Question

You make a pattern bydrawing three similar rectangles. The widthof the smallest rectangle is45of the width ofthe medium-sized rectangle. The width ofthe medium-sized rectangle is45of thewidth of the largest rectangle. The largestrectangle is 12 inches long and 8 incheswide. Find the dimensions of the smallestrectangle. Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

5.12 in. by 7.68 in.

Explanation:

In similar triangles, the ratios of the lengths of corresponding sides are equal.

width of medium triangle = 4/5 width of large triangle

width of medium triangle = 4/5(8 in.) = 6.4 in.

length of medium triangle = 4/5 length of large triangle

length of medium triangle = 4/5(12 in.) = 9.6 in.

width of small triangle = 4/5 width of medium triangle

width of small triangle = 4/5(6.4 in.) = 5.12 in.

length of small triangle = 4/5 length of medium triangle

length of small triangle = 4/5(9.6 in.) = 7.68 in.