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Similar Shapes | Mathematics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Similar Lengths

How do I work with similar lengths?

  • Equivalent lengths in two similar shapes are connected by a scale factor, indicating that they are in the same ratio. 
    • Typically, the initial step involves determining the scale factor.
    • Step 1: Recognize equivalent known lengths.
    • Step 2: Establish the direction of change:
      • If the scale factor is greater than 1, the shape is enlarging.
      • If the scale factor is less than 1, the shape is shrinking.
    • Step 3: Calculate the scale factor by dividing the second length by the first length.
    • Step 4: Utilize the scale factor to ascertain the required length.

Similar Areas & Volumes

What are similar shapes?

  • Two shapes are mathematically similar if one is an enlargement of the other.
  • If two similar shapes are linked by the scale factor, k
    • Equivalent areas are linked by an area factor, k2
    • Equivalent volumes are linked by a volume factor, k3
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How do I work with similar shapes involving area or volume?

  • Step 1: Identify the equivalent known quantities
    • These could be for lengths, areas or volumes
  • Step 2: Establish direction
    • Are they getting bigger or smaller?
  • Step 3: Find the Scale Factor from two known lengths, areas or volumes
    • Second Quantity ÷ First Quantity
    • Check the scale factor is > 1 if getting bigger and < 1 if getting smaller
    • If the scale factor, s.f., is from two lengths, write it as k = s.f.
    • If the scale factor, s.f., is from two areas, write it as k2 = s.f.
    • If the scale factor, s.f., is from two volumes, write it as k3 = s.f.
  • Step 4: Use the value of the scale factor you have found to convert other corresponding lengths, areas or volumes using
    • Area Scale Factor = (Length Scale Factor)2 
      • Or Length Scale Factor = √(Area Scale Factor)
    • Volume Scale Factor = (Length Scale Factor)3 
      • Or Length Scale Factor = ∛(Volume Length Factor) 
  • Use the scale factor to find a new quantity

Question for Similar Shapes
Try yourself:
What is the first step to working with similar lengths?
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FAQs on Similar Shapes - Mathematics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. What are the characteristics of shapes with similar lengths?
Ans. Shapes with similar lengths have sides that are equal in length, making them congruent. This means that corresponding angles are also equal in these shapes.
2. How does having similar areas benefit in geometry?
Ans. Having similar areas allows for easier comparisons between different shapes, as the size of the area remains proportional even if the shapes are scaled up or down.
3. Can shapes with similar volumes have different dimensions?
Ans. Yes, shapes with similar volumes can have different dimensions. As long as the volume remains the same, the shapes can vary in size and shape.
4. What are the key differences between shapes with similar areas and shapes with similar volumes?
Ans. Shapes with similar areas have equal surface areas, while shapes with similar volumes have equal space occupied within them.
5. How can one determine if two shapes are similar in geometry?
Ans. Two shapes are considered similar if their corresponding angles are equal and their sides are proportional in length. This can be confirmed through calculations and measurements.
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