TAS FET EUCLIDEAN GEOMETRY COURSE

BOOKLET 4

Proportionality, Similarity
& The Theorem of Pythagoras

A S by The TAS Maths Team

T Proportionality,
Similarity &
The Theorem of
Pythagoras

Geometry FET
Course Booklets Set

WWW.THEANSWER.CO. ZA
 PROPORTIONALITY, SIMILARITY &
THE THEOREM OF PYTHAGORAS
PROPORTIONALITY  Proportion

When two ratios are equal, e.g. a = c ,

 Ratio b d
we say that : a, b, c and d are in proportion, or,

S
We use Ratio to compare two quantities
of the same kind (in the same unit). that a and b are in the same proportion as c and d.

A
Example 1 : Determine the ratio BC : AB

A
The Proportion theorem states :
A Answer If a line, PQ, is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle, a c
Both BC and AB it divides the other two sides proportionally.
The ratio BC : AB = 3 : 6 = 1 : 2 
are lengths,

T
6 cm P Q
Ratios can also be written as fractions : measured in i.e. If PQ || BC, then a = c . b d
b d
BC
= 3 = 1 
the same unit. B C
B C AB 6 2
3 cm

The lengths of a, b, c and d, could be as follows : A

In Trigonometry, we have the sin, cos and tan ratios.
a = 4 units ; b = 2 units ; c = 6 units ; d = 3 units 4
30º 6
e.g. BC = sin A 2
3 a c
AB Then : = 4 = 2 and = 6 = 2
1 b 2 d 3 P Q
& sin A = ² Â = 30º 60º 2 3
2 1 â a = c
b d B C
Example 2 : Divide a 30 cm line in the ratio 2 : 3.
Note : A proportion can be written in many ways :
Answer Alternatively,
30 cm
let AP = 2k and PB = 3k; If 4
= 6, then 2
= 3 (invertendo) or 4
= 2 (alternando).
A B 2 3 4 6 6 3
then AB = 5k
3 parts
2 parts
â 5k = 30 cm These forms are all equivalent and imply that : 2 % 6 = 4 % 3.
A B â k = 6 cm
P
â AP = 12 cm and PB = 18 cm 
To summarise:
a c b d a b
AP 2 AP 2 2 = ² = or = or ad = bc
Note : =  AP = 2 PB, but, =  AP = AB b d a c c d
PB 3 3 AB 5 5
Copyright © The Answer Series 1
THE PROPORTION THEOREM Worked Example 3 A

2
In the figure, RT | | AB, RS | | AC and DR = . R
The Theorem Statement: A RA 5

D
A line parallel to one side of a triangle 3.1 Write down the values of the following ratios :
divides the other two sides proportionally. P Q T
(a) DT = (b) DS = B
B C TB DC
AP AQ S
i.e. PQ || BC ² =
PB QC
3.2 Prove that TS || BC

S
The Converse Theorem Statement:
A C

If a line divides two sides of a triangle Answers

A
proportionally, the line is parallel to the third side. 2 In ΔDBA:
3.1 (a) DT = DR =  ...
P Q TB RA 5 RT || AB ; prop. theorem
AP AQ B C
i.e. = ² PQ || BC DS DR 2
. . . In ΔDCA:

T
PB QC (b) = = 
DC DA 7 RS || AC ; prop. theorem

Worked Example 1 Worked Example 2

Find x : Find x : 3.2 In ΔDBC :
5 a
x 6 DT
=
DS
. . . both = DR = 2
x 3a
TB SC RA 5
2 3
â TS || BC  . . . converse of proportion theorem

Answer Answer
Because of the || lines, and the Because of the || lines, and the
proportion theorem above, we know proportion theorem above, we know that
that the ratio x : 2 will equal the ratio 6 : 3 the ratio x : 5 will equal the ratio 3a : a (= 3 : 1)
â By inspection : x = 4 units â By inspection : x = 15 units
Remember :
or, by calculation :
x = 6 or, by calculation :
x = 3a
A AB : BC = 2 : 5, while AB : AC = 2 : 7
2 3 5 a
% 2) â x = 2%2 % 5) â x = 5%3 2
â x = 15 units  B i.e. AB =
â x = 4 units  AC 7
2
â AB = AC
7
C
Note : When applying these statements, focus on one triangle
at a time, and apply either one fact or the other.

