CSIHSIS G2 Block_____ Name:__________________

7.3 Use Similar Right Triangles Feb. 2011

Discover the properties of similar right triangles

C shortest I BD CD longer I
=
shortest II CD AD longer II

hyp III AB CB shortest III

=
hyp I CB DB shortest I

hyp III AB AC longer III

A D B =
hyp II AC AD longer II

Ex1. Identify the similar triangles. Then find the value of x.

E b) F
a) 13 E
H
5 5
3 x x

G 4 F D 12 G
Ex2. Find the value of k. Write your answer in simplest radical form.

B
Geometric Mean (Altitude) Theorem:

10 D 2
In a right triangle, the altitude from the right angle to the hypotenuse divides the hpotenuse into two segments. The
length of the altitude is the geometric mean of the lengths of the two segments.
BD CD
=
CD AD

Geometric Mean (Leg) Theorem:

The length of the each leg of the right triangle is the geometric mean of the lengths of the hypotenuse and the

k
segment of the hypotenuse that is adjacent to the leg.

AB CB AB AC
= & =
CB DB AC AD

Ex3. Find the value of k. Write your answer in simplest radical form.

R
A 9
Ex4. Find x.

3 S C
 25 ft

5ft