MODULE - 3 Similarity of Triangles

Geometry

Notes
14
SIMILARITY OF TRIANGLES

Looking around you will see many objects which are of the same shape but of same or
different sizes. For examples, leaves of a tree have almost the same shape but same or
different sizes. Similarly, photographs of different sizes developed from the same negative
are of same shape but different sizes, the miniature model of a building and the building
itself are of same shape but different sizes. All those objects which have the same
shape but not necessarily the same size are called similar objects.
Let us examine the similarity of plane figures (Fig. 14.1):

(i) Two line-segments of the same length are congruent as well as similar and of different
lengths are similar but not congruent.

Fig. 14.1 (i)

(ii) Two circles of the same radius are congurent as well as similar and circles of different
radii are similar but not congruent.

Fig. 14.1 (ii)

(iii) Two equilateral triangles of different sides are similar but not congruent.

Fig. 14.1 (iii)

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(iv) Two squares of different sides are similar but not congruent.

Notes

Fig. 14.1 (iv)

In this lesson, we shall study about the concept of similarity, particularly similarity of triangles
and the conditions thereof. We shall also study about various results related to them.

OBJECTIVES
After studying this lesson, you will be able to
• identify similar figures;
• distinguish between congurent and similar plane figures;
• prove that if a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle then the other two
sides are divided in the same ratio;
• state and use the criteria for similarity of triangles viz. AAA, SSS and SAS;
• verify and use unstarred results given in the curriculum based on similarity
experimentally;
• prove the Baudhayan/Pythagoras Theorem;
• apply these results in verifying experimentally (or proving logically) problems
based on similar triangles.

EXPECTED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

• knowledge of plane figures like triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, rectangles, squares,
etc.
• criteria of congruency of triangles.
• finding squares and square-roots of numbers.
• ratio and proportion.
• Interior and exterior angles of a triangle.

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14.1 SIMILAR PLANE FIGURES

Notes

Fig. 14.2
In Fig. 14.2, the two pentagons seem to be of the same shape.
We can see that if ∠A = ∠A′, ∠B = ∠B′, ∠C = ∠C′, ∠D = ∠D′ and ∠E = E′ and
AB BC CD DE EA
= = = = . then the two pentagons are similar. Thus we say
A' B' B' C' C' D' D' E' E' A'
that

Any two polygons, with corresponding angles equal and corresponding sides
proportional, are similar.

Thus, two polygons are similar, if they satisfiy the following two conditions:

(i) Corresponding angles are equal.

(ii) The corresponding sides are proportional.
Even if one of the conditions does not hold, the polygons are not similar as in the case of a
rectangle and square given in Fig. 14.3. Here all the corresponding angles are equal but
the corresponding sides are not proportional.

Fig. 14.3

14.2 BASIC PROPORTIONALITY THEORM

We state below the Basic Proportionality Theorm:
If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle intersecting the other two
sides, the other two sides of the triangle are divided proportionally.

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Thus, in Fig. 14.4, DE || BC, According to the above result

AD AE
=
DB EC
Notes
We can easily verify this by measuring AD, DB, AE and
EC. You will find that

AD AE Fig. 14.4
=
DB EC
We state the converse of the above result as follows:
If a line divides any two sides of a triangle in the same ratio, the line is parallel to
third side of the triangle.

AD AE
Thus, in Fig 14.4, if DE divides side AB and AC of ΔABC such that = , then
DB EC
DE || BC.
We can verify this by measuring ∠ADE and ∠ABC and finding that
∠ADE = ∠ABC
These being corresponding angles, the line DE and BC are parallel.
We can verify the above two results by taking different triangles.
Let us solve some examples based on these.
Example 14.1: In Fig. 14.5, DE || BC. If AD = 3 cm, DB = 5 cm and AE = 6 cm, find
AC.
Solution: DE || BC (Given). Let EC = x
AD AE
∴ =
DB EC
3 6
∴ =
5 x
⇒ 3 x = 30
⇒ x = 10 Fig. 14.5
∴ EC = 10 cm
∴ AC = AE + EC = 16 cm
5
Example 14.2: In Fig. 14.6, AD = 4 cm, DB = 5 cm, AE = 4.5 cm and EC = 5 cm.
8
Is DE || BC? Given reasons for your answer.