Copyright © The Answer Series 2

 Worked Example 4 Worked Example 5

In ΔPQR the lengths of PS, SQ, PT and TR are P In the diagram, ΔABC and ΔACD are drawn. F and G are points on sides AB
3, 9, 2 and 6 units respectively. and AC respectively such that AF = 3 x, FB = 2 x, AG = 12y and GC = 8y.
S T H, E and K are points on side AD such that GH | | CK and GE | | CD.
4.1 Give a reason why ST || QR.
B
A
4.2 If AB || QP and RA : AQ = 1 : 3,
calculate the length of TB. H
Q A R 3x E
12y K

S
F D
2x
Answers G
B

A
8y
PS 3 1 PT 2 1
4.1 In ΔPQR : = = & = = P
SQ 9 3 TR 6 3
3 2
C
PS PT S T

T
∴ =
SQ TR
5.1 Prove that :
9 6
B AH AE
â ST || QR  . . . converse of proportion thm 5.1.1 FG | | BC 5.1.2 =
HK ED
Q 3 parts A1 part R
5.2 If it is further given that AH = 15 and ED = 12, calculate the length of EK.
RA
4.2 In ΔRPQ : RB
= = 1 . . . proportion theorem ; AB || QP
RP RQ 4

â RB =
1
RP
RA:AQ = 1:3
4 Study and analyse the diagram . . .
= 2 units . . . RP = PT + TR = 8 units
â TB = 4 units  • Notice that there are 3 Δs on which to focus.
And, in ΔACD, 2 pairs of | | lines. Highlight these in colour !
(And, the first question requires proof of | | lines)

• Clearly, only 2 theorems are involved :

the proportion theorem and its converse (theorem)
(Study these 2 theorem statements well !)

Answers on the next page.

Copyright © The Answer Series 3

 AG 3
5.2 = . . . from 5.1.1
Answers GC 2

AH 3 AE 3
5.1.1 â = and =
HK 2 ED 2

To prove | | lines, we must prove that FG divides the 15 3 AE 3

â = â =
HK 2 12 2
2 sides of the triangle in proportion;
AF AG â HK = 10 â AE = 18
i.e. that = .
FB GC

S
â HE = 3
This is the application of the converse proportion theorem.

â EK = 10 – 3 = 7 units 

A
AF 3x 3 AG 12y 3
In ΔABC : = = and = =
FB 2x 2 GC 8y 2
A
18

T
AF AG
â = 15
FB GC
H
â FG | | BC  . . . line divides 2 sides of Δ in proportion 3x E 12
– converse of proportion thm. 12y ?
K
F
D
2x
AH AG G
5.1.2 In ΔACK  = . . . proportion thm.; GH || CK
HK GC B
8y

AE
In ΔACD  =  . . . proportion thm.; GE || CD
ED
C

See The Answer Series

Gr 12 Maths 2 in 1
Module 10

Copyright © The Answer Series 4

 Proving the Proportion theorem THE PROOF OF THE PROPORTION THEOREM
Be sure to revise the following two concepts involving areas of triangles.
These concepts are used in the proof of the proportion theorem which follows.
Given : ΔABC with DE || BC, D & E on AB & AC respectively.

A
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS REQUIRED
To prove : AD
= AE
DB EC

S
 Δs on the same base
Construction : Join DC & BE h′ h
and between the same || lines D E

A
have equal areas.
1 B C
Area of ΔADE 2 AD.h
Proof : = = AD

T
Area of ΔDBE 1 DB
A 2 DB.h
B ΔABC = ΔDBC in area
1
Area of ΔADE 2 AE.h
′
These Δs have the same base, BC, Similarly: = AE
Area of ΔEDC EC 1
D 2 EC .h
′
and the same height (since they lie
C
between the same || lines).
But: ΔDBE = ΔEDC . . . on the same base DE ; between || lines, DE & BC

and: ΔADE is common

 When Δs have the same height,
the ratio of their areas equals
the ratio of their bases. â Area of ΔADE = Area of ΔADE
Area of ΔDBE Area of ΔEDC
A
â AD = AE 
1 DB EC
Area of ΔABC 2
x .h x
= =
h
Area of ΔACD 1
y.h y
2

B These  s have a common vertex, A,

x C D
y and therefore the same height.

Copyright © The Answer Series 5

 PROPORTION THEOREM PROOF: A Visual presentation

The Situation The Construction Heights of Δs

base a base c
a c

S
h
h'

b d height (H)

A
Parallel lines in a Δ Create 2 Δs

T
These 2 Δs have These 2 Δs have These 2 Δs have
common height h common height h' equal areas
a c a c (same base &
h same height H)
Bases h' Base
BASE

b d
b H d

The
samee
1
2 ah a
1
2 ch ' c
= 1
= = 1
= But : =
2 bh
b 2 dh ' d

The Theorem Statement:

a c
∴ = A line drawn parallel to one side of a triangle
b d
divides the other two sides proportionally.

Copyright © The Answer Series 6

 2.4 A
EXERCISE 1 In ΔABC, DE || BC and AB = 6 cm.
PROPORTION THEOREM AND APPLICATIONS x cm 5 cm
AD = x cm, AE = 5 cm and EC = 3 cm.

