EngageNY
Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
What does similarity have to do with the Pythagorean Theorem? The activity steps through the proof of the Pythagorean Theorem by using similar triangles. Next, the teacher leads a discussion of the proof and follows it by an animated...
EngageNY
More About Similar Triangles
Determine whether two triangles are similar. The lesson presents opportunities for pupils to find the criterion needed to show that two triangles are similar. Scholars use the definition of similarity to find any missing side...
EngageNY
Similarity
Use the coordinate plane to show two figures are similar. The lesson incorporates congruence transformations and dilations to move a figure on to another figure. Pupils determine that if a similarity transformation exists between two...
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task - Grade 8 Mathematics (Module 3)
Everything the class knows about similarity in one small package. The last portion of a 16-part series is a three-question assessment. In it, pupils demonstrate their application of similar figures and their associated transformations.
EngageNY
First Consequences of FTS
Challenge the young mathematicians to find the exact coordinates of a dilated point. The fifth segment in a 16-part series introduces the class to the converse of the Fundamental Theorem of Similarity. Scholars use the theorem to find...
EngageNY
Modeling Using Similarity
How do you find the lengths of items that cannot be directly measured? The 13th installment in a series of 16 has pupils use the similarity content learned in an earlier resource to solve real-world problems. Class members determine...
EngageNY
Basic Properties of Similarity
Does the symmetry and transitive property apply to similarity? The 10th segment in a series of 16 presents the class with a group of explorations. The explorations have pairs show that similarity is both symmetrical and transitive. It...
EngageNY
Fundamental Theorem of Similarity (FTS)
How do dilated line segments relate? Lead the class in an activity to determine the relationship between line segments and their dilated images. In the fourth section in a unit of 16, pupils discover the dilated line segments are...
EngageNY
What Lies Behind “Same Shape”?
Develop a more precise definition of similar. The lesson begins with an informal definition of similar figures and develops the need to be more precise. The class learns about dilations and uses that knowledge to arrive at a mathematical...
Inside Mathematics
Rhombuses
Just what does it take to show two rhombuses are similar? The assessment task asks pupils to develop an argument to show that given quadrilaterals are rhombuses. Class members also use their knowledge of similar triangles to show two...
Inside Mathematics
Hopewell Geometry
The Hopewell people of the central Ohio Valley used right triangles in the construction of earthworks. Pupils use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine missing dimensions of right triangles used by the Hopewell people. The assessment task...
Balanced Assessment
Modern Building
Turn your pupils into emerging architects with a resource that asks learners to analyze a scale drawing of a building. They use the scale drawing to interpret the size of the actual building before recreating the drawing using a...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Congruent and Similar Polygons
What's similar about congruent and similar polygons? Young mathematicians first measure the side lengths and angles of given figures. They use these measurements to determine relationships between side lengths and angles of congruent and...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Classifying Proportion and Non-Proportion Situations
Proportions, proportions, everywhere. Class members complete an assessment task solving problems involving proportionality. They then complete an activity classifying given situations as proportional or non-proportional.
EngageNY
Are All Parabolas Similar?
Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.
University of Utah
Geometry: Transformations, Congruence, and Similarity
Rigid motions are to congruence as what are to similarity? Investigate properties of rigid motions and define congruence in terms of rigid motions with the ninth chapter of a 10-part eighth grade workbook series. The lesson then prompts...
Charleston School District
Constructing Dilations
Pupils multiply the vertical and horizontal distances from the center of dilation by the scale factor. The independent practice prompts the class to analyze the relationship between the image and pre-image. The lesson is part three in a...
Charleston School District
Similar Triangles
Are they similar? The lesson provides an explanation of the angle-angle criterion for triangle similarity. Several problems allow the class to determine whether the two triangles with the given angle measures are similar or not.
Charleston School District
Identifying Series and Determining Congruence or Similarity
Learners consider a set of questions to determine a series of transformations that will move one figure to another. Once the series is determined, the pupil then determines whether the pre-image and image are either congruent or similar.
EngageNY
Similarity
Learn similarity through a transformations lens! Individuals examine the effects of transformations and analyze the properties of similarity, and conclude that any image that can be created through transformations is similar. The...
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task - Geometry (module 2)
Increase the level of assessment rigor with the test of performance tasks. Topics include similar triangles, trigonometric ratios, Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, and trigonometric problem solving.
EngageNY
How Far Away Is the Moon?
Does the space shuttle have an odometer? Maybe, but all that is needed to determine the distance to the moon is a little geometry! The lesson asks scholars to sketch the relationship of the Earth and moon using shadows of an eclipse....
EngageNY
The Side-Angle-Side (SAS) and Side-Side-Side (SSS) Criteria for Two Triangles to Be Similar
Playing with mathematics can invoke curiosity and excitement. As pupils construct triangles with given criteria, they determine the necessary requirements to support similarity. After determining the criteria, they practice verifying...
EngageNY
The Angle-Angle (AA) Criterion for Two Triangles to Be Similar
What do you need to prove triangles are similar? Learners answer this question through a construction exploration. Once they establish the criteria, they use the congruence and proportionality properties of similar objects to find...