Math Problem Statement

Two similar triangles are given. Find the proportionality constant k such that the length of each side of the larger triangle is k times the length of the corresponding sides of the smaller triangle. Then find the lengths of the missing sides of each triangle. GKH=QCT, k=6/5

Solution

Let's solve the problem using the information you provided:

  • The two triangles GKH\triangle GKH and TCQ\triangle TCQ are similar.
  • The proportionality constant kk is 65\frac{6}{5}.

Step 1: Confirm the proportionality constant kk

The proportionality constant kk is defined as the ratio of the sides of the larger triangle to the corresponding sides of the smaller triangle.

Given that k=65k = \frac{6}{5}, this means: GHTQ=KHCQ=GKTC=k=65\frac{GH}{TQ} = \frac{KH}{CQ} = \frac{GK}{TC} = k = \frac{6}{5}

Step 2: Use kk to find the missing sides

For Triangle GKHGKH:

  1. Given: GK=6GK = 6, GH=17GH = 17
  2. Missing: KHKH

Since k=65k = \frac{6}{5}, we can use the ratio: KH=CQ×kKH = CQ \times k

But we need to calculate CQCQ first.

For Triangle TCQTCQ:

  1. Given: TQ=10TQ = 10, CQ=5CQ = 5
  2. Missing: TCTC

We can find TCTC using the proportionality constant kk:

TC=GKk=665=6×56=5TC = \frac{GK}{k} = \frac{6}{\frac{6}{5}} = \frac{6 \times 5}{6} = 5

This means that TC=5TC = 5.

Now that we know CQ=5CQ = 5, we use this in the equation for KHKH:

KH=CQ×k=5×65=6KH = CQ \times k = 5 \times \frac{6}{5} = 6

So, the missing side KH=6KH = 6.

Final Results:

  • The missing side KHKH in triangle GKH=6GKH = 6.
  • The missing side TCTC in triangle TCQ=5TCQ = 5.

Questions for Further Exploration:

  1. How does the proportionality constant change if the roles of the triangles were reversed?
  2. How can you use the area of similar triangles to find the proportionality constant?
  3. What happens if the sides given do not correspond to the correct sides in the similar triangles?
  4. Can the proportionality constant kk be a fraction, and how does it affect the triangle sizes?
  5. How can we apply the concept of similar triangles to solve real-world problems?

Tip: Always ensure that corresponding sides are correctly identified when working with similar triangles, as this is crucial for setting up the correct proportions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Similar Triangles
Proportionality Constant

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12