Answers on page 17 D E
Determine the length of AD,
3 cm
1. In the figure A and B are points on PQ and PR i.e. find x.
such that AB || QR. B C
P
AR and BQ are drawn.
Answer the following questions, which refer to
a theorem. You need to redraw the sketch. A
A B 2.5 In the accompanying figure, BF || CG || DH
1

S
area ΔAPB and DG || EH. B
1.1 Complete : = .... F
area ΔAQB ....
Furthermore, AB = 1 cm, BC = 3 cm and CD = 1 cm. 3
area ΔAPB
1.2 Complete: = .... Q R C

A
area ΔABR .... 2.5.1 Write down the values of the following ratios : 1
D G
1.3 What can you say about the area of ΔAQB and the area of ΔABR, and why? (a) AG (b) AD
GH DE

T
1.4 What can you deduce from 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3? E H
2.5.2 Determine the length of DE.
1.5 Give the wording of the theorem which is under consideration here.

2.1 Complete the following theorem by writing down the missing word(s) only.
3.1 Complete the following theorem statement :
"A line parallel to one side of a triangle divides the two other sides . . ."
If a line is parallel to one side of a triangle, then the line divides the other
2.2 In the accompanying figure, MS || QR. P
two sides in proportion, and conversely if . . . . . . . , then . . . . . . .

Furthermore, PM = x cm, Z
MQ = 2 cm, PS = (x + 2) cm x x+2 3.2 Quadrilateral WXYZ is given. R
W
and SR = 3 cm. R is a point on WZ and T is a point
M S on YZ such that RT is parallel to
Determine, without giving reasons, 2 3
diagonal WY.
the value of x. Q R
If S is a point on diagonal XZ such that
2.3 The following measurements A SR || XW, prove that ST || XY. S T
are known in the given sketch :
AD = 3x - 1 X Y
BD = 7x - 6 E
D
AE = 3
C
CE = x + 2 B

Determine the integral value(s) of x for which DE || BC.

Copyright © The Answer Series 7
4. In the diagram below HJKL is a parallelogram, with the diagonals
intersecting at M. SIMILARITY
H N L

F When polygons are similar, they have the same shape, but NOT necessarily
M the same size. One figure is an enlargement or reduction of the other.

J K S
 The definition of similarity
ˆ = 90º.
JHK
The conditions for polygons to be similar are :

S
JK is produced to S. N is a point on HL. NS intersects JL at F.
HJ = 6 units ; HK = 8 units ; KS = 5 units ; FL = 13 units A : the polygons must be equiangular, AND

B : their corresponding sides must be in proportion.

A
4.1 Determine, with reasons, the following ratios in simplified form :

(a) JK : KS
We will show that, for triangles :
(b) JM : MF

T
If A holds, then B holds â similar
4.2 Hence, prove that HK || NS

i.e. If, in ΔABC & ΔPQR,

A
5. In the accompanying figure, DF || BC Â = P̂ , B̂ = Q̂ and Ĉ = R̂ ,
A
F P
and AF = FC . then AB = BC = AC .
FE EB
PQ QR PR
D C
Prove that ADEF is a trapezium. â ΔABC ||| ΔPQR x x
B C Q R
E

and, conversely . . .
B
If B holds, then A holds â similar

ACT! If, in ΔABC & ΔPQR,

AB BC A
A: Be Active = = AC , then P
PQ QR PR
C: Use all your Clues
 = P̂ , B̂ = Q̂ and Ĉ = R̂.
T: Apply the Theory systematically B C Q R
â ΔABC ||| ΔPQR
Copyright © The Answer Series 8
Worked Example 1 D Worked Example 2
A
In the figure, BA || ED, AB = 8, AC = 4 and DE = 10 units. Say, with reasons, whether the following pairs of triangles are similar or not.
4
8
1.1 Name a pair of similar triangles (in the correct order). 2.1 L
C
Explain why they are similar. 10 E
B
1.2 Calculate the length of EC. 17 23 51 69
E
F 25 H
Answers
M 75 N
1.1 In Δs ACB and ECD ... It is essential when naming the Δs,

S
to order the letters according 2.2 P 2.3
Aˆ = Eˆ . . . alternate øs ; BA || ED
to the equal øs, especially for A A E
Bˆ = D
ˆ . . . alternate øs ; BA || ED writing out the proportional y x

