Question

5.

P
10
These triangles are NOT similar! Why not?
Use calculations AND words to explain.
T
9
12
8
R
S
15

Answer 1

Explanation:

The triangles are not similar. Looking at the diagram, triangle STU is smaller than triangle PQR. If they are similar, it would mean that

ST/PQ = TU/QR = SU/PR

This means that there would be a scale factor. Substituting, the values, it becomes

ST/PQ = 7/9 = 0.78

TU/QR = 10/15 = 0.67

SU/PR = 8/12 = 0.67

Therefore, since

ST/PQ ≠ TU/QR ≠ SU/PR

The triangles are not similar.