Math Problem Statement

In the diagram shown, the polygons are similar. Find the values of w, x, y, and z.

Solution

The diagram shows two similar polygons. Since the polygons are similar, the corresponding sides are proportional, and the corresponding angles are congruent.

We are tasked with finding the values of ww, xx, yy, and zz.

Step 1: Identifying Corresponding Sides

From the diagram:

  • Side corresponding to 8 (left polygon) is 14 (right polygon).
  • Side corresponding to 4 (left polygon) is 7 (right polygon).
  • Side corresponding to 14 (left polygon) is 21 (right polygon).

Step 2: Establishing the Ratio of Similarity

We can find the ratio of the corresponding sides using one pair of corresponding sides: Ratio=148=74\text{Ratio} = \frac{14}{8} = \frac{7}{4} Thus, the sides of the second polygon are scaled up by a ratio of 74\frac{7}{4} compared to the first polygon.

Step 3: Solving for ww, xx, yy, and zz

Using the ratio 74\frac{7}{4}:

  1. Solving for ww:
    The corresponding side of 4 (right polygon) is ww in the left polygon: w=47×14=8w = \frac{4}{7} \times 14 = 8

  2. Solving for xx:
    The corresponding side of 14 (left polygon) is xx in the right polygon: x=74×14=24.5x = \frac{7}{4} \times 14 = 24.5

  3. Solving for yy:
    The corresponding side of 14 (left polygon) is yy in the right polygon: y=74×8=14y = \frac{7}{4} \times 8 = 14

  4. Solving for zz:
    The corresponding side of 8 (left polygon) is zz in the right polygon: z=74×4=7z = \frac{7}{4} \times 4 = 7

Final Answers:

  • w=8w = 8
  • x=24.5x = 24.5
  • y=14y = 14
  • z=7z = 7

Would you like further details or explanations on any of these steps?

Here are some related questions for further practice:

  1. What is the ratio of the areas of the two similar polygons?
  2. If another side in the first polygon was 10, what would the corresponding side in the second polygon be?
  3. How do you know which sides correspond in similar polygons?
  4. What properties of angles can you infer in similar polygons?
  5. How would the ratio change if the sides of the larger polygon were reduced by half?

Tip: Always verify that all corresponding angles are congruent when determining similarity of polygons.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Similar Polygons
Proportions
Geometric Ratios

Formulas

Ratio of Similar Polygons = Corresponding Side of Larger Polygon / Corresponding Side of Smaller Polygon
Proportions: Side1/Side2 = Side3/Side4

Theorems

Properties of Similar Polygons

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9