A
s sides which follow. 18
ˆ = ECD
Also, ACB ˆ . . . vert. opposite ø 12 9 6

x y
â ΔACB ||| ΔECD  . . . AAA C B

T
R 3 B C D
9 Q

Note : As soon as you have shown Δ's to be similar by showing they are
equiangular, you can claim that their sides are in proportion Answers
and write this down without having to look back at the diagram. 51 69 75
2.1 ΔLMN ||| ΔEFH  because : equals 3; equals 3 and equals 3
17 23 25
 , then : AC = AB = CB
 ||| Δ ECD
i.e. if Δ ACB or : the same sides,
EC ED CD but inverted. LM MN LN
∴ = = , i.e. the sides are in proportion.
EF FH EH
NB : The triangles must be named in the correct order !
PQ 12 PR 18
It is then useful to mark off what you are looking for with a ? 2.2 ΔPQR ||| ΔABC  because : while = = 2 and = = 2,
AB 6 AC 9
(or its letter if it has a letter) and a  for the sides you have lengths for.
QR 9
= = 3, which is ≠ 2
BC 3
â The sides are not in proportion.
EC ? ED  CD
1.2 ∴ = = . . . ACB ||| ECD
AC  AB  CB 2.3 ΔBAC ||| ΔEDC ; because, in these triangles :

EC ED When creating your equation, place what B̂ = Ê . . . both = x

â = ... Note : These 2 Δs are not congruent.
AC AB you are looking for, EC in this case, on  = D̂ . . . both = y Even though there are 2 øs
EC 10 the top LHS. It eases the calculation. and a side equal, the sides do
â = [â 3rd ø equal too ! ]
4 8 not correspond.
% 4) â EC = 5 units  â ΔBAC ||| ΔEDC  . . . AAA

Copyright © The Answer Series 9

Worked Example 3 A Similar Δs vs.
Find the values of x and y in the
x 5 cm Proportion Theorem Application
10 cm
figure alongside. y
D E
3 cm A
B C Worked Example 4
12 cm
12 15
Find x and y in the sketch alongside y
D E
Answer 8 x
B C

S
x 5
 In ΔABC : = . . . DE || BC; proportion theorem 30
10 8
 The Proportion theorem (finding x)
% 10) ∴ x = 6 1 cm 
4
The proportion theorem

A
In ΔABC : DE || BC
does NOT refer to the
y 5 The
 ∆ADE ||| ∆ABC ² = . . . DE = AE ; proportional sides unknown
 x
= 8 lengths of the parallel lines,
12 8 BC AC 15 12 only to AB and AC

T
% 12) ∴ y = 7 1 cm  % 15) â x = 10 units
and their segments.
2

 Similar triangles theorem (finding y)

In the same figure above ,
In Δs ADE and ABC : ΔABC can be seen as
Note : The Theorem of Pythagoras can be proved using an enlargement of ΔADE
(1) Â is common and the sides of these
similar ∆s (see page 13 & 14). Consider this proof an ideal
ˆ = B̂ . . . corresponding øs; DE || BC
(2) ADE triangles are proportional.
'worked example' of the application of similar triangles.
y 15 ⎞
ˆ = Ĉ . . . corresponding øs; DE || BC ]
[& AED â = 12 ⎛ or
⎜ ⎟
30 12 + 8 ⎝ 15 + 10 ⎠

â ΔADE ||| ΔABC . . . equiangular Δs

DE AD AE
â DE = AD or AE ... Note: = DB or EC
BC AB AC BC
Note:
y 12 because BC is a side of ΔABC,
Distinguish between the applications of â =
30 20 while DB and EC are not.
the similar ∆ s and proportion theorems! % 30) â y = 18 units
(See next column.)
It is only by using the similarity of the triangles,
that we can relate the lengths of the parallel sides to
the lengths of the other 2 sides of the triangles.

Copyright © The Answer Series 10

 s THE CONVERSE:
SIMILAR Δ : STATEMENTS & PROOFS
Proportional sides  equiangular Δs  SIMILAR Δs
STATEMENT:
Triangles with sides in proportion, are
Equiangular Δ  proportional sides  SIMILAR Δs
s
equiangular and, therefore, they are similar.
If two triangles are equiangular, then their sides PROOF (Optional) :
are proportional and, therefore, they are similar.
Given : Δs ABC & ΔDEF with AB = BC = AC D
PROOF : DE EF DF A
Given : ΔABC & ΔDEF with  = D̂, B̂ = Ê & Ĉ = F̂ Required to prove : 3
1

S
D x 2 y2
AB ΔABC & ΔDEF are equiangular B C E F
Required to prove : = AC = BC A x1 y 1
DE DF EF ˆ (x̂ ) = B̂ & GFE
ˆ (yˆ ) = Ĉ 2
Construction : GEF 1 1
Construction : 1
P Q G & D on opposite sides of EF

A
Mark P & Q on DE & DF B C G
E F Proof : In Δs ABC & GEF
such that DP = AB & DQ = AC
(1) x̂1 = B̂ . . . construction Stage 1 :

