use proportions to find the missing side length in the two similar figures
To use proportions to find the missing side length in two similar figures, follow these steps:
1. Identify the two similar figures. Make sure that the corresponding sides are labeled with the same variables or expressions.
2. Write a proportion comparing the corresponding side lengths. A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. For example, if the length of a side in the first figure is "x", and the corresponding side length in the second figure is "y", the proportion would be:
x / y = a / b
where "a" and "b" represent the known side lengths in the two figures.
3. Solve the proportion for the missing side length. Rearrange the proportion to isolate the variable that represents the missing side length. For example, if you are trying to find the value of "x", the rearranged proportion would be:
x = (y * a) / b
4. Substitute the known values into the rearranged proportion. Plug in the known values for "y", "a", and "b" into the rearranged proportion, and calculate the value of the missing side length.
By following these steps and using proportions, you can find the missing side length in two similar figures.