Mathematics » Rational Expressions and Equations » Solve Proportion and Similar Figure Applications

# Solving Proportion and Similar Figure Applications Summary

## Key Concepts

• Property of Similar Triangles
• If $$\text{Δ}ABC$$ is similar to $$\text{Δ}XYZ$$, then their corresponding angle measures are equal and their corresponding sides are in the same ratio.
• Problem Solving Strategy for Geometry Applications
1. Read the problem and make sure all the words and ideas are understood. Draw the figure and label it with the given information.
2. Identify what we are looking for.
3. Name what we are looking for by choosing a variable to represent it.
4. Translate into an equation by writing the appropriate formula or model for the situation. Substitute in the given information.
5. Solve the equation using good algebra techniques.
6. Check the answer in the problem and make sure it makes sense.
7. Answer the question with a complete sentence.

## Glossary

### proportion

A proportion is an equation of the form $$\frac{a}{b}=\frac{c}{d}$$, where $$b\ne 0,d\ne 0.$$ The proportion is read “$$a$$ is to $$b$$, as $$c$$ is to $$d\text{.}$$

### similar figures

Two figures are similar if the measures of their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding sides are in the same ratio.