Unit 05 · Lesson 04 · Similarity, Dilations & Proportional Reasoning

SSS and SAS Similarity

Use dilations and proportional relationships to compare figures, construct scale models, and measure inaccessible quantities.

Open-AgePrintableFoundation · Core · ExtendedMastery target 80%

Learning intention

Use accurate diagrams, definitions, measurements, and reasoning to use dilations and proportional relationships to compare figures, construct scale models, and measure inaccessible quantities.

Success evidence

  • Label the figure and units before calculating.
  • Select and justify the governing definition, theorem, relationship, or construction.
  • Show enough work that another learner can audit the conclusion.
  • Check the result against the diagram, scale, and stated constraints.

Visual model

Similarity geometry diagram A clear labeled diagram supporting similarity reasoning. smalldilated image

Use dilations and proportional relationships to compare figures, construct scale models, and measure inaccessible quantities.

k=\frac{\text{image length}}{\text{preimage length}}\frac{a}{d}=\frac{b}{e}=\frac{c}{f}AA,\ SAS\sim,\ SSS\sim

Worked reasoning

Process: Establish similarity first, write a proportion with matching sides, solve, and check that the magnitude agrees with the scale factor.

  1. Read the figure and rewrite all given information with correct notation.
  2. Identify the exact relationship that connects the known and unknown quantities.
  3. Substitute, construct, or prove one justified step at a time.
  4. State the result with units and a sentence explaining what it means.

Misconception check: Corresponding side ratios must be written in a consistent order; mixing image-to-preimage and preimage-to-image reverses the scale factor.