T
Proof : In Δs DPQ & ABC equiangular ∆s
(2) yˆ 1 = Ĉ . . . construction
(1) DP = AB . . . construction (∆1 & ∆2)
Stage 1 : â ΔABC & ΔGEF are equiangular
(2) DQ = AC . . . construction
congruency
(3) D̂ = Â . . . given proportional sides of equiangular Δs
â AB = BC = AC . . . (applying the 'original' theorem)
â ΔDPQ ≡ ΔABC . . . SøS GE EF GF
â Pˆ 1 = B̂ Stage 2 : Stage 2 :
Comparing this with the 'given' :
corresponding ø s The proportions
= Ê . . . given BC ⎞
focal â AB = AB and AC
= AC . . . ⎛⎜ all = ⎟ compared
GE DE GF DF ⎝ EF ⎠
The â PQ || EF . . . corresponding øs equal Stage 3 : point
â GE = DE and GF = DF
focal parallel lines
â DP = DQ . . . (prop thm; PQ || EF) â In Δs DEF & GEF
point DE DF
(1) GE = DE . . . proved above Stage 3 :
But DP = AB and DQ = AC . . . construction (2) GF = DF . . . proved above congruency
â AB = AC Stage 4 : (3) EF is common (∆2 & ∆3)
DE DF proportions
â ΔDEF ≡ ΔGEF . . . SSS
Similarly, by marking P and R on DE and EF such that â xˆ 2 = x̂1 & yˆ 2 = yˆ 1 Stage 4 :
PE = AB and ER = BC, it can be proved that: AB = BC = B̂ = Ĉ . . . construction return to the start !
DE EF (∆3 ! ∆2 ! ∆1)
â also D̂ = Â . . . 3rd ø of the two Δs
â AB = AC = BC 
DE DF EF i.e. s ABC & DEF are equiangular . . . (∆1 & ∆3)
â ΔABC and ΔDEF are similar â ΔABC and ΔDEF are similar . . . as for 1st proof!
Copyright © The Answer Series 11
 SIMILAR ΔS THEOREM PROOF: Visualised

The Situation Construction The LOGIC . . .

A Imagine copying the

small Δ on the big Δ
D
1

S
2

B C
3

A
The 2 shaded Δs are congruent (S∠S)
E F

T
∴ 1̂ = 2̂
2 Equiangular Δs : ΔABC & ΔDEF You actually mark the lengths of But 2̂ = 3̂ . . . given
the small Δ onto the sides of the big Δ.
∴ 1̂ = corresponding 3̂
Then join their endpoints.
∴ The horizontal lines are parallel

x y
But: AB = x & AC = y
p q Similarly, it can be proved that:
D
AB = BC
A
x y DE EF
x y
∴ AB = BC = AC
DE EF DF
B C
∴ The sides of this Δ are proportional.
∴ ΔABC ||| ΔDEF
i.e. x =
y
. . . Proportion theorem E F
p q
The Statement:
∴ AB = AC
DE DF Equiangular Δs are similar

Copyright © The Answer Series 12

 THE THEOREM OF PYTHAGORAS

 THE STATEMENT Proving the Theorem of Pythagoras, using similar triangles

In ΔABC: Ĉ = 90º ² c 2 = a 2 + b 2 A
ˆ = 90º
Given : ΔABC with ABC
D
A
Required to prove : AC 2 = AB 2 + BC 2

S
Construction : Draw BD ⊥ AC 1
c 2
b B C
PROOF:

A
B a C Let  = x ; then Bˆ 1 = 90º – x . . . ø sum of ΔABD
â Bˆ 2 = x

T
In a right-angled Δ, the square on the hypotenuse â Ĉ = 90º – x . . . ø sum of ΔBCD
equals the sum of the squares on the other two sides.
: In Δs ABD and ACB :

(1) Â is common A 
D
 THE CONVERSE STATEMENT (2) Bˆ 1 = Ĉ . . . = 90º – x
ˆ = 90º]
ˆ = ABC
[& ADB B C
In ΔABC: c2 = a2 + b2 ² Ĉ = 90º
â ΔABD ||| ΔACB . . . AAA AB is the common side
A of the 2 triangles :
â AB = AD ⎛ = BD ⎞
⎜ ⎟ ∴ AB2 = . . .
AC AB ⎝ BC ⎠
2
â AB = AC . AD
c
b

 : Similarly, by proving ΔBCD ||| ΔACB :

B C â BC2 = AC . DC ΔBCD ||| ΔACB A 
a D
² BC = CD
AC BC
If the square on one side of a triangle equals the : â AB2 + BC2 = AC . AD + AC . DC
C
â BC = AC . CD B
2

sum of the squares on the other two sides, = AC (AD + DC)

