n+m = 3+12 = 15 cm.
Finally we can find the area of the right triangle because we know the length of
its hypotenuse and its height:
 2. Leg Geometric Mean Theorem (or Leg Rule)

The leg of a right triangle is the geometric mean between the hypotenuse and the projection
of the leg on the hypotenuse, that is to say, each leg of the triangle is the mean proportional
between the hypotenuse and the part of the hypotenuse directly below the leg:

In every right triangle, a leg (a or b) is the geometric mean between the hypotenuse (c) and

the projection of that leg on it (n or m).

We can see an application of the leg geometric mean theorem or leg rule when we need to
find the height of a right triangle given only the legs of the triangle.

How to find the Altitude of a Right Triangle given the Legs?

 Applying the leg rule to the altitude formula that we have in the geometric mean theorem or
altitude rule, we can obtain the altitude of the right triangle knowing its three sides:

Then, apply the formulas of the leg rule that relate the projections of the legs to the sides:

Plug the values into the altitude formula and we obtain:

Practice Activity.
Find the geometric mean of each pair of numbers
1. 4 and 9 6. 5 and 20
2. 4 and 10 7. 36 and 4
3. 4 and 12 8. 36 and 4
4. 3 and 48 9. 40 and 15
5. 7 and 56 10. 7 and 9

11. Find the height of h of the altitude AD

12. What is x (the length of leg AB)?

CHAPTER 7
RIGHT TRIANGLES

The most fundamental subsets of polygons is the set of triangles. Although triangles are
polygons with the least number of sides, these polygons are widely used in the field of
mathematics and engineering. We know that triangle is a two-dimensional polygon with 3
sides, 3 angles and 3 vertices. In this chapter students are going to learn other types of triangles
known as right triangles and some of its important theorems

Lesson Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
 Apply Pythagorean Theorem to solve for unknown sides in right triangles
 Distinguish if triangles are right triangles using the Converse of the Pytagorean Theorem
 Prove and apply theorems about isosceles right triangle and the 30-60-90 triangle.

Right Triangle
The term “right” refers to the Latin word “rectus” meaning upright. Therefore, a right triangle is
a triangle whose one angle is 90 degrees (right angle). Right triangles are indicated with a box at
location of the right angle.

The longest side of the right triangle that is on the opposite side of the right angle is known as the
hypotenuse. The other two sides of the triangle are known as legs. The horizontal leg is the base
and the vertical leg is the height of aright triangle.

Illustration:

7.1 Pythagorean Theorem

Definition
Pythagorean Theorem- is a statement of how the lengths of the sides of a right triangle are
related to each other. A right triangle is one that contains a 90 degree angle. The side of the
triangle opposite the 90 degree angle is called the hypotenuse and the sides of the triangle
adjacent to the 90 degree angle are called the legs.
This theorem is very useful because if we know the lengths of the legs of a right triangle, we can
find the length of the hypotenuse. Also, if we know the length of the hypotenuse and the length
of a leg, we can calculate the length of the missing leg of the triangle. When you use the
Pythagorean Theorem, it does not matter which leg you call a and which leg you call b, but the
hypotenuse is always called c.

Pythagorean Theorem and Its Converse

The Pythagorean Theorem can be used to verify that a triangle is a right triangle. If you can show
that the three sides of a triangle make the equation a 2+ b2=c 2 true, then you know that the
triangle is a right triangle. This is called the Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Note: When you use the Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem, you must make sure that you
substitute the correct values for the legs and the hypotenuse. The hypotenuse must be the longest
side. The other two sides are the legs, and the order in which you use them is not important.

Examples

Example 7.1.1

Determine if a triangle with sides 5, 12 and 13 is a right triangle.

Solution:

The triangle is right if its sides satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem.

If it is a right triangle, the longest side has to be the hypotenuse, so we let c=13.
We then designate the shorter sides as a=5 and b=12.
We plug these values into the Pythagorean Theorem:
52 +122=132 52 +122=132 25+144=169 c=13

The sides of the triangle satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem, thus the triangle is a right triangle.

Example 7.1.2
Determine if a triangle with sides, √ 10 , √ 15 and 5 is a right triangle.

Solution
5
The longest side has to be the hypotenuse, so c=5. √ 10
We designate the shorter sides as a = √ 10and b =√ 15
We plug these values into the Pythagorean Theorem:
√ 15
2 2
√ 10 + √15 =5 2
( √102 ) + ( √15 2) =25 10+15=25 c=5

The sides of the triangle satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem, thus the triangle is a right triangle.

