SSAT Upper Level Math : How to find if right triangles are similar

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Right Triangles

If a  right triangle is similar to a  right triangle, which of the other triangles must also be a similar triangle?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For the triangles to be similar, the dimensions of all sides must have the same ratio by dividing the 3-4-5 triangle.

The 6-8-10 triangle will have a scale factor of 2 since all dimensions are doubled the original 3-4-5 triangle.

The only correct answer that will yield similar ratios is the   triangle with a scale factor of 4 from the 3-4-5 triangle.  

The other answers will yield different ratios.

Example Question #1 : How To Find If Right Triangles Are Similar

What is the main difference between a right triangle and an isosceles triangle? 

Possible Answers:

A right triangle has to have a  angle and an isosceles triangle has to have  equal, base angles. 

An isosceles triangle has to have a  angle and a right triangle has to have  equal, base angles. 

A right triangle has to have a  angle and an isosceles triangle has to have  equal, base angles. 

A right triangle has to have a  angle and an isosceles triangle has to have equal, base angles. 

A right triangle has to have a  angle and an isosceles triangle has to have  equal, base angles. 

Correct answer:

A right triangle has to have a  angle and an isosceles triangle has to have  equal, base angles. 

Explanation:

By definition, a right triangle has to have one right angle, or a  angle, and an isosceles triangle has  equal base angles and two equal side lengths. 

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