Here, BC is the common side :
then the angle between these two sides is a right angle. = AC . AC
∴ BC2 = . . .
= AC2
Copyright © The Answer Series 13
 The Theorem of Pythagoras: The proof in stages

The Theorem Statement The Situation Construction

A
In a right-angled Δ, D
the square on the hypotenuse b
c
equals the sum of the squares

S
on the other two sides.
B a C B

A
The Method A A
D D

T
b b
c Similarly: c

B C B a C

In ΔAB D & ΔAC B : Common  & a right ∠ each In ΔCB D & ΔCA B : Common Ĉ & a right ∠ each

∴ ΔABD ||| ΔACB ∴ ΔCBD ||| ΔCAB

∴ AB = AD ∴ CB = CD
AC AB CA CB
∴ AB2 = AC. AD ∴ CB2 = CA.CD

i.e. c2 = AC. AD ...  i.e. a2 = AC.CD ... 

The Conclusion  & : A

D
∴ c2 + a2 = AC. AD + AC. CD
b
= AC(AD + CD) c
= b.b . . . AC = b
= b2 B a C
Copyright © The Answer Series 14
 Similar Δs : Advice for problem-solving
 The symbol for similar Δs is: |||  When asked to prove a proportion, e.g. AB = BC ,
DE EF
& the symbol for congruent Δs is:

|||
mark the 4 sides (AB, DE, BC & EF) on the figure.
It will then be clear which triangles need to be proved similar.
 If we write ΔABC ||| ΔDEF, with the letters in this order, it means
If asked to prove PQ2 = PR.PS, we need to mark PQ twice,

S
that  = D̂ , B̂ = Ê and Ĉ = F̂ and the sides will also correspond . . .
because it would be a common side of the two triangles
AB
= BC = AC ...   – see the proof of the Theorem of Pythagoras illustrating this.
DE EF DF
ABC DEF

A
 Always remember to accumulate facts as you work through
This is very important because it means we don't have to read off a sum, i.e. mark the facts on the figure as you prove them.

T
the sides from the drawing, provided we have the letters in
the correct order !  Distinguish between the applications of the A

proportion and the similar Δs theorems:

5 parts
 It is usually a good idea to write down all three ratios,
maybe bracketing the one not immediately required Given: AQ : QC = 5 : 2 and PQ || BC Q
P
– it may well be needed later in the question. 2 parts
THE PROPORTION THEOREM
B C
 We can prove that triangles are similar AP : PB = 5 : 2
either by: Also: AP : AB = AQ : AC = 5 : 7 & PB : AB = QC : AC = 2 : 7
 proving them equiangular (2 øs are sufficient) . . . The Theorem
whereas
or, by: . . . because PQ and BC are the sides of similar Δs APQ & ABC
 proving that their sides are proportional. . . . The Converse Theorem
PQ : BC = 5 : 7 SIMILAR TRIANGLES THEOREM
 When two pairs of angles of two triangles have been
proved equal, mark the third angles as being equal too. Be sure to know and apply the
It could be required later in the question. theorem statements accurately !

Copyright © The Answer Series 15

 6.1 6.2 A
A
EXERCISE 2: SIMILAR TRIANGLES
D B
Answers on page 18
D
1.1 P 1.2 A
D
A B C
36 E
32 24 21

B C Q R B C E F
28 27
C
ΔABC ||| Δ . . . . ΔCAB ||| Δ . . . .
Prove: BA . BD = BC . BE Prove: AB2 = AC.AD

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2. Make a neat copy of this sketch and fill in A E D
all the other angles in terms of x. 7. The accompanying figure shows ΔABC with DE || AC.
Reasons are not required.
AC = 14, DE = 6 and EC = 4 units. A
2.1 Complete the following statement:

A
∆ABE ||| ∆ . . . ||| ∆ . . . x 7.1 ΔBDE ||| . . .
D
2.2 If BC = 18 cm and BE = 12 cm, B C 14
calculate the length of 7.2 Complete : BE = DE
... ...

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6
2.2.1 AE 2.2.2 AB correct to two decimals. C
7.3 Hence calculate the length of BE. 4
2 E
2.3 Hence calculate the area of rectangle ABCD to the nearest cm . B
7.4 Determine the value of BD .
3. In the figure, P is a point on SQ such T AD
ˆ = TQS.
that STP ˆ
TS = 51 mm, PS = 32,6 mm and 51 mm D
8.1 In the figure alongside, prove that ΔGDF ||| ΔGED.
TP = 29 mm. 29 mm