EXPLORE MORE!
EXERCISES
 Exercise 1.
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of each missing leg. You may round to the
nearest tenth when necessary.
1. a=6,b=?,c=12 
2. a=9,b=?,c=15 
3. a=4,b=?,c=5 
4. a=9,b=?,c=18 
5. a=15,b=?,c=25 

Exercise 2.
Determine whether each set of three numbers could be the side lengths of a right triangle.
9. 1. a=12,b=9,c=15
2. a=6,b=6,c=6√ 2
3. a=8,b=8√ 3,c=16
4. a=2√ 14 ,b=5,c=9
5. a=13,b=16,c=19

7.1 Special Right Triangles

1. Isosceles right triangle.

An isosceles right triangle has the characteristic of both the isosceles and the right triangles. It
has two equal sides, two equal angles, and one right angle. (The right angle cannot be one of the
equal angles or the sum of the angles would exceed 180°.) Therefore, in Figure 1 , Δ ABC is an
isosceles right triangle, and the following must always be true. 

Figure 1 An isosceles

right triangle.(Image from www.cliffsnotes.com)

The ratio of the sides of an isosceles right triangle is always 1 : 1 :   or x : x: x  (Figure 2 ). 
(Figure 2 The ratios of the sides of an isosceles right triangle.(Image from www.cliffsnotes.com)

Examples
Example 1: If one of the equal sides of an isosceles right triangle is 3, what are the measures of
the other two sides?
Method 1: Using the ratio x : x : x   for isosceles right triangles, then x = 3, and the other sides
must be 3 and 3  .
Method 2. Using the Pythagorean Theorem and the fact that the legs of this right triangle are
equal, 

The two sides have measures of 3 and 3 √ 2

Example 2: If the diagonal of a square is 6√ 2 , find the length of each of its sides.
Method 1: The diagonal of a square divides it into two congruent isosceles right triangles. Look
at Figure 3 . 

(Figure 3 A diagonal of a square helps create

two congruent isosceles right triangles. Image
from (www.cliffsnotes.com))

The ratio x : x : x√ 2  for isosceles right triangles can now be applied where x  √ 2= 6√ 2 . So x = 6,
and each side of the square has a measure of 6.
Method 2: Use the Pythagorean Theorem. 6√ 2  represents the hypotenuse.
Example 3: What are the measurements of x, y, and z in Figure 4 ? 

Figure 4 Finding the

unknown parts of this right triangle. Image from (www.cliffsnotes.com))

Therefore, each side of the square has a measure of 6.

45° + 90° + x° = 180° (The sum of the angles of a triangle = 180°.) x = 45°
Therefore, this is an isosceles right triangle with the ratio of sides x : x : x√ 2 Because one leg is
10, the other must also be 10, and the hypotenuse is 10 √ 2, so y = 10 and z = 10 √ 2.

2.  30 °−60 °−90° right triangle

A 30°− 60°− 90° right triangle has a unique ratio of its sides. The ratio of the sides of a
30°−60°−90° right triangle is 1 : √ 3 : 2 or x : x  √ 3: 2 x placed as follows.
The side opposite 30° is the shortest side and is 1 or x (Figure 5). 

Figure 5 The ratios of the sides of a 30°−60°−90° triangle. Image from (www.cliffsnotes.com))

The side opposite 60° is √ 3 or √ 3.

The side opposite 90° is the longest side (hypotenuse) and is 2 or 2 x.

Example 4: If the shortest side of a 30°−60°−90° right triangle is 4, what is the measure of the
other two sides?
In Figure 6 , x is opposite the 30°. The other two sides are then x √ 3 (opposite the 60°) and
2 x (opposite the 90°). Because the shortest side is 4, x = 4. Consequently, the other two sides
must be 4 √ 3 A and 2(4), or 8. 
 (Figure 6 Using the shortest side of a 30°−60°−90° triangle to find the remaining sides. Image from
www.cliffsnotes.com).

Example 5: If the longer leg of a 30°−60°−90° right triangle is 8 √ 3, find the length of the
hypotenuse.

In Figure 7 , the shorter leg, x, is opposite the 30°. x√ 3  is the longer leg, and it is opposite the
60°. The hypotenuse is 2 x. Because x√ 3  = 8√ 3 , x = 8. Because x = 8, then 2 x = 16. The
hypotenuse is 16. 

(Figure 7 Using the longer leg of a 30°−60°−90° triangle to find the hypotenuse. Image from
www.cliffsnotes.com).

EXPLORE MORE!
EXERCISES
Exercise 1.
Answer the following.

1. In a 30°- 60°- 90° triangle, let the side across from the 60° angle is given as 9√3. Find the
length of other two sides.
2. If the hypotenuse of the 30°- 60°- 90° triangle is 26, find the other two sides.
3. If the longer side of a 30°- 60°- 90° triangle is 12, what is the sum of other two sides of
this triangle?