Math Problem Statement

In the diagram, side AB ∥ DE, AB = 20 m, DE = 34 m and BC = 9 m. Find the length of CD. Hint: The two triangles are similar. Why? Which sides are corresponding?

In the diagram, side AB ∥ DE, AB = 20 m, DE = 34 m, and BC = 9 m. Find the length of CD. Hint: The two triangles are similar. Why? Which sides are corresponding?

Solution

Thank you for the diagram! Let's work through the solution step-by-step.

Step 1: Recognizing Similar Triangles

  • Since AB ∥ DE and both lines are intersected by transversal lines ACAC and BEBE, corresponding angles are equal by the alternate interior angles theorem.
  • Therefore, ABC\triangle ABC is similar to CDE\triangle CDE by the AA similarity criterion (two corresponding angles are equal).

Step 2: Setting Up the Corresponding Ratios

Since the triangles are similar, the ratios of the corresponding sides will be equal. The corresponding sides are:

  1. ABAB (in ABC\triangle ABC) corresponds to DEDE (in CDE\triangle CDE)
  2. BCBC (in ABC\triangle ABC) corresponds to CDCD (in CDE\triangle CDE)

Thus, we can set up the following proportion:

ABDE=BCCD\frac{AB}{DE} = \frac{BC}{CD}


Step 3: Substituting the Known Values

Given:

  • AB=20mAB = 20 \, m
  • DE=34mDE = 34 \, m
  • BC=9mBC = 9 \, m

Substitute these into the proportion:

2034=9CD\frac{20}{34} = \frac{9}{CD}


Step 4: Solving for CDCD

Cross-multiplying:

20CD=34920 \cdot CD = 34 \cdot 9

20CD=30620 \cdot CD = 306

Now, divide both sides by 20:

CD=30620=15.3mCD = \frac{306}{20} = 15.3 \, m


Final Answer

The length of CDCD is:

CD=15.3mCD = 15.3 \, m


Would you like further clarification or additional details on how we applied similarity here?


Five Related Questions:

  1. How do we prove two triangles are similar using the AA similarity criterion?
  2. If one of the angles in ABC\triangle ABC is 50°, what would be the corresponding angle in CDE\triangle CDE?
  3. What would happen if ABAB and DEDE were not parallel? Would the triangles still be similar?
  4. Can the ratio of areas of similar triangles be determined from the sides? If yes, how?
  5. How do we determine if two lines are parallel using angles created by a transversal?

Tip:

When working with similar triangles, always align the corresponding sides carefully. This ensures your proportions are accurate!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Triangle Similarity
Proportions

Formulas

AB/DE = BC/CD

Theorems

AA similarity criterion
Alternate Interior Angles Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10