An illustration shows an 11 by 10 grid that has 3 rectangles on it. Figure 1 covers the 2nd row in the 3rd through 6th columns, for a total of 4 units. Figure 2 covers the 2nd to 9th rows in the 9th and 10th columns, for a total of 16 units. Figure 3 covers the 4th to the 7th rows in the 4th and 5th columns, for a total of 8 units.

Which combination of figures are similar and why?

Figures 1 and 3 are similar because they both cover the exact same area of 4 units.