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Solution: We are given that AD = 4 cm and DB = 5 cm

AD 4
∴ =
Notes DB 5

AE 4.5 9 8 4
= = × =
Similarly, EC 45 2 45 5
8
Fig. 14.6
AD AE
∴ =
DB EC
∴ According to converse of Basic Proportionality Theorem
DE || BC

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 14.1

1. In Fig. 14.7 (i) and (ii), PQ || BC. Find the value of x in each case.

(i) (ii)
Fig. 14.7
2. In Fig. 14.8 [(i)], find whether DE || BC is parallel to BC or not? Give reasons for your
answer.

(i)
Fig. 14.8

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14.3 BISECTOR OF AN ANGLE OF A TRIANGLE

We now state an important result as given below:
The bisector of an interior angle of a triangle divides the opposite side in Notes
the ratio of sides containing the angle.

According to the above result, if AD is the internal

bisector of ∠A of ΔABC, then

BD AB
= (Fig. 14.9)
DC AC
We can easily verify this by measuring BD, DC, AB
and AC and finding the ratios. We will find that
Fig. 14.9
BD AB
=
DC AC
Repeating the same activity with other triangles, we may verify the result.
Let us solve some examples to illustrate this.
Example 14.3: The sides AB and AC of a triangle are of length 6 cm and 8 cm respectively.
The bisector AD of ∠A intersects the opposite side BC in D such that BD = 4.5 cm (Fig.
14.10). Find the length of segment CD.
Solution: According to the above result, we have

BD AB
=
DC AC
( Q AD is internal bisector of ∠A of ΔABC)

4.5 6
or =
x 8
⇒ 6x = 4.5 × 8
x=6 Fig. 14.10

i.e., the length of line-segment CD = 6 cm.

Example 14.4: The sides of a triangle are 28 cm, 36 cm and 48 cm. Find the lengths of
the line-segments into which the smallest side is divided by the bisector of the angle opposite
to it.
Solution: The smallest side is of length 28 cm and the sides forming ∠A opposite to it are
36 cm and 48 cm. Let the angle bisector AD meet BC in D (Fig. 14.11).

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BD 36 3
∴ = =
DC 48 4

Notes 3
⇒ 4BD = 3DC or BD = DC
4
BC = BD + DC = 28 cm

3
∴ DC + DC = 28
4

⎛ 4⎞ Fig. 14.11
∴ DC = ⎜ 28 × ⎟cm = 16 cm
⎝ 7⎠

∴ BD = 12 cm and DC = 16 cm

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 14.2

1. In Fig. 14.12, AD is the bisector of ∠A, meeting BC in D. If AB = 4.5 cm,
BD = 3 cm, DC = 5 cm, find x.

Fig. 14.12
2. In Fig. 14.13, PS is the bisector of ∠P of ΔPQR. The dimensions of some of the sides
are given in Fig. 14.13. Find x.

Fig. 14.13

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3. In Fig. 14.14, RS is the bisector of ∠R of ΔPQR. For the given dimensions, express
p, the length of QS in terms of x, y and z.

Notes

Fig. 14.14

14.4 SIMILARITY OF TRIANGLES

Triangles are special type of polygons and therefore the conditions of similarity of polygons
also hold for triangles. Thus,
Two triangles are similar if

(i) their corresponding angles are equal, and

(ii) their corresponding sides are proportional.

Fig. 14.15

We say that ΔABC is similar to ΔDEF and denote it by writing

ΔABC ~ ΔDEF (Fig. 14.15)
The symbol ‘~’ stands for the phrase “is similar to”
If ΔABC ~ ΔDEF, then by definition

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AB BC CA
∠A = ∠D, ∠B = ∠E, ∠C = ∠F and = = .
DE EF FD

Notes 14.4.1 AAA Criterion for Similarity

We shall show that in the case of triangles if either of the above two conditions is satisfied
then the other automatically holds.

Let us perform the following experiment.

Construct two Δ’s ABC and PQR in which ∠P = ∠A, ∠Q = ∠B and ∠R = ∠C as shown
in Fig. 14.16.

Fig. 14.16

Measure the sides AB, BC and CA of the ΔABC and also measure the sides PQ, QR and
RP of ΔPQR.

AB BC CA
Now find the ratio , and .
PQ QR RP

What do you find? You will find that all the three ratios are equal and therefore the triangles
are similar.

Try this with different triangles with equal corresponding angles. You will find the same
result.

Thus, we can say that:

If in two triangles, the corresponding angles are equal the triangles are similar

This is called AAA similarity criterion.

