Mantza draws two similar right triangles. The longest side of the larger triangle measures 21 cm, and the shortest side of that triangle measures 14 cm. The longest side of the smaller triangle measures 15 cm. What is the length of the shortest side of the smaller triangle?
(1 point)
• 22.5 cm
• 12 cm
• 5 cm
• 10 cm
The ratio of the sides of similar triangles are proportional.
Let x be the length of the shortest side of the smaller triangle.
Therefore, 21/15 = 14/x
Cross multiply, we get:
21x = 15 * 14
21x = 210
x = 210 / 21
x = 10
Therefore, the length of the shortest side of the smaller triangle is 10 cm.
So, the answer is:
• 10 cm