Question

Triangle A has sides of lengths `36 ,24`, and `18`. Triangle B is similar to triangle A and has a side of length `7`. What are the possible lengths of the other two sides of triangle B?

Answer 1

`B_1: 9.33, 13.97`
`B_2: 5.25, 10.51`
`B_3: 3.5, 4.66`

Explanation:

"Similar" triangles have equal proportions, or ratios, of sides. Thus, the options for similar triangles are the three triangles constructed with a different side of the original being picked for the ratio to side "7" of the similar triangle.

1) `7/18 = 0.388`
Sides: `0.388 xx 24 = 9.33`; and `0.388 xx 36 = 13.97`

2) `7/24 = 0.292`
Sides: `0.292 xx 18 = 5.25`; and `0.292 xx 36 = 10.51`

3) `7/36 = 0.194`
Sides: `0.194 xx 18 = 3.5`; and `0.194 xx 24 = 4.66`