14.4.2 SSS Criterion for Similarity

Let us now perform the following experiment:

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Draw a triangle ABC with AB = 3 cm, BC = 4.5 cm and CA = 3.5 cm [Fig. 14.17 (i)].
P

Notes

Q R

(i) (ii)
Fig. 14.17

Draw another ΔPQR as shown in Fig. 14.17(ii), with PQ = 6 cm, QR = 9 cm and

PR = 7 cm.
AB BC AC
We can see that = =
PQ QR PR
i.e., the sides of the two triangles are proportional.
Now measure ∠A, ∠B and ∠C of ΔABC and ∠P, ∠Q and ∠R of ΔPQR.
You will find that ∠A = ∠P, ∠B = ∠Q and ∠C = ∠R.
Repeat the experiment with another two triangles having corresponding sides proportional,
you will find that the corresponding angles are equal and so the triangles are similar.
Thus, we can say that

If the corresponding sides of two triangles are proportional the triangles

are similar.

14.4.3 SAS Criterian for Similarity

Let us conduct the following experiment.

Take a line AB = 3 cm and at A construct an angle of 60o. Cut off AC = 4.5 cm. Join BC.

Fig. 14.18

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Now take PQ = 6 cm. At P, draw an angle of 60o and cut off PR = 9 cm (Fig. 14.18) and
join QR.
Measure ∠B, ∠C, ∠Q and ∠R. We shall find that ∠B = ∠Q and ∠C = ∠R
Notes
Thus, ΔABC ~ ΔPQR
Thus, we conclude that
If one angle of a triangle is equal to one angle of the other triangle and the sides
containing these angles are proportional, the triangles are similar.
Thus, we have three important criteria for the similarity of triangles. They are given below:
(i) If in two triangles, the corresponding angles are equal, the triangles are similar.
(ii) If the corresponding sides of two triangles are proportional, the triangles are
similar.
(iii) If one angle of a triangle is equal to one angle of the other triangle and the
sides containing these angles are proportional, the triangles are similar.
Example 14.5: In Fig. 14.19 two triangles ABC and PQR are given in which ∠A = ∠P
and ∠B = ∠Q. Is ΔABC ~ ΔPQR?.

Fig. 14.19
Solution: We are given that
∠A = ∠P and ∠B = ∠Q
We also know that
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = ∠P + ∠Q + ∠R = 180o
Therefore ∠C = ∠R
Thus, according to first criterion of similarity (AAA)
ΔABC ~ ΔPQR

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Example 14.6: In Fig. 14.20, ΔABC ~ ΔPQR. If AC = 4.8 cm, AB = 4 cm and
PQ = 9 cm, find PR.

Notes

m
9c
4.
8
cm
m
4c

Fig. 14.20
Solution: It is given that ΔABC ~ ΔPQR

AB AC
∴ =
PQ PR

Let PR = x cm

4 4.8
∴ =
9 x
⇒ 4 x = 9 × 4.8
⇒ x = 10.8
i.e., PR = 10.8 cm.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 14.3

Find values of x and y of ΔABC ~ ΔPQR in the following figures:

(i)

Fig. 14.21

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Notes
(ii)

Fig. 14.22

(iii)

Fig. 14.23

14.5 SOME MORE IMPORTANT RESULTS

Let us study another important result on similarity in connection with a right triangle and the
perpendicular from the vertex of right angle to the opposite side. We state the result below
and try to verify the same.
If a perpendicualr is drawn from the vertex of the right angle of a right
triangle to the hypotenuse, the triangles on each side of the perpendicular
are similar to each other and to the original triangle.
Let us try to verify this by an activity.
Draw a ΔABC, right angled at A. Draw AD ⊥ to
the hypoenuse BC, meeting it in D.
Let ∠DBA = α,
As ∠ADB = 90o, ∠BAD = 90o – α
As ∠BAC = 90o and ∠BAD = 90o – α
Therefore ∠DAC = α
Fig. 14.24
Similarly ∠DCA = 90o – α
∴ ΔADB and ΔCDA are similar, as it has all the corresponding angles equal.

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Also, the angles B, A and C of ΔBAC are α, 90o and 90o – α respectively.
∴ ΔADB ~ ΔCDA ~ ΔCAB
Another important result is about relation between corresponding sides and areas of similar
triangles. Notes

It states that
The ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is equal to the ratio of the
squares of their corresponding sides.
Let us verify this result by the following activity. Draw two right triangles ABC and PQR
which are similar i.e., their sides are proportional (Fig. 14.25).