4,5 6
3.1 Prove that ΔSTP ||| ΔSQT. 8.2 Ê = . . . . .
Q S 3
P 32,6 mm
3.2 Calculate QT (answer correct to one decimal place).
9. Complete with reasons: E G
5 F 4
7
4. ˆ = ABC
In the figure, CDB ˆ , AD = 5 and DC = 4. C a
4 9.1 = ..... a 3
D b c
4.1 Complete: ΔCBA ||| . . . . . 5
c b d
9.2 = .....
4.2 Calculate the length of BC. d
(Show all working details.) A
B
P
5. Find, with reasons, the lengths of 2 For more examples, see the
x and y. S y Topic Guide at the start of Section 2
4 in The Answer Series
5 Gr 12 Maths 2 in 1
Q R
x T 3
Copyright © The Answer Series 16
 ANSWERS TO EXERCISES
3x - 1 AG
EXERCISE 1: PROPORTION THEOREM 2.3 DE || BC ² = 3 . . . proportion thm. 2.5.1 (a) = 4  . . . prop thm; CG || DH
7x - 6 x+2 GH
AND APPLICATIONS
â (3x - 1)(x + 2) = 3(7x - 6)
AD
Questions on page 7 (b) = 4  . . . prop thm; DG || EH
2 DE
â 3x + 5x - 2 = 21x - 18
A
A
P â 3x2 - 16x + 16 = 0 1

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AP x
1.1  B
DE
AQ â (3x - 4)(x - 4) = 0 2.5.2 = GH
E AD AG F
D 3
A B
â x = 4 or 4 x 3x
1.2 PB

3 C â DE = = 1 C

A
BR 5 4x 4
B 1
Q R D G
% 5) â DE = 5 
4 x
Check x = 4 : LHS = 3x - 1 = 11 = 1

T
1.3 They’re equal because they lie on the same base (AB) 7x - 6 22 2 E H
and between the same || lines (AB & QR). 
& RHS = 3 = 3 = 1
x+2 6 2

AP PB
1.4 = 
AQ BR 3.1 Theorems
∴ Solution : x = 4 Note: 'integral' value(s) required
∴ x 4
3
1.5 Bookwork
3.2 In ΔZWY :

ZT
2.4 x = 5 . . . proportion thm.; DE || BC = ZR . . . RT || WY; proportion theorem
6 8 TY RW
2.1 ". . . proportionally"
which, in ΔZWX, Z
â 8x = 30
W R
x = x+2 â x = 30 = ZS . . . RS || WX;
2.2 . . . proportion theorem 8
A SX
2 3
proportion thm.
= 33 x cm 5 cm
â 3 x = 2x + 4 P 4
S T
â x = 4  D E â In ΔZXY we have
x x+2 3 cm X Y
ZT
B C = ZS
TY SX
M S
2 3
â ST || XY  . . . converse of proportion theorem
Q R

Copyright © The Answer Series 17

4.1 H N L 5. A
EXERCISE 2: SIMILAR TRIANGLES
F F Questions on page 16
M
 
D C 1.1 Δ ABC ||| Δ RPQ
J K S
E
1.2 ΔCAB ||| ΔFED . . . sides in ratio 8 : 7 : 9
(a) In ΔJHK :
ˆ = 90º; Pythagoras
JHK
JK = 10 units ...
3 : 4 : 5 = 6 : 8 : 10 B

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JK : KS = 10 : 5 = 2 : 1 A E D
2.
AF
= FC ² AF
= FE . . . a= c ² a= b 90º - x x
FE EB FC EB b d c d
(b) In ΔJHM :
12
90 º- x

A
HM = 4 units . . . diagonals of a parallelogram But, in ΔABC : AF = AD . . . prop. thm.; DF || BC
FC DB x
ˆ = 90º; Pythagoras 90º - x x
JM2 = 62 + 42 . . . JHM
â FE = AD B 18 C
= 52 EB DB

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∴ JM = 52 = 4 × 13 = 2 13 â In ΔABF, DE || AF . . . converse of prop. thm. NB: The order of the letters
2.1 ΔABE ||| ΔECB ||| ΔDEC must correspond
∴ ML = 2 13 . . . diagonals of ||m bisect one another â ADEF is a trapezium  . . . 1 pair opp. sides || with the equal angles

∴ MF = 13 . . . FL = 13
2.2.1 ΔABE ||| ΔECB
∴ JM : MF = 2 13 : 13 = 2 : 1
Now, try some ² AE = BE . . . sides in proportion
BE BC
4.2 In ΔJFS : JK : KS = JM : MF . . . in (a) & (b) CHALLENGING QUESTIONS . . . 2 2
% BE) â AE = BE = 12 = 8 cm
BC 18
∴ MK || FS . . . converse of proportion theorem

∴ HK || NS
2.2.2 AB2 = 122 - 82 = 80 . . . Thm. of Pythagoras
See Section 3
Page 255 in â AB = 80
j 8,94 cm
ACT! The Answer Series
Gr 12 Maths 2 in 1
A: Be Active length %
2.3 Area of rectangle ABCD = BC % AB ...
breadth
C: Use all your Clues = 18 % 8,94

