Math Problem Statement

Triangle PQR has coordinates P (0, 0), Q (-4, 0), and R (0, 2). If ΔPQR ≅ ΔXYZ, what is the measure of XY?

1 units 2 units 3 units 4 units

Solution

To find the measure of side XYXY in XYZ\triangle XYZ, given that PQRXYZ\triangle PQR \cong \triangle XYZ (congruent triangles), we need to find the corresponding side in PQR\triangle PQR to side XYXY. Since corresponding sides of congruent triangles have equal lengths, we first calculate the lengths of the sides of PQR\triangle PQR.

Step 1: Find the length of PQPQ:

Points P(0,0)P(0, 0) and Q(4,0)Q(-4, 0) lie on the x-axis. The distance between these points is the horizontal distance between them: PQ=x2x1=40=4 unitsPQ = |x_2 - x_1| = |-4 - 0| = 4 \text{ units}

Step 2: Find the length of PRPR:

Points P(0,0)P(0, 0) and R(0,2)R(0, 2) lie on the y-axis. The distance between these points is the vertical distance between them: PR=y2y1=20=2 unitsPR = |y_2 - y_1| = |2 - 0| = 2 \text{ units}

Step 3: Find the length of QRQR:

Points Q(4,0)Q(-4, 0) and R(0,2)R(0, 2) form a right triangle with the x-axis and y-axis. Using the distance formula: QR=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2=(0(4))2+(20)2=42+22=16+4=204.47 unitsQR = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} = \sqrt{(0 - (-4))^2 + (2 - 0)^2} = \sqrt{4^2 + 2^2} = \sqrt{16 + 4} = \sqrt{20} \approx 4.47 \text{ units}

Since XYXY corresponds to PQPQ in congruent triangles, and PQ=4PQ = 4 units, the length of XYXY is: XY=4 unitsXY = 4 \text{ units}

Thus, the measure of XYXY is 4 units.

Would you like further details or clarifications?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you determine which sides of two triangles correspond in congruent triangles?
  2. How would the problem change if the triangles were similar but not congruent?
  3. What is the perimeter of PQR\triangle PQR?
  4. Can the distance formula be used for three-dimensional coordinates?
  5. How can the Pythagorean theorem be applied in this problem?

Tip: When working with congruent triangles, always match corresponding sides and angles based on the given vertices' order.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Congruent Triangles
Distance Formula
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

Distance formula: d = √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)
Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Congruence Theorem
Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10