Fig. 14.25
Draw AD ⊥ BC and PS ⊥ QR.
Measure the lengths of AD and PS.
Find the product AD × BC and PS × QR
You will find that AD × BC = BC2 and PS × QR = QR2
Now AD × BC = 2 . Area of ΔABC
PS × QR = 2. Area of ΔPQR

Area of ΔABC AD × BC BC2

∴ = = ...(i)
Area of ΔPQR PS × QR QR 2

BC AB AC
As = =
QR PQ PR

Area of ΔABC BC2 AB2 AC2

∴ = = =
Area of ΔPQR QR 2 PQ 2 PR 2

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The activity may be repeated by taking different pairs of similar triangles.

Let us illustrate these results with the help of examples.

Notes Example 14.7: Find the ratio of the area of two similar triangles if one pair of their
corresponding sides are 2.5 cm and 5.0 cm.
Solution: Let the two triangles be ABC and PQR
Let BC = 2.5 cm and QR = 5.0 cm

Area (ΔABC) BC 2 (2.5)

2
1
= = =
Area (ΔPQR ) QR 2
(5.0) 4
2

Example 14.8: In a ΔABC, PQ || BC and intersects AB and AC at P and Q respectively.

AP 2
If = find the ratio of areas ΔAPQ and ΔABC.
BP 3
Solution: In Fig 14.26
PQ || BC

AP AQ 2
∴ = =
BP QC 3

BP QC 3
∴ = = Fig. 14.26
AP AQ 2

BP QC 3 5
∴1 + = 1+ = 1+ =
AP AQ 2 2

AB AC 5 AP AQ 2
⇒ = = ⇒ = =
AP AQ 2 AB AC 5

∴ ΔAPQ ~ ΔABC

Area (ΔAPQ ) AP 2 ⎛ AP ⎞ ⎛ 2 ⎞
2 2
4
∴ = =⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ = (Q ΔAPQ ~ ΔABC)
Area (ΔABC) AB ⎝ AB ⎠ ⎝ 5 ⎠
2
25

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 14.4

1. In Fig. 14.27, ABC is a right triangle with A = 90o and C = 30o. Show that ΔDAB ~
ΔDCA ~ ΔACB.

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Notes

Fig. 14.27
2. Find the ratio of the areas of two similar triangles if two of their corresponding sides
are of length 3 cm and 5 cm.
3. In Fig. 14.28, ABC is a triangle in which DE || BC. If AB = 6 cm and AD = 2 cm, find
the ratio of the areas of ΔADC and trapezium DBCE.

Fig. 14.28
4. P, Q and R are respectively the mid-points of the sides AB, BC and CA of the ΔABC.
Show that the area of ΔPQR is one-fourth the area of ΔABC.
5. In two similar triangles ABC and PQR, if the corresponding altitudes AD and PS are
in the ratio of 4 : 9, find the ratio of the areas of ΔABC and ΔPQR.

⎡ AB AD BC CA ⎤
⎢Hint : Use PQ = PS = QR = PR ⎥
⎣ ⎦
6. If the ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is 16 : 25, find the ratio of their
corresponding sides.

14.6 BAUDHYAN/PYTHAGORAS THEOREM

We now prove an important theorem, called Baudhayan/Phythagoras Theorem using the
concept of similarity.
Theorem: In a right triangle, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to sum
of the squares on the other two sides.
Given: A right triangle ABC, in which ∠B = 90o.

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To Prove: AC2 = AB2 + BC2

Construction: From B, draw BD ⊥ AC (See Fig. 14.29)
Notes Proof: BD ⊥ AC
∴ ΔADB ~ ΔABC ...(i)
and ΔBDC ~ ΔABC ...(ii)
AB AD
From (i), we get =
AC AB
⇒ AB2 = AC . AD ...(X)
BC DC
From (ii), we get =
AC BC
⇒ BC2 = AC . DC ...(Y)
Adding (X) and (Y), we get Fig. 14.29

AB2 + BC2 = AC (AD + DC)

= AC . AC = AC2
The theorem is known after the name of famous Greek Mathematician Pythagoras. This
was originally stated by the Indian mathematician Baudhayan about 200 years before
Pythagoras in about 800 BC.

