GCSE Maths Practice: congruence-and-similarity

Question 3 of 10

This question requires finding a side of a larger triangle given a scale factor and the corresponding smaller side.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{In similar triangles, a side of the smaller triangle is 3 cm.}\\ \text{The scale factor is 3.}\\ \text{Find the corresponding side in the larger triangle.}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Identify the corresponding side and multiply by the scale factor.

When triangles are similar, their corresponding sides are proportional. To find the side of the larger triangle, multiply the smaller triangle's side by the scale factor. Here, the small side is 3 cm, scale factor = 3, so new side = 3 × 3 = 9 cm. This method is essential in solving similarity problems, working with diagrams, and calculating unknown side lengths in GCSE geometry. Always identify corresponding sides correctly and apply the scale factor consistently. Understanding proportional relationships in similar triangles is a key skill for accurate calculations and proofs.