Problema Solution
For two similar triangles, such as those shown below, the ratios of the lengths of corresponding sides are equal. For example,a/A=b/B. A right triangle with a hypotenuse measuring 7.5 inches and one leg measuring 5 inches has its hypotenuse increased to 12 inches. If the larger triangle is to be similar to the smaller triangle, by how much must the 5-inch leg be increased?
Answer provided by our tutors
a = 7.5 in
b = 5 in
A = 7.5 + 5 = 12.5 in
B = ?
a/A = b/B
7.5/12.5 =5/B
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click here to see the equation solved for B
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B = 8.33 in
B - b = 8.33 - 5 = 3.33 in
The 5-inch leg needs to be increased by 3.33 inches.