14.6.1 Converse of Pythagoras Theorem

The conserve of the above theorem states:

In a triangle, if the square on one side is equal to sum of the squares on the
other two sides, the angle opposite to first side is a right angle.
This result can be verified by the following activity.
Draw a triangle ABC with side 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm.
i.e., AB = 3 cm, BC = 4 cm
and AC = 5 cm (Fig. 14.30)
You can see that AB2 + BC2 = (3)2 + (4)2
= 9 + 16 = 25
AC2 = (5)2 = 25
∴ AB2 + BC2 = AC2
The triangle in Fig. 14.30 satisfies the
condition of the above result. Fig. 14.30

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Measure ∠ABC, you will find that ∠ABC = 90o. Construct triangles of sides 5 cm, 12 cm
and 13 cm, and of sides 7 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm. You will again find that the angles opposite
to side of length 13 cm and 25 cm are 90o in each case.
Example 14.9: In a right triangle, the sides containing the right angle are of length 5 cm Notes
and 12 cm. Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Solution: Let ABC be the right triangle, right angled at B.
∴ AB = 5 cm, BC = 12 cm
Also, AC2 = BC2 + AB2
= (12)2 + (5)2
= 144 + 125
= 169
∴ AC = 13
i.e., the length of the hypotenuse is 13 cm.
Example 14.10: Find the length of diagonal of a rectangle the lengths of whose sides are
3 cm and 4 cm.
Solution: In Fig. 14.31, is a rectangle ABCD.
Join the diagonal BD. Now DCB is a right triangle.
∴ BD2 = BC2 + CD2
= 42 + 32
= 16 + 9 = 25
BD = 5 Fig. 14.31
i.e., the length of diagonal of rectangle ABCD is 5 cm.
Example 14.11: In an equilateral triangle, verify that three times the square on one side is
equal to four times the square on its altitude.
Solution: The altitude AD ⊥ BC
and BD = CD (Fig. 14.32)
Let AB = BC = CA = 2a
and BD = CD = a
Let AD = x
∴ x2 = (2a)2 – (a)2 = 3a2
3. (Side)2 = 3. (2a)2 = 12 a2
4. (Altitude)2 = 4. 3a2 = 12a2
Hence the result. Fig. 14.32

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Example 14.12: ABC is a right triangle, right angled at C. If CD, the length of perpendicular
from C on AB is p, BC = a, AC = b and AB = c (Fig. 14.33), show that:
(i) pc = ab
Notes
1 1 1
(ii) 2
= 2+ 2
p a b

Solution: (i) CD ⊥ AB
∴ ΔABC ~ ΔACD

c a
∴ =
b p

⇒ pc = ab
(ii) AB2 = AC2 + BC2 Fig. 14.33
or c2 = b2 + a2
2
⎛ ab ⎞
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = b 2 + a 2
⎝ p⎠

1 a 2 + b2 1 1
or = 2 2 = 2+ 2
p2 a b a b

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 14.5

1. The sides of certain triangles are given below. Determine which of them are right
triangles: [AB = c, BC = a, CA = b]

(i) a = 4 cm, b = 5 cm, c = 3 cm

(ii) a = 1.6 cm, b = 3.8 cm, c = 4 cm

(iii) a = 9 cm, b = 16 cm, c = 18 cm

(iv) a = 7 cm, b = 24 cm, c = 25 cm

2. Two poles of height 6 m and 11 m, stand on a plane ground. If the distance between
their feet is 12 m, find the distance between their tops.

3. Find the length of the diagonal of a square of side 10 cm.

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4. In Fig. 14.34, ∠C is acute and AD ⊥ BC. Show that AB2 = AC2 + BC2 – 2 BC. DC.

Notes

Fig. 14.34
5. L and M are the mid-points of the sides AB and AC of ΔABC, right angled at B.
Show that 4LC2 = AB2 + 4 BC2
6. P and Q are points on the sides CA and CB respectively of ΔABC, right angled at C
Prove that AQ2 + BP2 = AB2 + PQ2
7. PQR is an isosceles right triangle with ∠Q = 90o. Prove that PR2 = 2PQ2.
8. A ladder is placed against a wall such that its top reaches upto a height of 4 m of the
wall. If the foot of the ladder is 3 m away from the wall, find the length of the ladder.