T: Apply the Theory systematically j 161 cm2

Copyright © The Answer Series 18

3.1 In Δs STP and SQT 6.1 We need  s BCA & BDE A 8.1 D
T
D
(1) Ŝ is common In Δs BCA and BDE 6
4,5
51 mm 3
ˆ = Q̂
(2) STP . . . given 29 mm (1) B̂ is common B C
E E G
Q S ˆ 5 F 4
P 32,6 mm (2) Ĉ = BDE . . . given
â ΔSTP ||| ΔSQT . . . equiangular Δs
â ΔBCA ||| ΔBDE . . . equiangular Δs GD
= 6 = 2;
GE 9 3
QT â BA = BC
3.2 â = ST . . . sides in proportion BE BD DF
= 3 = 6 = 2 ; and
TP SP ED 4,5 9 3
QT Note : â BA.BD = BC.BE
â = 51

S
GF
29 32,6 It is a good idea to = 4 = 2
place the required GD 6 3
6.2 We need  s ABD & ACB
% 29) â QT = 51 % 29 length (QT) in the
A
32,6
top left position of
s
In Δ ABD and ACB â ΔGDF ||| ΔGED . . . proportional sides
B

A
j 45,4 mm the proportion.
(1) Â is common D

ˆ = Ĉ
(2) ABD . . . given 8.2 ˆ
Ê = GDF . . . øs in similar ∆s in 8.1
4.1 ΔCBA ||| ΔCDB . . . The order of the letters
must be correct !

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â ΔABD ||| ΔACB . . . equiangular Δs
BC
4.2 â = AC
â AB = AD C
a
CD BC
AC AB 9.1 = 7 . . . || lines ; proportion theorem !
2 proportional 4 C b 3
â BC = CD.AC ... D 2
sides â AB = AC.AD
= 4.9 5
c
= 36 Note : Side AB is common to the two  s 9.2 = 7 . . . proportional sides of similar s !
A d 10
â BC = 6 units B

common ø &
7.1 ΔBDE ||| ΔBAC . . . equiør ∆s . . .
5. In ΔPQR: P corresponding øs
ST || PR ; 2
x = 4
3 2
...
prop. thm.
S
y 7.2 â BE = DE . . . prop. sides Now, try some
BC AC
â x = 6 units 4 CHALLENGING QUESTIONS . . .
5 A
7.3 â BE = 6 . . . sides of sim. ∆s
Q R BE + 4 14
x T 3 â 14BE = 6BE + 24 D
14
common ø &
r s
â 8BE = 24
ΔQRP ||| ΔQTS . . . equiø ∆ . . . 6
corresponding øs â BE = 3 units C
4 See Section 3
PQ E
â PR = B
Page 256 to 262 in
ST QS BD
7.4 = BE = 3 . . . DE || AC ; prop. theorem The Answer Series
y AD EC 4
â = 6 Gr 12 Maths 2 in 1
5 4
NB: BD  DE
% 5) â y = 7 1 units AD AC
2

Copyright © The Answer Series 19

 See The Answer Series
Gr 12 Maths 2 in 1

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Study Guide

T A
For more practice, see the TOPIC GUIDE (on Page 148)

at the start of SECTION 2: The Exam Paper 2s

and

The Challenging Questions (Pp 255 – 262)

in the NEW SECTION 3

Copyright © The Answer Series 20

Gr 12 Maths ‘2 in 1’ (Extended)
This study guide, ideal for use throughout the year, facilitates gradual,
thorough concept development via its uniquely-designed question and
answer method, enabling matriculants countrywide to excel in Maths.

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It offers:

A
 Questions & detailed answers in TOPICS
 14 CAPS exam papers with detailed solutions, National and IEB-based,

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PLUS a NEW EXTENSION

This section contains Level 3 & 4 questions, identified in reports over recent years, together with
their clearly layed out solutions and advice to enable focussed study.
It will encourage learners, once they have mastered each topic separately throughout this book, including
the exam papers, to then proceed to the challenge of specially selected Level 3 & 4 questions.

The extensive coverage of all cognitive levels in this book will ensure
that every learner develops Deep Mathematical Thinking.
 PLEASE NOTE

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These Geometry materials (Booklets 1 to 4) were created and

A
produced by The Answer Series Educational Publishers (Pty) (Ltd)
to support the teaching and learning of Geometry in high schools

T
in South Africa.

They are freely available to anyone who wishes to use them.

This material may not be sold (via any channel) or used for
profit-making of any kind.
 GRADES 8 - 12
ALL MAJOR SUBJECTS IN
ENGLISH & AFRIKAANS

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