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Scale and maps
Lesson 6 of 9
Review

Similar shapes

Objective. Use a scale factor to find missing lengths in similar shapes.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
  4. 4. Feedback
  5. 5. Continue

Learn: the key idea

Similar shapes have equal angles and lengths in the same ratio. Find the scale factor from a matching pair of sides, then apply it.

Worked example

Two similar triangles: sides 3 cm and 12 cm match. Another side is 5 cm. Its pair?

Diagram of a triangle
  1. 1Scale factor: 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
  2. 25 × 4 = 20.

Answer: 20 cm

Concept mastery

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Practice

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Common mistake. Adding a constant difference instead of multiplying by a scale factor.

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