2.7.

4 Practice: Modeling: Practice

Similarity Theorems

Geometry A Name: Ty West

Points Possible: 20 Date: 11/19/22

YOUR ASSIGNMENT: About Face!

Your Peak of Choice

Your friend Tyler is preparing to climb a rock face and wants to figure out how far he will need to
climb to reach one of three different peaks. You remember a trick you can use to help him out.
You realize that if you place a small mirror on the ground and move it to where Tyler can see the
reflection of the peak in the mirror, then the angles from the mirror to Tyler and from the mirror
to the peak are congruent.

The image below displays the three peaks with information about Tyler’s measurements. Tyler
is 6 feet tall. (Image source: commons.wikimedia.org)

1. Have you ever gone rock climbing? If so, describe your experience. If not, would you like
to? (1 point)

I haven't been rock climbing before, but I would like to try it.

2. To help Tyler identify the heights of the peaks, write down what you know about each
peak from the first page of this activity (3 points: 1 point for each completed row).

Peaks Tyler’s height (in feet) Distance on the ground Distance Tyler stands from
from mirror to the base of mirror in order to see the peak
the peak (in feet) (in feet)

Peak A 6ft 20ft 1ft 3in

Peak B 6ft 20ft 1ft 8in
Peak C 6ft 20ft 3ft
 3. Choose one of the three peaks. On the diagram below, label the distances. (1 point)

6f
t
20f 1ft
t 8in
4. Are these triangles similar, congruent, or neither? Explain your answer. (2 points)

Yes, they are similar because for two triangles to be similar, it is sufficient for 2 of the angles to be
congruent, and in this example two of the angles are congruent on both triangles.

5. Based on the information above, Tyler has created three proportions to help identify the
heights of the peaks. Complete the chart below to analyze his work and identify any
errors. (6 points: 2 points for each completed row)

Peaks Proportion Created Identify and correct any errors in Solve for the height of the peak
by Tyler Tyler’s work (show work)

Peak A 6ft needs to be switched with 1.25ft 6ft(1.25ft)=20ft(A)

20 ft 6 ft 20 ft 1.25 ft 7.5ft=20ft(A)
= =
1.25 ft ht of peak A 6 ft ht of peak A

Peak B No errors 6ft(1.7ft)=20ft(A)

20 ft 1.667 ft 10.2ft=20ft(A)
=
6 ft ht of peak B
Peak C 20ft needs to be switched with 3ft 6ft(3ft)=20ft(A)
3 ft 20 ft 20 ft 3 ft 18ft=20ft(A)
= =
6 ft ht of peak C 6 ft ht of peak C

6. Create a problem that can be solved using similar triangles. You may use the internet to
gather ideas, but your question should be unique. Be sure to include a list of any
websites you used. (5 points)

Your problem must include:

● A real world situation involving similar triangles.
● A question that can be answered using the similar triangles.
● All information needed to answer the question.
● Diagrams and/or pictures if needed.
● A list of websites used to gather ideas.

7. Create an answer key for your problem in question #6. Be sure to show all steps so the
grader does not get confused! (2 points)

The following triangle represents the sloped yard of Mr. Madrini’s house. He wants to put a fence in his
yard to separate the rest of the yard from his garden he just started. Let ABC be a triangle and A'C' a
segment parallel to AC. What can you say about triangles ABC and A'BC'? Explain your answer.
ANSWER:
Since A'C' is parallel to AC, angles BA'C' and BAC are congruent. Also angles BC'A' and BCA are congruent.
Since the two triangles have two corresponding congruent angles, they are similar

[Adapted from Apex Learning]