LET US SUM UP
• Objects which have the same shape but different or same sizes are called similar objects.
• Any two polygons, with corresponding angles equal and corresponding sides
proportional are similar.
• If a line is drawn parallel to one-side of a triangle, it divides the other two sides in the
same ratio and its converse.
• The bisector of an interior angle of a triangle divides the opposite side in the ratio of
sides containing the angle.
• Two triangles are said to be similar, if
(a) their corresponding angles are equal and
(b) their corresponding sides are proportional
• Criteria of similarity
- AAA criterion
- SSS criterion
- SAS criterion

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• If a perpendicular is drawn from the vertex of the right angle of a right angled triangle
to the hypotenuse, the triangles so formed are similar to each other and to the given
triangle.
Notes
• The ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is equal to the ratio of squares of their
corresponding sides.
• In a right triangle, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to sum of the squares on the
remaining two sides – (Baudhayan Pythagoras Theorem).
• In a triangle, if the square on one side is equal to the sum of the squares on the
remaining two sides, then the angle opposite to the first side is a right angle – converse
of (Baudhayan) Pythagoras Theorem.

TERMINAL EXERCISE
1. Write the criteria for the similarity of two polygons.
2. Enumerate different criteria for the similarity of the two triangles.
3. In which of the following cases, Δ’s ABC and PQR are similar.
(i) ∠A = 40o, ∠B = 60o, ∠C = 80o, ∠P = 40o, ∠Q = 60o and ∠R = 80o
(ii) ∠A = 50o, ∠B = 70o, ∠C = 60o, ∠P = 50o, ∠Q = 60o and ∠R = 70o
(iii) AB = 2.5 cm, BC = 4.5 cm, CA = 3.5 cm
PQ = 5.0 cm, QR = 9.0 cm, RP = 7.0 cm
(iv) AB = 3 cm, QR = 7.5 cm, RP = 5.0 cm
PQ = 4.5 cm, QR = 7.5 cm, RP = 6.0 cm.
4. In Fig. 14.35, AD = 3 cm, AE = 4.5 cm, DB = 4.0 cm, find CE, give that DE || BC.

Fig. 14.35 Fig. 14.36

5. In Fig. 14.36, DE || AC. From the dimensions given in the figure, find the value of x.

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6. In Fig. 14.37 is shown a ΔABC in which AD = 5 cm, DB = 3 cm, AE = 2.50 cm and
EC = 1.5 cm. Is DE || BC? Give reasons for your answer.

Notes

Fig. 14.37 Fig. 14.38

7. In Fig. 14.38, AD is the internal bisector of ∠A of ΔABC. From the given dimensions,
find x.
8. The perimeter of two similar triangles ABC and DEF are 12 cm and 18 cm. Find the
ratio of the area of ΔABC to that of ΔDEF.
9. The altitudes AD and PS of two similar triangles ABC and PQR are of length 2.5 cm
and 3.5 cm. Find the ratio of area of ΔABC to that of ΔPQR.
10. Which of the following are right triangles?
(i) AB = 5 cm, BC = 12 cm, CA = 13 cm
(ii) AB = 8 cm, BC = 6 cm, CA = 10 cm
(iii) AB = 10 cm, BC = 5 cm, CA = 6 cm
(iv) AB = 25 cm, BC = 24 cm, 7 = 13 cm
(v) AB = a2 + b2, BC = 2ab, CA = a2 – b2 Fig. 14.39
11. Find the area of an equilateral triangle of side 2a.
12. Two poles of heights 12 m and 17 m, stand on a plane ground and the distance
between their feet is 12 m. Find the distance between their tops.
13. In Fig. 13.39, show that:
AB2 = AC2 + BC2 + 2 BC. CD

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14. A ladder is placed against a wall and its top reaches a point at a height of 8 m from the
ground. If the distance between the wall and foot of the ladder is 6 m, find the length of
the ladder.
Notes
15. In an equilateral triangle, show that three times the square of a side equals four times
the square of medians.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

14.1
1. (i) 6 (ii) 6 (iii) 10 cm
2. (i) No (ii) Yes (iii) Yes
14.2
1. 7.5 cm 2. 4 cm
yz
3. (x = –1 is not possible)
x
14.3
1. (i) x = 4.5, y = 3.5 (ii) x = 70, y = 50 (iii) x = 2 cm, y = 7 cm
14.4
2. 9 : 25 3. 1 : 8 5. 16 : 81 6. 4 : 5
14.5
1. (i) Yes (ii) No (iii) No (iv) Yes
2. 13 m 3. 10 2 cm 8. 5 m

ANSWERS TO TERMINAL EXERCISE

AD AE
3. (i) and (iii) 4. 6 cm 5. 4.5 cm 6. Yes : =
DB EC
7. 4.5 cm 8. 4 : 9 9. 25 : 49 10. (i), (ii), (iv) and (v)
11. 3 a2 12. 13 m 14. 10 m

380 Mathematics Secondary Course