Mathematical Similarties

Figures are mathematically similar when all corresponding angles are congruent and there is a scale factor. This means between two figures the angles have the same measurement. For figures also to be mathematically similar they needs to be a scale factor. A scale factor is when there is a number that you multiply or divide that will give you the measurement of the side length. Figures are only similar when there is a scale factor and all corresponding angles are congruent.

True or False

Any two rectangles are similar.

• This is false because all rectangles angles are congruent but not all rectangles have a scale factor. Rectangles are only similar when there is a scale factor and all corresponding angles are congruent.  This proves that any two rectangles are not similar.

Any two equilateral triangles are similar.

• This is true because all of the sides of an equilateral triangle are equal. Also all angles are congruent in an equilateral triangle. One equilateral triangle would be equivalent to the other one.